Unifying Themes of Biology

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.

A regulation mechanism that counteracts a process to maintain homeostasis.

A process that amplifies or enhances a change or output in the body.

The smallest unit of life that can perform all necessary processes.

The process of using a gene's information to produce a functional product, like a protein.

Structures made of DNA that contain genes and information for hereditary traits.

The total chemical reactions in an organism, including catabolism and anabolism.

The metabolic process that builds complex molecules from simpler ones.

The metabolic process that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

The science of naming and classifying organisms into groups based on shared characteristics.

Complex cells with a nucleus and organelles, including plants and animals.

Simpler cells without a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Cell structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into amino acid sequences.

An organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis; can be rough (with ribosomes) or smooth (no ribosomes).

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Cellular organelles that produce energy through cellular respiration; known as the powerhouses of the cell.

The organelle that contains the cell's genetic material and controls cellular activities.

The process by which DNA is copied before cell division, ensuring genetic continuity.

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

The process where the ribosome synthesizes proteins based on the sequence of mRNA.

A change in the genetic sequence that may lead to alterations in phenotype or function.

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that are similar in shape and gene content.

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating gametes (sperm and eggs).

A process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes.

Different versions of a gene that may result in varying traits or characteristics.

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism resulting from its genotype.

The genetic makeup of an organism, representing the alleles it carries.

Random fluctuations in allele frequencies in a population, often significantly impacting small populations.

An organism with two identical alleles for a particular trait.

An organism with two different alleles for a particular trait.