Biology 2024-06-04

Key Terms
Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system that help to identify and
neutralize harmful substances in the body.

Antibodies are Y-shaped molecules consisting of heavy and light chains.

They are produced by white blood cells called B cells as a response to foreign substances.
Antibodies can recognize and bind to specific antigens on pathogens, preventing them from
causing harm.
This immune response is highly specific and can provide long-lasting immunity against future
infections.

artery

An artery is a blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood away from the heart to the various
parts of the body.

Arteries are thick-walled and have a muscular layer that helps propel blood forward.
Arteries branch out into smaller vessels called arterioles, which regulate blood flow into
capillaries.
The largest artery in the human body is the aorta, which is connected directly to the heart.
Arteries are responsible for maintaining high blood pressure to ensure efficient distribution of
oxygen and nutrients to tissues.

Blood circulatory system

The circulatory system is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen
and nutrients to cells and removing waste products.

The system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart, while veins return oxygen-poor blood
back to the heart.
The smallest blood vessels, called capillaries, facilitate the exchange of nutrients and gases
between the blood and tissues.
The heart acts as a double pump, with the right side pumping oxygen-poor blood to the lungs
and the left side pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Blood plasma
Blood plasma is a pale yellow fluid that makes up about 55% of blood volume and contains
proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and waste products.

Blood plasma helps transport nutrients, hormones, and waste products throughout the body.
It plays a role in maintaining blood pressure and pH balance.
Blood plasma carries antibodies and other immune system components for defense against
infections.
It contains clotting factors that help in the formation of blood clots to prevent excessive
bleeding.

capillary

A capillary is a tiny blood vessel that connects arteries and veins in the circulatory system.

A capillary is the narrowest and most numerous type of blood vessel.

They have thin walls made of a single layer of cells, allowing for the exchange of gases,
nutrients, and waste products between blood and body tissues.
Capillaries are responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and removing waste
products from them.
Capillary networks are found throughout the body, ensuring that every cell receives a
sufficient blood supply.

Diastole

In the context of circulation, diastole refers to the relaxation phase of the heart's cycle where the
heart chambers fill with blood.

Diastolic blood pressure is the lower reading and represents the pressure in the arteries
during diastole.
During diastole, the coronary arteries are primarily perfused with oxygenated blood.
The duration of diastole is longer than systole to ensure adequate filling of the heart
chambers.
Diastole allows for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between the blood
and tissues.

Double blood circulatory system

The double blood circulatory system consists of two separate circuits, the pulmonary and
systemic circuits, which work together to pump oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood throughout
the body.

The pulmonary circuit carries blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation and then back
to the heart.
The systemic circuit transports oxygenated blood from the heart to the body tissues and
returns deoxygenated blood back to the heart.
This system ensures efficient distribution of oxygen and nutrients while also aiding in the
 removal of waste products like carbon dioxide.
The double circulatory system is more efficient than a single circulatory system, allowing for
higher metabolic rates in organisms.

Haematologists

Haematologists are medical professionals specializing in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of
disorders related to blood and blood-forming organs.

They analyze blood samples to identify diseases such as anemia, leukemia, and hemophilia.
Haematologists work closely with oncologists to treat blood cancers like lymphoma and
myeloma.
They may perform bone marrow biopsies to assess and diagnose blood disorders.
Haematologists play a crucial role in managing patients with blood clotting disorders.

Human Blood Groups

Human blood groups refer to specific markers present on the surface of red blood cells that
determine compatibility for blood transfusions.

Blood groups are classified based on antigens like A, B, AB, and O.

Blood type O is considered the universal donor as it lacks A and B antigens.
Individuals with type AB blood are universal recipients as they can receive all blood types.
The Rh factor (+/-) in blood types determines Rh-positive or Rh-negative designation.

K-W-L Chart Strategy

The K-W-L Chart Strategy is a graphic organizer used before, during, and after learning to help
students activate prior knowledge, identify what they want to learn, and reflect on what they
learned.

K stands for What I Know, W for What I Want to Know, and L for What I Learned.
Students fill in the K-W-L chart as they progress through a topic or lesson.
It helps students engage with the material by encouraging them to ask questions and reflect
on what they've learned.
The K-W-L Chart Strategy is an effective study tool to structure learning and revision for
exams.

Oxygen and nutrients

Oxygen and nutrients are essential for sustaining life in organisms, with oxygen being required
for cellular respiration and nutrients supporting growth and function.

Oxygen enters organisms through respiration and is used in the production of energy.
 Nutrients are obtained through food intake and are necessary for various metabolic
processes.
Inadequate oxygen supply can lead to cell death and overall health issues.
Balanced nutrient intake is crucial for overall health and proper physiological function.

Phloem

Phloem is a tissue in vascular plants responsible primarily for the transport of organic nutrients,
particularly sugars, from photosynthetic cells to non-photosynthetic parts.

Phloem consists of several types of cells; sieve-tube members, companion cells, phloem
fibers, and phloem parenchyma.
Translocation, the movement of nutrients, occurs in the phloem's sieve tubes.
Phloem's health impacts the overall wellness and growth of the plant.
The transportation process in phloem is known as an active process.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process where green plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, using
water, carbon dioxide and chlorophyll.

It occurs in chloroplasts within plant cells.

Light-dependent and light-independent reactions form the two stages.
The end products are glucose and oxygen.
The process is crucial for life on Earth, as it releases oxygen and serves as a primary energy
source.

Pulse rate

Pulse rate is a measure of the number of times the heart beats per minute, indicating the heart's
efficiency in pumping oxygen-rich blood through the body.

Pulse rate is commonly measured at the wrist or the neck using the fingers to feel the
pulsations.
It is influenced by factors such as age, gender, fitness level, and emotions.
A resting pulse rate between 60-100 beats per minute is considered normal for adults.
A consistently high or low pulse rate may indicate an underlying medical condition and
should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Sphygmomanometer

A sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure by inflating and deflating a

cuff around the upper arm, detecting the pressure at which blood flow is partially and then
completely restricted.
 The two main types are manual sphygmomanometers (requiring a stethoscope) and
electronic sphygmomanometers (with digital displays).
Systolic pressure is the top number on a blood pressure reading, reflecting the pressure in the
arteries when the heart beats.
Diastolic pressure is the bottom number on a blood pressure reading, indicating the pressure
in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Proper cuff size is vital for accurate readings; the bladder width should be about 40% of the
arm circumference.

Systole

Systole is the phase of the cardiac cycle in which the ventricles contract and blood is pumped
out of the heart.

Systole is essential for maintaining blood circulation in the body.

The contraction of the ventricles during systole is initiated by electrical signals from the
heart's pacemaker.
Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting.
Systole is followed by the diastole phase, during which the ventricles relax and refill with
blood.

Toxic waste products

Toxic waste products are harmful substances produced as byproducts of metabolic processes
and can adversely affect organisms' health and environment.

Toxic waste products include chemicals like heavy metals, pesticides, industrial pollutants,
and radioactive materials.
These waste products can accumulate in organisms and cause damage to cells, tissues, and
organs.
Proper disposal and management of toxic waste are crucial to prevent environmental
pollution and protect human health.
Exposure to toxic waste products can lead to a variety of health issues, including cancer,
neurological disorders, and reproductive problems.

Transpiration

Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor from their leaves and stems
into the atmosphere.

Transpiration helps plants to cool down and take in nutrients through their roots.
Factors that affect transpiration include temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
Plants control transpiration by opening and closing tiny pores called stomata on their leaves.
Transpiration helps to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.
vein

A vein is a blood vessel that carries oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart.

Veins are thin-walled compared to arteries.

Veins typically have valves that prevent backward flow of blood.
Some veins are superficial and visible through the skin, such as the radial and ulnar veins in
the arm.
The largest vein in the human body is the vena cava, which is responsible for returning blood
from the body to the heart.

Xylem

Xylem is a type of tissue in vascular plants that primarily transports water and soluble nutrients
from the roots to the rest of the plant.

It provides structural support to plants due to its association with lignin.

Xylem contains two types of cells: tracheids and vessel elements.
The word 'xylem' is derived from the Greek word 'xylon', meaning wood.
Secondary xylem tissues make up the larger part of the woody bulk of a plant.