chemotaxis

tiny bacteria that move towards/away from chemicals

phototaxis

tiny bacteria that movies toward/away from light

reproduction

the process where single cell organisms duplicate their DNA and they divide it equally, then the cell prepares to divide to form 2 new cells

adaptation

consequence of evolution by natural selection - the "fit" of organisms to their environment.

homeostasis

the relatively stable internal environment required to maintain life.

atom

smallest, most fundamental unit of matter that retains properties of an element.

molecule

a chemical structure consisting of at least 2 atoms held together by one or more chemical bonds

macromolecule

large molecules typically formed by polymerization

polymerization

large molecule made by combining smaller units called monomers

organelles

small structures that exist within cells that contain aggregates of macromolecules surrounded by membranes.

cell

smallest fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms

prokaryotes

single-celled or colonial organisms that do not have membrane-bound nuclei.

eukaryotes

single-celled or colonial organisms that DO have membrane-bound organelles and a membrane-bound nucleus

tissues

groups of similar cells carrying out similar or related functions