Chapter One
The smallest units that carry out all the basic functions of life are these
a cell
Proteins that speed up chemical reactions by fitting their substrates like a key into a lock are known as these
Enzymes
This gel-like substance fills the cell and suspends its organelles
Cytoplasm
This branch of biology involves the microscopic study of tissues
Histology
This pigment, produced by melanocytes, is the primary determinant of skin color.”
Melanin
Within a feedback loop, this component detects changes in the body’s internal environment
These are inorganic ions which conduct electricity in solution
electrolytes
These cells make up the body, excluding the reproductive gametes.
Somatic Cells
This thin extracellular layer lies beneath epithelial cells, separating them from underlying tissues
basal lamina (basement membrane)
This diagonal tube, into which a hair grows, extends deeply into the dermis and sometimes into the hypodermis
Follicle
This prefix means ‘after’ or ‘behind’ in anatomical terminology
post
This term describes the energy needed to initiate a chemical reaction
Activation Energy
This term describes the complete set of genetic material in an organism.
Genome
These supportive cells protect and assist neurons in the central nervous system
Neuroglia
This upward, fingerlike extension of the dermis plays an important role in hair formation and nourishment.
dermal papillae
This region between the lungs contains the heart and major blood vessels
Mediastinum
When red blood cells swell and burst due to water influx, they are placed in this type of solution
Hypotonic
This process involves decoding an RNA message into a chain of amino acids to form a protein
Translation
This type of junction involves the fusion of plasma membranes to create a watertight seal between cells
Tight Junctions
Found mainly in the underarm and pubic areas, these specific sweat glands secrete a thicker fluid that can produce body odor.
apocrine glands
Describe anatomical position
body erect, feet forward, arms at the side with palms facing forward
An extreme conformational change that destroys a protein's function
denaturation
Each section of DNA is made up of these three parts
sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous base
This term describes the programmed cell death that plays a vital role in development and tissue maintenance
apoptosis
This outermost layer of the skin is composed of dead, keratinized cells and provides a tough, protective barrier
stratum corneum