PA STEELS Biology: Growth and Development

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Mitosis

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Process of cell division in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells that produces two identical daughter cells for growth and repair; prokaryotes divide by binary fission. Example: skin cells divide by mitosis to heal a cut.

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Gene expression

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Process where genetic information is used to produce proteins; occurs in the nucleus and cytoplasm in eukaryotes and cytoplasm in prokaryotes. Example: cells express genes to produce melanin in skin.

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Differentiation

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Process where cells become specialized based on gene expression; occurs in multicellular eukaryotes. Example: stem cells develop into nerve or muscle cells.

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Multicellular

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Organism made of many specialized cells organized into tissues and systems. Example: humans have different cell types working together.

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Tissue

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Group of similar cells working together to perform a function; found in multicellular organisms. Example: epithelial tissue protects the body surface.

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Organ

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Structure made of different tissues working together. Example: lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

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Organ system

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Group of organs working together to perform major functions. Example: circulatory system transports oxygen and nutrients.

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Organism

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An individual living system capable of carrying out life processes. Example: a human grows and develops from a single cell.

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Input

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Matter or energy that enters a system. Example: nutrients entering cells for energy.

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Output

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Matter or energy that leaves a system. Example: carbon dioxide released from cells during respiration.