RATED A+ 2026
What are the five essen al characteris cs of life?
Organiza on, requires energy, maintains internal constancy, grows, develops, and reproduces,
capacity for evolu on.
What is a microbe?
Any kind of microscopic organism.
What is a prokaryote?
A single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
What structures are absent in prokaryo c cells?
Nucleus.
What is the func on of ribosomes in prokaryo c cells?
To synthesize proteins.
What is the endosymbiosis theory?
It suggests that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from aerobic and photosynthe c
bacteria that took up residence in ancient host cells.
How do heterotrophs acquire carbon?
By consuming other organisms.
How do autotrophs acquire carbon?
From inorganic sources.
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which photoautotrophs capture energy from the sun.
What do aerobes use to produce ATP?
Oxygen.
What are obligate anaerobes?
Organisms that do not require oxygen and may be killed by it.
, What are fungi?
Eukaryo c organisms that are essen al decomposers and closely related to animals.
What are the four groups of modern plants?
Bryophytes, seedless vascular plants, gymnosperms, angiosperms.
What is the role of xylem in plants?
To transport water and minerals from the roots to the stems.
What is the func on of phloem in plants?
To transport sugars away from the leaves to the roots and non-green plant por ons.
What are bryophytes?
Seedless plants without vascular ssue.
What are the three major groups of bryophytes?
Liverworts, hornworts, mosses.
What are seeds?
Reproduc ve structures with an outer seed coat, endosperm, and an inner embryo.
What are gymnosperms?
Plants that produce seeds not enclosed by fruit.
What are cycads characterized by?
Large cones and palm-like leaves.
What is unique about ginkgos?
They have fan-like leaves and only one species survives today.
What dis nguishes conifers?
Needle or scale-like leaves and cones that produce pollen and seeds.
What are angiosperms?
Flowering plants that enclose their seeds in fruits.
How do flowers contribute to reproduc on in angiosperms?
Flowers produce pollen and seeds, which can be dispersed by wind, water, or animals.