Adaptation

A characteristic that helps an organizm survive and reproduce in an environment

Astrobiology

The branch of biology that investigates the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe

Autotrophic

Any organism capable of self-nourishment by using inorganic materials as a source of nutrients and using photosynthesis or chemosynthesis as a source of energy- as mot plants and certain bacteria and protists

biochemistry

the science dealing with the chemistry of living matter

Carbon-Based

Describing any form of life based on the organic materials present in all forms of life on earth.

cell

A membrane-covered structure that has all the materials necessary for life.

compound

a pure substance composed of two or more elements that are chemically combined.

ex.  NaCL- sodium chloride- table salt

density

the amount of matter in a given space or volume; the mass per unit

Element

a pure substance that cannot be separated into simpler substances by physical or chemical means

( anything on the periodic table)

energy

the capacity for activity or the ability to do work

Heterotrophic

( people/ animals)

capable of utilizing only organic materials as a source of food- an organism that must consume nutrients

metabolism

the combined chemical processes that occur in a cell or living organism

Molecule

a neutral group of atoms held together by covalent bonds

H2O- water

multicellular 

composed of many cells

stimuli

anything that affects the activity of an organism,

organ or tissue.

unicellular

having or consisting of single cell