Acquired Trait

A characteristic that is learned or obtained through experience. It is not passed on to offspring.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving only one parent. The genetic information is passed on. The offspring generally looks similar to the parent organism.

Cell

The basic unit of all living things.

Cell Wall

The outermost part of a plant cell. It is found outside of the cell's membrane. It is quite rigid and helps maintain the shape of the plant.

Chloroplast

A green structure found inside a plant cell. This structure changes sunlight into a usable form of energy for the plant.

Cytoplasm

All the material between a cell membrane and the nucleus. It includes the various organelles which help a cell to function.

Diffusion

The process of matter spreading out evenly from its source. An example of diffusion is when perfume is sprayed and eventually is smelled throughout a room.

Genetics

The passing of traits from a parent organism to its offspring organism(s).

Inherited Trait

A characteristic that is passed from parent to offspring through the process of genetics.

Membrane

The outer portion of a cell. It surrounds the cell and helps keep the contents inside. The membrane also controls what enters or leaves a cell.

Nucleus

The control center of a cell. It contains genetic information that regulates how a cell functions.

Offspring

Organisms that result from the process of reproduction. These organisms share genetic similarities with their parents.

Organ

The part of an organism that is made up of tissues to perform a specific job. Examples of organs include: skin, heart, lungs, stems, leaves, and roots.

Organism

Any living thing. Some may exist as a single cell (unicellular) but most are made of many cells (multicellular) such as plants and animals.

Osmosis

A special form of diffusion that occurs in liquids. One liquid spreads evenly within another liquid.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving two parents. Genetic information is exchanged. The offspring usually has some observable differences from either parent.

System

A group of organs that work together performing a common function. Examples of systems include the skeleton, nervous and vascular (tubes in plants).

Tissue

A group of cells that function together to meet a common purpose. Examples include muscle, bone, and cuticle (the outer covering of a plant).