Biological Terms and Concepts

Pheromone:

• A type of hormone that regulates growth in plants.

• A chemical messenger (substance) that is sent from one animal and it has an effect on a different animal.

• A substance that repels insects and pests.

• A neurotransmitter that affects mood and behavior.

Hormone:

• A type of neurotransmitter that acts quickly in the brain.

• A chemical messenger that is transported through the bloodstream, which means they take longer to take effect.

• A protein that helps in muscle contraction.

• A type of enzyme that speeds up chemical reactions.

Agonist:

• A chemical that amplifies the effect of a neurotransmitter by binding to the receptor sites of that neurotransmitter and activating them.

• A substance that blocks the action of a neurotransmitter at the receptor sites.

• A type of neurotransmitter that inhibits the transmission of signals.

• A chemical that enhances the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft.

Neurotransmission:

• The process of neurons sending signals to each other through neurotransmitters.

• The process of blood flow in the brain.

• The process of muscle contraction in response to nerve signals.

• The process of hormone release in the endocrine system.

Neuron: What is a neuron?

• A type of cell that receives, processes, and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.

• A type of muscle cell that contracts to produce movement.

• A type of blood cell that helps in clotting.

• A type of connective tissue that supports organs.

Antagonist:

• A chemical that enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptor sites.

• A chemical that reduces the effect of a neurotransmitter by binding to and blocking the receptor sites of that neurotransmitter.

• A type of neurotransmitter that promotes muscle contraction.

• A chemical that has no effect on neurotransmitter activity.

Intersexual selection

• A type of sexual selection where one sex chooses mates based on specific traits or behaviors of the opposite sex.

• A form of selection where both sexes compete for mates based on physical strength.

• A selection process that occurs only in plants for pollination.

• A type of selection that does not involve mate choice.

• Excitatory neurotransmitter:

• Binds to receptor sites and decreases the chances of the post-synaptic neuron firing.

• Binds to receptor sites and increases the chances of the post-synaptic neuron firing (sending a signal).

• Inhibits the release of neurotransmitters from the pre-synaptic neuron.

• Has no effect on the post-synaptic neuron.

Gene:

• A sequence of RNA that codes for proteins.

• A sequence of DNA that has an effect on behaviour through gene expression.

• A type of protein that regulates cellular functions.

• A cellular structure that synthesizes lipids.

Synapse:

• The site of transmission of electric nerve impulses between two nerve cells or between a neuron and a gland or muscle cell.

• A type of neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve impulses.

• The part of the neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

• A protective sheath that surrounds the axon of a neuron.