Explanation

Ligaments are bands of tough, fibrous, connective tissue that connect bones to each other at joints, providing stability and support.

They are essential for maintaining joint integrity and preventing excessive movement.

Explanation

Sedatives are drugs that slow down normal brain functioning, leading to a calming or tranquilizing effect.

They can reduce anxiety, stress, and even induce sleep.

Examples of sedatives include benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium), barbiturates, and certain antidepressants.

Explanation

Restriction enzymes are naturally occurring enzymes used by bacteria as a defense mechanism to protect themselves from viral infections.

These enzymes recognize specific DNA sequences and cut the DNA at those sites, preventing viral replication.

This defense strategy is known as the restriction-modification system.

Explanation

Each stoma (singular of stomata) is formed by two guard cells, which are specialized cells that surround the stoma and control its opening and closing.

The guard cells swell or shrink to adjust the aperture of the stoma, regulating gas exchange and transpiration in plants.

Explanation

Spores are specialized structures in unicellular organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and some protists, that enable asexual reproduction without fusion.

Spores are highly resistant to environmental stresses and can germinate into a new individual when conditions are favorable.

Explanation

Halophytes are plants that are adapted to grow in coastal areas with high salt concentrations, such as salt marshes, mangroves, and seashores.

They have specialized structures and physiological adaptations to survive in these saline environments.

Explanation

Farmers were the earliest biotechnologists, as they inadvertently manipulated the genetic makeup of crops and livestock through selective breeding and domestication.

This traditional form of biotechnology dates back thousands of years, long before the discovery of DNA and modern genetic engineering techniques.

Explanation

Genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an individual, which is the specific set of genes and alleles that an individual possesses.

It is the genetic makeup of an individual that determines their traits and characteristics.

Explanation

Chromatin is the chemical material that makes up chromosomes, consisting of DNA, histone proteins, and other non-histone proteins.

It's the complex of DNA and proteins that form the chromosome.

Explanation

Antagonist muscles are pairs of muscles that work in opposite directions to control movement around a joint.

One muscle contracts while the other relaxes, and vice versa.

This opposing action allows for precise control over movement.