Page 259 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

nutritional supplement. A preparation intended to supply nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, or amino acids, that are missing from, or not in sufficient quantities in, a person’s diet.
occupational exposure limits (OEL). Limits for concentrations of hazardous compounds in workplace air.
organic compounds. Any member of a large class of chemical compounds whose molecules contain carbon.
organic products. Foods and other agricultural products that come from a farm system that uses ecologically sustainable practices based on the principles of interdependency, diversity, and recycling. Organic farms use natural weed and pest control as opposed to chemical pesticides, recycle animal and plant residue as opposed to using chemical fertilizers, and generally do not include genetically modified organisms.
organic waste. Biodegradable waste composed of carbon compounds derived from plants
or animals.
pandemic. An epidemic occurring over a wide- spread geographic area.
paradigm. The set of theories and practices that define a discipline during a particular period of time.
parasite. An organism that lives in a close relationship with or on another organism (its host) and takes nourishment from the organism, causing it harm.
pasteurization. The application of heat to matter for a specific time to destroy harmful microorganisms or other undesirable species.
pathogen. A disease-producing agent, usually a living organism.
pathogenesis. The origin and course of develop- ment of a disease.
personal protective equipment (PPE).
Equipment worn by a worker to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards.
pesticide. A chemical substance or mixture of substances intended to destroy or repel a pest or prevent a pest from establishing itself in an area.
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). An organic compound that is a member of the group of chlorinated isomers of biphenyl. The compound, which was commonly used in coolants and lubricants, is highly toxic.
polymerization. A chemical reaction that com- bines many small repeating groups (monomers) into a large molecule (polymer).
population. The number of individuals of a spe- cific species in a specific area at a specific time.
preservative. A chemical added to foodstuffs to prevent oxidization, fermentation, or other deterioration, usually by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
quarantine. Limitations to freedom of movement of susceptible individuals who have been exposed to communicable diseases, for a period of time equal to the incubation period of the disease.
R-value. An index of the ability of a substance or material to retard the flow of heat; higher numerical values correspond to higher insulat- ing ability.
recyclable. A material or product that can be diverted from waste and processed into a new product.
renewable energy sources. Energy sources that can be replenished in a short period of time (e.g., solar, wind, geothermal sources).
respiration. The act or process by which an organism exchanges gases with its environment.
sample size. The number of items in a given area or sample.
selective breeding. A process of breeding plants or animals for desirable traits.
silviculture. The theory and practice of control- ling the establishment, composition, and growth of forests for a particular purpose.
GLOSSARy
2