Biology Flashcards L to J Terms

Scientific Concepts

• Hypothesis: A scientific explanation framed in an if...then format for a set of observations.
• Theory: Established ideas that have been consistently supported by evidence over time.
• Dependent Variable: The factor observed in an experiment that may change in response to manipulation of another variable.
• Controlled Experiment: An experiment where only one variable is changed to isolate its effects.
• Independent Variable: The variable that is deliberately altered in an experiment.

Biological Units

• Cell: The smallest unit of life, capable of functioning independently.
• Homeostasis: The ability of organisms to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
• Evolution: The process through which species change over time due to adaptations.

Atomic Structure

• Atom: The fundamental unit of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Nucleus: The central core of an atom, containing protons and neutrons.
• Proton: A positively charged particle located in the nucleus.
• Neutron: A neutral particle found in the nucleus.
• Electron: A negatively charged particle orbiting the nucleus.

Chemical Components

• Element: A pure substance that consists entirely of one type of atom.
• Isotopes: Variants of the same element with different neutron counts.
• Macromolecules: Large compounds formed by joining smaller units (monomers) together.
• Ion: An atom with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.
• Ionic Bond: A chemical bond formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.
• Covalent Bond: A bond where electrons are shared between atoms.
• Nucleotide: The monomer that makes up nucleic acids.

Genetic Information

• Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA): The molecule that carries the genetic blueprint for all cellular functions.
• Glucose: A simple sugar, acting as a monomer for carbohydrates.
• Amino Acid: The building blocks of proteins.

Solvent and Solutions

• Solute: The substance that is dissolved in a solution.
• Solvent: The substance that dissolves the solute to form a solution.

Ecological Concepts

• Ecology: The study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment.
• Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems, where life exists.
• Species: A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.
• Population: Individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
• Community: Multiple populations of different species co-existing in a defined area.
• Ecosystem: A system comprising living organisms and their non-living environment.
• Biome: Large ecological areas characterized by specific climates and communities.

Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

• Autotrophs (Producers): Organisms that produce their own food, typically through photosynthesis.
• Heterotrophs (Consumers): Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
• Food Chain: A linear sequence tracking the flow of energy through consumption.
• Food Web: A complex network of interconnected food chains within an ecosystem.

Biological Cycles

• Biogeochemical Cycle: Processes that recycle elements between biological and geological systems.
• Transpiration: The process of water vapor leaving plant leaves.
• Nitrogen Fixation: Conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia by soil bacteria.

Symbiotic Relationships

• Symbiosis: Relationships where two species live closely together.
• Mutualism: A relationship where both species benefit from each other.
• Commensalism: A relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.
• Parasitism: A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Cellular Biology

• Eukaryotic Cells: Cells that contain a nucleus and organelles.
• Prokaryotic Cells: Cells that lack a nucleus and organelles.
• Ribosomes: Organelles that synthesize proteins.
• Mitochondria: Organelles that generate energy by breaking down glucose.
• Cell Membrane: A protective barrier that regulates the passage of substances in and out of the cell.
• Cell Wall: A rigid outer layer providing support found in plants, fungi, and some bacteria.

Transport Mechanisms

• Diffusion: Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration through a selectively permeable membrane.
• Osmosis: The specific diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Cellular Reproduction

• Cell Division: The process that creates two daughter cells from one cell.
• Mitosis: Division of a nucleus to produce two identical nuclei.
• Genetics: The study of heredity and variation in organisms.
• Gene: A chemical segment that determines a specific trait.

Genetic Variability

• Punnet Square: A tool used for predicting genetic outcomes.
• Homozygous: An organism with two identical alleles for a trait.
• Heterozygous: An organism with two different alleles for a trait.
• Meiosis: The cell division process that produces gametes.
• Fertilization: The fusion of male and female reproductive cells.

Adaptive Traits

• Protein Synthesis: The cellular process of creating proteins.
• Mutation: A change in DNA that may lead to variations in traits.
• Behavioral Adaptations: Changes affecting an organism's behavior, such as migration.
• Physiological Adaptations: Changes impacting biological functions, like blood clotting.
• Morphological Adaptations: Structural changes, such as webbed feet, that enhance survival.

Evolutionary Concepts

• Fossil: The preserved remains of ancient life forms.
• Natural Selection: The mechanism through which individuals better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.
• Biological Diversity: The variety of life forms within an ecosystem.
• Adaptations: Traits inherited to enhance an organism's chances of survival.

Classification

• Taxonomy: The science of categorizing and classifying organisms.

Groups of Organisms

• Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms with cell walls.
• Animals: Multicellular, eukaryotic heterotrophs lacking cell walls.

Energy Conversion Processes

• Photosynthesis: The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
• Cellular Respiration: The process of breaking down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy.