Biology Regents Flashcards

Study Notes

Variables in Experiments

Independent Variable: Tested variable on the x-axis.
Dependent Variable: Measured variable on the y-axis.

Compounds and Biological Molecules

Organic Compounds: Contain carbon-hydrogen bonds; larger than inorganic compounds.
Inorganic Compounds: Do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Biological Macromolecules

Carbohydrates: Include sugars and starches, primarily composed of glucose; supply energy.
Lipids: Organic compounds for energy storage; encompass fats, oils, waxes, steroids, and phospholipids.
Proteins: Essential for organism function; made of peptide chains; structure impacts function.
Enzymes: Proteins that serve as organic catalysts necessary for chemical reactions.

pH Levels

Acid: pH range of 0-6.
Neutral: pH of 7.
Base: pH range of 8-14.

Homeostasis and Metabolism

Homeostasis: Organism's balanced internal state.
Dynamic Equilibrium: Achieved by organism's corrective actions when balance is disturbed (e.g., sweating).
Metabolism: Encompasses all life processes within an organism.

Molecular Movement

Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration.
Active Transport: Movement from low to high concentration, requiring energy.
Osmosis: Water diffusion in and out of cells.

Nutrition and Energy

Autotrophs: Organisms that synthesize their own food.
Heterotrophs: Organisms that consume other organisms.
Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert sunlight into sugar; occurs in chloroplasts.

Key Photosynthetic Components

Chloroplast: Site of photosynthesis in green plants and algae.
Chlorophyll: Pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis.
Stomata: Pores on leaf undersides for gas exchange (CO2 and O2).
Guard Cells: Control stomata opening/closing to prevent dehydration.

Plant Transport Systems

Xylem and Phloem: Tissues that transport nutrients and water throughout plants.

Cellular Processes

Cellular Respiration: Converts energy from sugar to ATP.
ATP: Energy currency for all living organisms.
Aerobic Respiration: Requires oxygen; produces more ATP.
Anaerobic Respiration: Does not require oxygen; results in lactic acid.
Fermentation: Terms synonymous with anaerobic respiration.
Glycolysis: Initial stage of respiration; glucose breaks down into pyruvate.
Krebs Cycle: Converts pyruvate into carbon dioxide in aerobic respiration.
Electron Transport Chain: Final step in aerobic respiration, producing the majority of ATP.
Mitochondria: Organelles where cellular respiration occurs.

Additional Life Processes

Nutrition: Involves use of nutrients for growth, repair, and energy.

Description

This quiz features essential flashcards tailored for the Biology Regents exam. It includes critical terms like independent and dependent variables, as well as organic and inorganic compounds. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding and prepare for the biology assessment.