Biology STAAR Review Flashcards

Biomolecules

• Carbohydrates: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Primary role in providing energy; examples include starch and glucose.
• Lipids: Fatty biomolecules essential for cell membrane structure (phospholipids) and energy storage; includes fats, oils, and waxes.
• Proteins: Formed from amino acids; crucial for growth, repair, and metabolic functions. Examples: hemoglobin and enzymes.
• Nucleic Acids: Store genetic information and assist in protein synthesis; primary types are DNA and RNA.

Cell Organelles

• Lysosome: Responsible for cellular digestion, breaking down waste materials.
• Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Studded with ribosomes; key site for protein synthesis.
• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum: Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and distributes proteins received from the ER.
• Ribosomes: Small structures where protein synthesis occurs.

Cell Division

• Binary Fission: Asexual reproduction in bacteria resulting in two identical cells.
• Mitosis: A process of cell division in somatic (non-germ) cells, yielding two identical daughter cells.
• Meiosis: Special type of cell division in gametes producing four genetically diverse cells with half the chromosome number.

Membrane Transport

• Plasma Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier composed of phospholipids, regulating substance entry and exit.
• Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
• Passive Transport: Movement of substances across the membrane without energy; examples include osmosis.
• Active Transport: Requires cellular energy (ATP) to move substances against their concentration gradient.

Energy Processes

• Cellular Respiration: Converts glucose into usable energy (ATP); chemical formula: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.
• Photosynthesis: Process by which plants convert sunlight into glucose; chemical formula: 6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Genetics

• DNA: Hereditary material composed of nucleotides; structure: double helix.
• RNA: Involved in protein synthesis; single-stranded and contains uracil instead of thymine.
• Genotype: Genetic constitution of an organism; expressed traits are phenotypes.
• Alleles: Different forms of a gene; homozygous (same alleles) vs heterozygous (different alleles).
• Punnett Square: Tool for predicting genotype and phenotype outcomes.

Evolution and Natural Selection

• Evolution: The process by which organisms change over time through inherited traits.
• Natural Selection: Mechanism of evolution where favorable traits enhance survival and reproduction.
• Homologous Structures: Similar structures in different species suggest common ancestry.
• Vestigial Structures: Reduced structures that serve little or no function but were functional in ancestors.

Taxonomy

• Taxonomy: Science of classifying organisms; groups include kingdoms, phyla, class, and others.
• Six Kingdoms: Archaebacteria, Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.

Body Systems

• Integumentary System: Comprises skin; protects and helps maintain internal balance.
• Skeletal System: Provides structural support, protects organs, produces red blood cells.
• Muscular System: Facilitates movement; includes cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscles.
• Digestive System: Breaks down food for nutrient absorption; components include mouth, stomach, and intestines.
• Nervous System: Transmits signals through neurons; includes the brain and spinal cord.
• Endocrine System: Regulates body functions through hormones; consists of glands like the pancreas and pituitary.
• Circulatory System: Transports nutrients and oxygen; consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries.
• Respiratory System: Involves gas exchange; key components include lungs and trachea.
• Reproductive System: Produces gametes; involves male (sperm) and female (ovule) systems.