Fundamentals of Biology

• Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms.
• A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life.
• Reproduction is the process by which organisms create new individuals through sexual or asexual means.
• Metabolism is the sum of chemical processes that occur in an organism to maintain life.
• Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
• A gene is a segment of DNA that determines specific traits.
• Heredity is the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring.
• Mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic diversity or disorders.
• Natural Selection is the mechanism by which better-adapted organisms are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• Ecology is the study of organisms and their interactions with the environment.
• A genome is the complete set of an organism's DNA, including all its genes.
• Gene therapy is a medical intervention where genes are modified to treat diseases.
• Observation is the act of gathering information through the senses or tools.
• A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observed phenomenon.
• A prediction is a statement forecasting what might happen based on a hypothesis.
• A control group is the group in an experiment not exposed to the experimental variable and is used as a baseline.
• An experimental group is the group that receives the variable being tested.
• The independent variable is the factor manipulated in an experiment.
• The dependent variable is the factor measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.
• Evolution is the process of species adapting and changing over generations.
• A species is a group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding.

Additional Key Terms

• An Atom is the smallest unit of matter.
• An element is a pure substance consisting of one type of atom.
• A compound is a substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements.
• A molecule is the smallest unit of a compound.
• An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electrical charge.
• Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance.
• Adhesion is the attraction between molecules of different substances.
• A solution is a homogeneous mixture of substances.
• Acids increase the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.
• Bases decrease the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.
• Carbohydrates are organic molecules used for energy, such as sugars.
• A monosaccharide is a single sugar molecule, such as glucose.
• Lipids are organic molecules including fats, oils, and steroids and are used for energy storage and structural purposes.
• Proteins are polymers made of amino acids and perform structural and functional roles in cells.
• Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are molecules that store and transfer genetic information.
• Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids.
• DNA is a molecule storing genetic information.
• RNA is a molecule involved in protein synthesis.
• ATP is the energy currency of the cell.
• Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions.
• An exothermic reaction releases energy.
• An endothermic reaction absorbs energy.

Unit 2: Cell Function and Structure

• Compound Light Microscopes are devices used to magnify small objects using light.
• Electron Microscopes are powerful microscopes using electron beams for higher magnification.
• Magnification is the process of enlarging the appearance of an object.
• Resolution is the ability to distinguish two points as separate in an image.
• The Cell Theory states all organisms are made of cells, which are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from existing cells.
• A cell membrane is a barrier controlling entry and exit of substances in a cell.
• Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within the cell containing organelles.
• Ribosomes are protein-synthesizing structures in cells.
• Prokaryotes are simple organisms without a nucleus, such as bacteria.
• Eukaryotes are organisms with complex cells that have a nucleus.
• Organelles are specialized structures in cells performing distinct functions.
• The lipid bilayer is the structure of the cell membrane, made of phospholipids.
• The Endoplasmic Reticulum is a network for protein and lipid synthesis.
• The Golgi Apparatus packages and distributes proteins and lipids.
• Lysosomes are organelles containing enzymes for digestion.
• Mitochondria produce energy for the cell (ATP).
• Chloroplasts perform photosynthesis in plant cells.
• The Central Vacuole stores water and nutrients in plant cells.
• Passive transport is the movement of molecules without energy input.
• Active transport is the energy-driven movement of molecules.
• Diffusion is the movement from high to low concentration.
• Osmosis is water movement across a membrane.

Unit 3: Mitosis and Meiosis

• Gametes are reproductive cells, such as sperm and egg.
• A chromosome is a DNA-protein complex containing genetic information.
• The centromere is the region where sister chromatids are joined.
• Diploid cells have two sets of chromosomes.
• Haploid cells have one set of chromosomes.
• Cancer is uncontrolled cell growth disrupting normal function.
• Mitosis is cell division producing identical cells.
• Meiosis is division producing reproductive cells.