Key Biology Terms

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Questions and Answers

What is active transport?

The process where molecules move against the concentration gradient, from low to high concentration, using ATP energy.

What is an adaptation?

A trait that gives an organism a higher chance of survival in its environment.

What are analogous structures? Provide an example.

Structures with similar functions but different underlying structures. An example is the wing of a fly and the wing of a bird.

What occurs during anaphase in mitosis?

It is the third phase of mitosis where sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What are archaebacteria? Provide an example.

A kingdom of bacteria that live in extreme or harsh environments. An example is methanogens. Signup and view all the answers

What is binomial nomenclature?

The two-word naming system for organisms that includes the genus and species. Signup and view all the answers

What is biology?

The scientific study of life and living organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What are biomolecules? List the main types.

Large, carbon-containing molecules present in organisms. The main types are lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is cancer?

Unregulated or uncontrolled cell division, which often leads to the formation of tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a capsid?

The outer protein shell of a virus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a carbohydrate, its function, and what elements does it contain?

A biomolecule used for fast energy and plant structure, containing the elements Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O). Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell cycle?

The series of events in which a cell grows, replicates its DNA, and divides to form two daughter cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is cell differentiation?

The process by which cells become specialized for a particular function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell membrane and its function?

Also known as the plasma membrane, it surrounds the cell and maintains homeostasis by controlling what enters and exits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell wall and its function?

A rigid outer layer that surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells, fungi, and bacteria, providing support and protection. Signup and view all the answers

What is cellular respiration and where does it occur?

The process of converting glucose into ATP (energy); it occurs primarily in the mitochondria. Signup and view all the answers

What are channel proteins?

Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that facilitate the movement of specific materials across the membrane via facilitated diffusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chloroplast and where is it found?

The organelle in plant cells and some algae where photosynthesis takes place. Signup and view all the answers

What does chromosomal analysis involve?

The detailed study of the structure, number, and characteristics of all the chromosomes within a cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chromosomal mutation?

A mutation that involves changes to the structure or organization of one or more chromosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chromosome?

Condensed, X-shaped structures composed of DNA tightly coiled around proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a cladogram?

A diagram used in biology to show evolutionary relationships among groups of organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a climax community?

A stable, mature ecological community that has reached equilibrium after ecological succession. Signup and view all the answers

What is codominance?

A pattern of inheritance where both alleles for a gene are fully expressed in the heterozygous phenotype. Signup and view all the answers

What is a codon?

A sequence of three consecutive nucleotide bases in mRNA that specifies a single amino acid during protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is commensalism?

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits, and the other is neither significantly harmed nor helped. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common ancestor?

The most recent ancestral form or species from which two or more different species evolved. Signup and view all the answers

What is condensation (in a biochemical context)?

The process of building polymers from monomers, which involves the removal (loss) of a water molecule. Signup and view all the answers

What is cytokinesis and when does it occur?

The division of the cytoplasm that occurs after telophase (the final stage of nuclear division), resulting in the formation of two identical daughter cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is cytoplasm?

The jelly-like fluid that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles, found in all types of cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is dehydration synthesis?

The process of building polymers by joining monomers together, involving the loss of a water molecule. Signup and view all the answers

What is a deletion mutation?

A type of gene mutation where one or more base pairs are removed from the DNA sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dichotomous key used for?

It is a tool used to determine the identity of a single organism based on a series of paired choices. Signup and view all the answers

What is diffusion?

A type of passive transport where molecules move down their concentration gradient (from high to low concentration) without the use of cellular energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA?

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material that carries inherited information used to code for proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA fingerprinting?

A laboratory technique used to compare specific, variable sections of DNA from two or more samples. Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA replication?

The process cells use to copy their DNA before cell division. It is semi-conservative, meaning each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand. Signup and view all the answers

What is a dominant allele?

The allele that is expressed phenotypically when present, masking the effect of a recessive allele in a heterozygous individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is electrophoresis?

A laboratory technique that separates molecules like DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and electrical charge. Signup and view all the answers

What is endocytosis?

A type of active transport where the cell membrane engulfs substances from outside the cell, moving them into the cell within vesicles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

It is a network of membranes within eukaryotic cells that moves substances/molecules throughout the cell and is involved in protein and lipid synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the endosymbiotic theory?

The theory proposing that eukaryotic cells evolved when larger prokaryotic cells engulfed smaller prokaryotic cells (specifically those resembling mitochondria and chloroplasts), which then lived symbiotically within the host cell. Signup and view all the answers

What are enzymes?

Biological catalysts, typically proteins, that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Signup and view all the answers

What are eubacteria?

The kingdom of 'true' bacteria, which are prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus) and typically unicellular. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a eukaryotic cell?

A cell that possesses a true nucleus (containing DNA) and other membrane-bound organelles. Signup and view all the answers

What is evolution?

The gradual change in the inherited characteristics of biological populations over successive generations. Signup and view all the answers

What is exocytosis?

A type of active transport where vesicles within the cell fuse with the cell membrane to release molecules outside the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is facilitated diffusion?

A type of passive transport (no energy required) where molecules move down their concentration gradient (high to low) across the cell membrane with the help of membrane proteins (channels or carriers). Signup and view all the answers

What is the fossil record?

The collection of fossils that provides a timeline showing how life has evolved on Earth over geological time. Signup and view all the answers

What are frameshift mutations?

Mutations, specifically insertions or deletions of base pairs, that shift the reading frame of the genetic code (codons). Signup and view all the answers

What are the key characteristics of the Fungi kingdom?

Fungi are eukaryotic, mostly multicellular (except yeasts), heterotrophic decomposers that have cell walls typically made of chitin. Signup and view all the answers

What are gametes and how are they produced?

Gametes are sex cells (sperm and egg) that are involved in sexual reproduction. They are produced through meiosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is gene flow?

The change in a population's gene pool caused by the movement (migration) of organisms (and their genes) into or out of the population. Signup and view all the answers

What is a gene mutation?

A mutation that involves a change within a single gene, such as a change in one or more DNA base pairs. Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic drift?

Random changes in the allele frequencies of a gene pool, caused purely by chance events, especially significant in small populations. Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes an organism's genome?

An organism's complete set of genetic information, encoded in its DNA (or RNA for some viruses). Signup and view all the answers

What is a genotype? Provide examples.

The specific combination of alleles (genes) an organism possesses for a particular trait. Examples include BB, bb, or Bb. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi body (Golgi apparatus)?

A eukaryotic organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids synthesized in the ER for secretion or delivery to other organelles. It's often compared to a UPS or post office. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Gregor Mendel?

An Austrian monk considered the 'father of genetics' who conducted experiments with pea plants to discover the basic principles and patterns of inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

What are guard cells and their function in plants?

Specialized cells found in pairs surrounding stomata (pores) on the surface of leaves. They control the opening and closing of stomates, regulating gas exchange and water loss (transpiration). Signup and view all the answers

What does heterozygous mean? Provide examples.

Having two different alleles for a particular gene. Examples include Aa, Bb, Cc, Dd. Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of a stable internal environment or balance within cells and organisms, despite changes in the external environment. Also called equilibrium. Signup and view all the answers

What does homozygous mean? Provide examples.

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene. Examples include AA, aa, BB, bb. Signup and view all the answers

What is hydrolysis?

The process of breaking down polymers into their constituent monomers, which requires the addition of water molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a cell placed in a hypertonic solution?

Water exits the cell via osmosis because the surrounding solution has a higher solute concentration (lower water concentration) than the cell's interior. The cell shrinks. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a cell placed in a hypotonic solution?

Water moves into the cell via osmosis because the surrounding solution has a lower solute concentration (higher water concentration) than the cell's interior. The cell swells and may burst (lyse). Signup and view all the answers

What is incomplete dominance?

A pattern of genetic inheritance where the phenotype of heterozygous offspring is an intermediate blend between the phenotypes of the two homozygous parents. Signup and view all the answers

What is an insertion mutation?

A type of gene mutation where one or more base pairs are added into the DNA sequence. Signup and view all the answers

What is interphase?

The longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows (G1), replicates its DNA (S), and prepares for division (G2). Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a cell placed in an isotonic solution?

There is no net movement of water across the cell membrane because the solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell. Water enters and exits at the same rate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a karyotype?

A visual display of all the chromosomes in an organism's genome, arranged in homologous pairs and ordered from largest to smallest. Signup and view all the answers

What is a lipid, its function, and what elements does it contain?

A biomolecule used for long-term energy storage, insulation, and as a major component of cell membranes. It primarily contains Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O), often with less oxygen than carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the lysogenic cycle of a virus?

It is a viral reproductive cycle where the virus integrates its DNA into the host cell's DNA, becoming a prophage (or provirus). The viral DNA is replicated along with the host DNA without immediately destroying the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a lysosome?

A membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains digestive enzymes to break down cellular waste products, debris, and ingested materials. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the lytic cycle of a virus?

It is a viral reproductive cycle that results in the rapid replication of the virus and the destruction (lysis or bursting) of the host cell, releasing new virus particles. Signup and view all the answers

What is meiosis?

A type of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms to produce gametes (sex cells). It results in four genetically distinct haploid cells. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during metaphase in mitosis?

It is the second phase of mitosis where the replicated chromosomes align along the metaphase plate (the equatorial plane or middle) of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What are microorganisms? Provide examples.

Living things that are too small to be seen with the naked eye and can only be observed with a microscope. Examples include bacteria and protists. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mitochondria?

Often called the 'powerhouse' of the cell, this eukaryotic organelle is the primary site where glucose is broken down during cellular respiration to produce ATP (energy). Signup and view all the answers

What is mitosis?

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is a monomer?

A single molecule or unit that can bind chemically to other identical molecules to form a larger molecule called a polymer. It's like a building block. Signup and view all the answers

What is mRNA?

Messenger RNA; a type of RNA molecule that carries genetic information transcribed from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mutation?

Any change in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is mutualism?

A symbiotic relationship where both interacting species benefit from the association. Signup and view all the answers

What is natural selection?

The process whereby organisms that are better adapted (suited) to their environment tend to survive longer and produce more offspring, leading to the prevalence of advantageous traits in the population over generations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nitrogenous base in the context of DNA/RNA? List the four bases found in DNA.

A nitrogen-containing molecule that is a component of nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA and RNA. The four nitrogenous bases found in DNA are Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of nucleic acids?

Biomolecules (DNA and RNA) that store and transmit genetic information and provide instructions for protein synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is a nucleotide, and what are its components?

The monomer (building block) of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). It is composed of three parts: a phosphate group, a deoxyribose (in DNA) or ribose (in RNA) sugar, and a nitrogenous base. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleus?

A large membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls the cell's growth and reproduction activities. Signup and view all the answers

What are organic molecules?

Molecules that contain carbon atoms, typically bonded to hydrogen atoms. They are the basis of life and include biomolecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is an organism?

An individual living thing, such as an animal, plant, fungus, or microorganism. Signup and view all the answers

What is osmosis?

The diffusion of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration (lower solute concentration) to an area of lower water concentration (higher solute concentration). Signup and view all the answers

What is parasitism?

A symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits by living on or inside another organism (the host), which is harmed in the process. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pathogen?

A bacterium, virus, fungus, protist, or other microorganism that can cause disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is a phenotype? Provide examples.

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics (traits) of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Examples include brown hair or blue eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of phloem cells in plants?

Phloem is vascular tissue in plants responsible for transporting sugars (nutrients produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves to other parts of the plant where needed (e.g., roots, fruits). This movement can be up or down the plant. Signup and view all the answers

What is a phosphate group in the context of biomolecules?

A functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. It is a key component of nucleotides (forming the backbone of DNA/RNA) and ATP (the energy currency molecule). Signup and view all the answers

What is photosynthesis and where does it occur?

The process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy (usually from sunlight) into chemical energy in the form of glucose (sugar). It primarily occurs in the chloroplasts. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the plasma membrane?

Cell membrane. Signup and view all the answers

What is a polymer?

A large molecule composed of many repeating smaller subunits called monomers, linked together by chemical bonds. Signup and view all the answers

What is Active Transport?

Molecules move AGAINST concentration gradient from low to high concentration using ATP Signup and view all the answers

What is an Adaptation?

a trait which gives an organism a higher chance of survival in its environment Signup and view all the answers

What are Analogous Structures?

structures with similar function that vary in structure (ex: wing of fly and bird) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during anaphase?

It is the third phase of mitosis where sister chromatids are separated. Signup and view all the answers

What are archaebacteria?

kingdom of bacteria which live in extreme/harsh environments (ex: methanogens) Signup and view all the answers

What is binomial nomenclature?

the two-word naming system that includes the genus and species Signup and view all the answers

What is biology?

the study of life and living organisms Signup and view all the answers

What are biomolecules?

Large molecules present in organisms that contain carbon (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids) Signup and view all the answers

What is cancer?

unregulated/uncontrolled cell division; creates tumors Signup and view all the answers

What is a capsid?

the outer protein shell of a virus Signup and view all the answers

What is a carbohydrate?

biomolecule used for fast energy and plant structure, contains CHO Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell cycle?

the process in which the cell grows, replicates DNA, and divides to form daughter cells Signup and view all the answers

What is cell differentiation?

specialization of cells for a particular function Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell membrane?

same thing as plasma membrane; surrounds the cell and maintains homeostasis by controlling what enters/exits the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a cell wall?

surrounds the cell membrane; supports and protects plant cells; NOT the same as cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is cellular respiration?

the process of making energy from glucose; occurs in mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What are channel proteins?

embedded in the cell membrane and move materials across the cell membrane (facilitated diffusion) Signup and view all the answers

What is a chloroplast?

plant cell organelle where photosynthesis occurs Signup and view all the answers

What is chromosomal analysis?

the detailed study of all the chromosomes of a cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a chromosomal mutation?

involves changes to the structure or organization of a chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What is a chromosome?

x-shaped structures of DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is a cladogram?

a diagram that shows relationships among groups of organisms Signup and view all the answers

What is a climax community?

a stable mature community after succession Signup and view all the answers

What is codominance?

both alleles are expressed in the heterozygous phenotype Signup and view all the answers

What is a codon?

consists of 3 consecutive bases that specify a single amino acid Signup and view all the answers

What is commensalism?

one organism benefits and the other is neither hurt nor helped Signup and view all the answers

What is a common ancestor?

the most recent ancestral form from which two different species evolved Signup and view all the answers

What is condensation in the context of polymers?

the process of building polymers; requires the loss of a water molecule Signup and view all the answers

What is cytokinesis?

occurs after telophase; the division of cytoplasm where two identical daughter cells are formed Signup and view all the answers

What is cytoplasm?

the jelly-like fluid found in all cells Signup and view all the answers

What is dehydration synthesis?

the process of building polymers; loss of a water molecule Signup and view all the answers

What is a deletion mutation?

a base pair is removed from the gene sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is a dichotomous key?

a method used to determine the identity of a single organism Signup and view all the answers

What is diffusion?

a type of passive transport where molecules move down concentration gradient without the use of energy Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA?

genetic material that carries inherited information to code for proteins Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA fingerprinting?

a technique that compares specific sections of 2 or more DNA samples (crime scenes) Signup and view all the answers

What is DNA replication?

the process used by cells to copy DNA; semi-conservative (half old, half new) Signup and view all the answers

What is a Dominant allele?

the allele that is expressed under the principle of dominance Signup and view all the answers

What is electrophoresis?

a process that separates DNA based on size and charge Signup and view all the answers

What is endocytosis?

molecules are moved into the cell by vesicles; active transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

moves substances/molecules throughout the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the endosymbiotic theory?

the theory which states prokaryotic 'mitochondrial' cells joined other cells to make eukaryotic cells Signup and view all the answers

What are enzymes?

a catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy Signup and view all the answers

What are eubacteria?

prokaryotic kingdom of bacteria (unicellular) Signup and view all the answers

What is a eukaryotic cell?

cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles Signup and view all the answers

What is evolution?

change in a species over time Signup and view all the answers

What is exocytosis?

type of active transport that releases molecules from cell Signup and view all the answers

What is facilitated diffusion?

just like diffusion but uses protein channels (no energy, high to low) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fossil record?

timeline that shows how life has evolved on earth Signup and view all the answers

What are frameshift mutations?

insertion and deletion mutations that change the reading frame of codons Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the kingdom Fungi?

eukaryotic kingdom of heterotrophic decomposers with cell walls Signup and view all the answers

What are gametes?

sex cells (sperm and egg) which divide through meiosis Signup and view all the answers

What is gene flow?

change in gene pool caused by MOVEMENT of organisms into or out of the population Signup and view all the answers

What is a gene mutation?

involves a change in a single gene Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic drift?

change in the gene pool caused by chance Signup and view all the answers

What are genomes?

the genetic information (DNA) of an organism Signup and view all the answers

What is a genotype?

the alleles/genes of an organism (BB, bb, or Bb) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the golgi body (apparatus)?

eukaryotic organelle that changes and packages cell products (like UPS) Signup and view all the answers

Who was Gregor Mendel?

father of genetics who worked with pea plants to learn the basic patterns of inheritance Signup and view all the answers

What are Guard Cells?

cells in plants that control the opening and closing of stomates in leaves Signup and view all the answers

What does heterozygous mean?

two different alleles; ex: Aa Bb Cc Dd Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis?

internal balance of cells; also called equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

What does homozygous mean?

same two alleles; ex AA aa BB bb Signup and view all the answers

What is hydrolysis?

the process of breaking polymers into monomers; requires adding water molecules Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

water exits the cell; cell shrinks Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a cell in a hypotonic solution?

water moves into the cell, cell bursts (lyses) Signup and view all the answers

What is incomplete dominance?

genetic inheritance pattern where phenotype of offspring are a blend of two parental phenotypes Signup and view all the answers

What is an insertion mutation?

a base pair is added to the gene sequence Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during interphase?

includes G1, S, G2: longest phase of cell cycle Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a cell in an isotonic solution?

equal amounts of water entering and exiting the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is a karyotype?

a visual display of all the chromosmes in an organism's genome arranged from largest chromosomes to smallest Signup and view all the answers

What is a lipid?

biomolecule used for long term energy; part of the cell membrane and contains CHO Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lysogenic cycle of viruses?

cycle of viruses that includes COMBINING DNA of virus and host cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a lysosome?

eukaryotic organelle which contains enzymes to digest cellular waste Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the lytic cycle of viruses?

cycle of virus reproduction that results in destruction of the cell (bursts) Signup and view all the answers

What is meiosis?

cell division of gametes that creates 4 haploid cells Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during metaphase?

second phase of mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell Signup and view all the answers

What are microorganisms?

living things that can only be seen with a microscope (ex: bacteria, protists) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mitochondria?

eukaryotic organelle where glucose is broken down to make ATP Signup and view all the answers

What is mitosis?

cell division that results in 2 identical daughter cells with same number of chromosomes Signup and view all the answers

What is a monomer?

one part; ex: a building block Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of mRNA?

messenger RNA that carries information from DNA to ribosomes for transcription Signup and view all the answers

What is a mutation?

a change in DNA sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is mutualism?

relationship where both species benefit ( happy + happy) Signup and view all the answers

What is natural selection?

the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce Signup and view all the answers

What is a nitrogenous base in the context of DNA/RNA?

part of a nucleotide; there are 4: adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine. Signup and view all the answers

What are nucleic acids?

biomolecule that carries genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a nucleotide?

the monomer of a nucleic acid; made of phosphate, deoxyribose sugar, and nitrogen base Signup and view all the answers

What is the nucleus?

found in eukaryotic cells (contains DNA) and controls cell's activities Signup and view all the answers

What are organic molecules?

same thing as biomolecule, molecules that have carbon Signup and view all the answers

What is an organism?

an individual or living thing Signup and view all the answers

What is osmosis?

diffusion of water from high water concentration to low water concentration (water follows salt) Signup and view all the answers

What is parasitism?

relationship where one of the organisms benefits and the other is harmed Signup and view all the answers

What is a pathogen?

a bacteria, virus or other organism that can cause disease Signup and view all the answers

What is a phenotype?

the physical traits of an organism (ex: brown hair, blue eyes) Signup and view all the answers

What are phloem cells?

plant cells that move nutrients up and down the plant Signup and view all the answers

What is a phosphate group?

part of a nucleotide Signup and view all the answers

What is photosynthesis?

the process of converting sunlight energy into glucose; occurs in chloroplast Signup and view all the answers

What is the plasma membrane?

same as cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is a polymer?

many parts; made of monomers Signup and view all the answers

What type of transport moves molecules against the concentration gradient (from low to high concentration) using ATP energy?

Active Transport Signup and view all the answers

What is a trait that gives an organism a higher chance of survival in its environment called?

Adaptation Signup and view all the answers

What are structures with similar functions but different underlying structures called (e.g., the wing of a fly and the wing of a bird)?

Analogous Structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the third phase of mitosis, where sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles of the cell?

Anaphase Signup and view all the answers

What kingdom includes bacteria that live in extreme or harsh environments, such as methanogens?

Archaebacteria Signup and view all the answers

What is the two-word naming system for organisms that includes the genus and species called?

Binomial nomenclature Signup and view all the answers

What is the study of life and living organisms?

Biology Signup and view all the answers

What are the large, carbon-containing molecules present in organisms, including lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids?

Biomolecules Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by unregulated or uncontrolled cell division, often leading to the formation of tumors?

Cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is the outer protein shell of a virus called?

Capsid Signup and view all the answers

Which biomolecule, containing Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen (CHO), is primarily used for fast energy and provides structure in plants?

Carbohydrate Signup and view all the answers

What is the entire process in which a cell grows, replicates its DNA, and divides to form daughter cells called?

Cell cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which cells become specialized for a particular function?

Cell differentiation Signup and view all the answers

Which structure surrounds the cell, maintains homeostasis by controlling what enters and exits, and is also known as the plasma membrane?

Cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

True or False: The cell wall controls what enters and exits the cell.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of making ATP energy from glucose, which primarily occurs in the mitochondria?

Cellular respiration Signup and view all the answers

What type of proteins are embedded in the cell membrane and help move materials across it, often via facilitated diffusion?

Channel proteins Signup and view all the answers

In which plant cell organelle does photosynthesis occur?

Chloroplast Signup and view all the answers

What is the detailed study of all the chromosomes of a cell called?

Chromosomal analysis Signup and view all the answers

What type of mutation involves changes to the structure or organization of a chromosome (e.g., deletion, duplication, inversion, translocation)?

Chromosomal mutation Signup and view all the answers

What are the X-shaped structures composed of tightly coiled DNA, visible during cell division?

Chromosome Signup and view all the answers

What type of diagram shows the evolutionary relationships among groups of organisms based on shared derived characteristics?

Cladogram Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a stable, mature community that develops after ecological succession has occurred?

Climax community Signup and view all the answers

In a certain type of chicken, alleles for black feathers (B) and white feathers (W) exist. Chickens with genotype BW have both black and white feathers (checkered). What pattern of inheritance does this represent?

Codominance (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a sequence of three consecutive bases on mRNA that specifies a single amino acid during protein synthesis?

Codon Signup and view all the answers

What type of symbiotic relationship exists when one organism benefits and the other is neither hurt nor helped?

Commensalism Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the most recent ancestral form or species from which two different species evolved?

Common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

What chemical process builds polymers from monomers and involves the loss (removal) of a water molecule?

Condensation (or Dehydration Synthesis) Signup and view all the answers

What process, occurring after telophase in cell division, involves the division of the cytoplasm to form two separate, identical daughter cells?

Cytokinesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the jelly-like fluid that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles?

Cytoplasm Signup and view all the answers

True or False: Dehydration synthesis breaks down polymers by adding a water molecule.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of gene mutation occurs when a base pair is removed from the DNA sequence?

Deletion mutation Signup and view all the answers

What method uses a series of paired choices based on observable characteristics to determine the identity of a single organism?

Dichotomous key Signup and view all the answers

What type of passive transport involves the movement of molecules down their concentration gradient (from high to low concentration) without the use of cellular energy?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What molecule serves as the genetic material, carrying inherited information used to code for proteins?

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) Signup and view all the answers

What technique compares specific, variable sections of DNA from two or more samples, often used in crime scene investigations or paternity testing?

DNA fingerprinting (or DNA profiling) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process used by cells to copy their entire DNA genome, resulting in two identical DNA molecules, each consisting of one old strand and one new strand?

DNA replication Signup and view all the answers

Under the principle of dominance, which allele is expressed in the phenotype even when only one copy is present (i.e., in a heterozygote)?

Dominant allele Signup and view all the answers

What laboratory process separates molecules, such as DNA fragments, based on their size and electrical charge using an electric current?

Electrophoresis (specifically Gel Electrophoresis for DNA) Signup and view all the answers

True or False: Endocytosis is a process where molecules are released from the cell using vesicles.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which network of membranes within eukaryotic cells is involved in moving substances and molecules throughout the cell, and includes rough (with ribosomes) and smooth types?

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Signup and view all the answers

What theory proposes that eukaryotic cells evolved when larger prokaryotic cells engulfed smaller prokaryotic cells (like those that became mitochondria and chloroplasts) which then lived symbiotically inside?

Endosymbiotic theory Signup and view all the answers

What type of protein acts as a biological catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required?

Enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What kingdom consists of common, unicellular prokaryotic bacteria found in diverse environments (distinct from archaebacteria)?

Eubacteria Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell is characterized by having a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles?

Eukaryotic cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the change in the genetic makeup and inherited traits of a species over long periods of time?

Evolution Signup and view all the answers

What type of active transport releases molecules from the cell when a vesicle fuses with the cell membrane?

Exocytosis Signup and view all the answers

What type of passive transport moves molecules down their concentration gradient (high to low) across the cell membrane with the help of protein channels, requiring no cellular energy?

Facilitated diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What collection of preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms provides a timeline showing how life has changed and evolved on Earth?

Fossil record Signup and view all the answers

Which two types of gene mutations (point mutations) typically cause a frameshift, altering the reading frame of codons during translation?

Insertion and deletion mutations Signup and view all the answers

What kingdom includes eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that act as decomposers and have cell walls typically made of chitin?

Fungi Signup and view all the answers

What are the reproductive cells (sperm and egg in animals) that are haploid and produced through meiosis?

Gametes Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism of evolution involves a change in the gene pool (allele frequencies) caused by the movement (migration) of organisms into or out of a population?

Gene flow Signup and view all the answers

What type of mutation involves a change within a single gene, such as a point mutation (substitution, insertion, deletion)?

Gene mutation Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism of evolution involves random changes in the gene pool (allele frequencies) due to chance events, especially significant in small populations?

Genetic drift Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to the complete set of genetic information (DNA) of an organism?

Genome Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the specific combination of alleles (genes) an organism possesses for a particular trait (e.g., BB, Bb, or bb)?

Genotype Signup and view all the answers

Which eukaryotic organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids received from the ER for storage or transport out of the cell (like a cellular UPS)?

Golgi body (or Golgi apparatus, Golgi complex) Signup and view all the answers

Which Austrian monk is considered the 'father of genetics' for his work with pea plants that revealed the basic patterns of inheritance?

Gregor Mendel Signup and view all the answers

What specialized cells in plant leaves surround pores called stomata and control their opening and closing to regulate gas exchange and water loss?

Guard Cells Signup and view all the answers

What term describes having two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Aa, Bb)?

Heterozygous Signup and view all the answers

What is the maintenance of a stable internal balance or equilibrium within cells and the organism as a whole?

Homeostasis Signup and view all the answers

What term describes having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., AA, aa)?

Homozygous Signup and view all the answers

What chemical process breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water molecules?

Hydrolysis Signup and view all the answers

If a cell is placed in a solution with a higher solute concentration than inside the cell, causing water to exit the cell and the cell to shrink, what type of solution is it?

Hypertonic solution Signup and view all the answers

If a cell is placed in a solution with a lower solute concentration than inside the cell, causing water to move into the cell and potentially burst (lyse), what type of solution is it?

Hypotonic solution Signup and view all the answers

What pattern of genetic inheritance occurs when the phenotype of the heterozygous offspring is a blend or intermediate between the phenotypes of the two homozygous parents (e.g., red and white flowers producing pink flowers)?

Incomplete dominance Signup and view all the answers

What type of gene mutation occurs when a base pair is added to the DNA sequence?

Insertion mutation Signup and view all the answers

What is the longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows (G1), replicates its DNA (S), and prepares for division (G2)?

Interphase Signup and view all the answers

If a cell is placed in a solution where the solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in equal amounts of water entering and exiting, what type of solution is it?

Isotonic solution Signup and view all the answers

What is a visual display of all the chromosomes from an organism's cell, arranged in homologous pairs and ordered from largest to smallest?

Karyotype Signup and view all the answers

Which biomolecule, containing C, H, and O, is used for long-term energy storage, insulation, and is a major component of cell membranes?

Lipid Signup and view all the answers

What cycle of viral reproduction involves the virus combining its DNA with the host cell's DNA, remaining dormant for a period before potentially entering the lytic cycle?

Lysogenic cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which eukaryotic organelle contains digestive enzymes to break down cellular waste products, worn-out organelles, and ingested materials?

Lysosome Signup and view all the answers

What cycle of viral reproduction results in the rapid replication of new virus particles and the destruction (bursting or lysis) of the host cell?

Lytic cycle Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell division produces gametes (sex cells), resulting in four genetically different haploid cells from one diploid cell?

Meiosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the second phase of mitosis, where the chromosomes line up along the equatorial plate (the middle) of the cell?

Metaphase Signup and view all the answers

What term refers to living things that are too small to be seen without a microscope, such as bacteria and many protists?

Microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

In which eukaryotic organelle does cellular respiration occur, where glucose is broken down to produce ATP (energy)?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What type of cell division occurs in somatic (body) cells, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells that have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell?

Mitosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a single unit or building block of a larger molecule (polymer)?

Monomer Signup and view all the answers

What type of RNA carries the genetic code (instructions) from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm for protein synthesis (transcription)?

mRNA (messenger RNA) Signup and view all the answers

What is any change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA called?

Mutation Signup and view all the answers

What type of symbiotic relationship exists when both species involved benefit from the interaction?

Mutualism Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive, reproduce, and pass on their advantageous traits more successfully than less adapted organisms?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What component of a nucleotide contains nitrogen? List the four types found in DNA.

Nitrogenous base (or nitrogen base). The four types in DNA are Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). Signup and view all the answers

Which type of biomolecule carries genetic information (DNA and RNA) and holds the instructions for protein synthesis?

Nucleic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the monomer (building block) of a nucleic acid, consisting of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose (or ribose) sugar, and a nitrogenous base?

Nucleotide Signup and view all the answers

Which large organelle, found in eukaryotic cells, contains the cell's DNA and controls the cell's activities by regulating gene expression?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is another term for biomolecules, referring to molecules that contain the element carbon and are found in living organisms?

Organic molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is a single, individual living thing called?

Organism Signup and view all the answers

What is the specific term for the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane, moving from an area of high water concentration to an area of low water concentration?

Osmosis Signup and view all the answers

What type of symbiotic relationship exists when one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other organism (the host), which is harmed?

Parasitism Signup and view all the answers

What is a general term for a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease?

Pathogen Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the observable physical or biochemical traits of an organism (e.g., brown hair, blue eyes, tall height), which are determined by its genotype and environmental influences?

Phenotype Signup and view all the answers

What vascular tissue cells in plants are responsible for transporting sugars (nutrients produced during photosynthesis) from the leaves down to other parts of the plant?

Phloem cells Signup and view all the answers

What chemical group, containing phosphorus and oxygen, is one of the three essential components of a nucleotide?

Phosphate group Signup and view all the answers

What is the process used by plants and some other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, occurring in the chloroplasts?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for the cell membrane?

Plasma membrane Signup and view all the answers

What is a large molecule composed of many repeating subunits (monomers) linked together?

Polymer Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Active Transport

Molecules move AGAINST concentration gradient from low to high concentration using ATP

Adaptation

a trait which gives an organism a higher chance of survival in its environment