Biology Flashcards PDF

Biology unifies much of natural science and Describe the significance of biology in natural studies living systems, which are the most science. complex chemical systems on E...

Biology unifies much of natural science and Describe the significance of biology in natural studies living systems, which are the most science. complex chemical systems on Earth. Life is constrained by the properties of How does life relate to the properties of chemistry and physics, influencing its chemistry and physics? complexity and organization. The characteristics include cellular organization, ordered complexity, sensitivity Define the characteristics of all living to the environment, growth, development, organisms. reproduction, energy utilization, homeostasis, and evolutionary adaptation. Living systems exhibit hierarchical organization, which includes cellular level Explain the concept of hierarchical (atoms, molecules, organelles, cells) and organization in living systems. organismal level (tissues, organs, organ systems). What is the basic unit of life according to Cell The basic unit of life is the cell. Theory? Identify the additional levels of hierarchical Additional levels include populational level organization beyond the cellular and (population, community) and ecosystem level organismal levels. (biosphere). Emergent properties result from the What are emergent properties in the context interaction of components at each level of of living systems? organization and cannot be deduced by examining the parts alone. Science aims to understand the natural world Describe the aim of science in understanding through observation and reasoning, beginning the natural world. with descriptive observations. Science uses a systematic approach to gain How is science hypothesis-driven? understanding, where hypotheses are proposed and tested to validate observations. A hypothesis is a possible explanation for an Define a hypothesis in scientific terms. observation that must be tested for validity and can be refined with new data.  Observation is fundamental to science, as it What role does observation play in the initiates the process of inquiry and scientific process? classification of life. Hypotheses are iterative, meaning they can Explain the iterative nature of hypotheses in be changed and refined as new data is science. collected and analyzed. An experiment tests the hypothesis and must Describe the purpose of an experiment in be carefully designed to test only one variable hypothesis testing. at a time, consisting of a test experiment and a control experiment. Hypotheses should make predictions, which provide a way to test the validity of the How do predictions relate to hypotheses in hypotheses. If the experiment produces scientific research? results inconsistent with the predictions, the hypothesis must be rejected. A scientific theory is a body of interconnected Define a scientific theory in the context of concepts supported by much experimental scientific knowledge. evidence and scientific reasoning, expressing ideas of which we are most certain. Darwin observed differences in related organisms, noting that characteristics of Explain the significance of Darwin's similar species varied from place to place, observations during the HMS Beagle voyage. which contributed to his development of the theory of evolution. Darwin proposed natural selection as the What mechanism did Darwin propose for mechanism for evolution, explaining how evolution? living things change over time. Darwin studied Malthus's ideas on population growth, realizing that while populations can How did Darwin's study of Malthus influence increase geometrically, resources such as his theory of natural selection? food can only increase arithmetically, leading to competition and limiting population numbers. 'Descent with modification' refers to the idea Describe the concept of 'descent with that species change over time, with variations modification' as it relates to evolution. occurring in characteristics among related species. Evidence supporting Darwin's theory includes What evidence supports Darwin's theory of the fossil record showing transitional forms, natural selection? the age of the Earth being approximately 4.5 billion years, and mechanisms for heredity.  Homologous structures share the same How do homologous and analogous evolutionary origin but differ in structure and structures differ? function, while analogous structures have different origins but serve similar purposes. Mendel's laws of inheritance were unknown to What was unknown to Darwin that later Darwin, but they later provided a mechanism supported his theory of heredity? for heredity that supported his theory of natural selection. Homology in mammalian limbs indicates a common ancestry among different species, Describe the significance of homology in showcasing how similar structures can evolve mammalian limbs as evidence for evolution. to serve different functions in various environments. Molecular comparisons, such as analyzing genomes or proteins, help reconstruct How do molecular comparisons contribute to evolutionary histories through phylogenetic our understanding of evolution? trees, which trace the origins of nucleotide changes. Core concepts in biology state that life is governed by chemical and physical laws, with Define the core concepts in biology related to biological systems adhering to known chemical and physical laws. chemical properties and physical principles like thermodynamics. In biological systems, the structure of a Explain the relationship between structure molecule often determines its function; by and function in biological systems. studying the structure, one can infer its role in other organisms. Living systems transform energy and matter by converting solar energy into chemical What is the process by which living systems energy through photosynthesis, and then transform energy and matter? transforming that chemical energy into other forms, such as kinetic energy. Cells process environmental information by How do cells process environmental monitoring factors like glucose levels and information? hormone presence, which influence gene expression and cellular functions. Evolution explains that all organisms share a common ancestor from 3.5 billion years ago, Discuss the concept of evolution in explaining with DNA conservation reflecting fundamental the unity and diversity of life. biological roles, while diversity arises from evolutionary changes over time. Biochemistry and genetics highlight the What role does biochemistry and genetics underlying unity of life, suggesting that all life play in understanding life's origins? originated from a common event, with diversity resulting from evolutionary changes.  The cellular level of organization includes atoms, molecules, macromolecules, Describe the hierarchical organization at the organelles, cells, tissues, and organs, cellular level. illustrating the complexity and structure of biological systems. The organismal level includes the organ Describe the hierarchical organization at the system and the organism itself, showcasing organismal level. the internal view of an organ system, such as that of a goose. The population level includes various components such as population, species, Define the components of the population community, ecosystem, and biosphere, level in hierarchical organization. illustrated by images of geese in different environments. Science uses deductive reasoning to make How does science utilize deductive and predictions based on general principles and inductive reasoning? inductive reasoning to generate hypotheses from specific observations. Hypothesis-driven science begins with a problem, leading to observations that Explain the process of hypothesis-driven generate hypotheses through induction, science. followed by testable predictions through deduction, and experimental testing. When a hypothesis is falsified, it leads to What happens when a hypothesis is falsified either modifying the hypothesis or generating in scientific research? a new hypothesis, and further testing is conducted. Step 1: Sterilize the flask by boiling the broth. Describe the steps involved in a hypothesis- Step 2: An unbroken flask remains sterile. driven experiment. Step 3: A broken flask becomes contaminated after exposure to germ-laden air. Magnification allows for the observation of How is the concept of magnification related to cells, which form tissues, and tissues that cellular organization? combine to create organs, with an example of magnification being 100 micrometers. The biosphere represents the highest level of What is the significance of the biosphere in ecological organization, encompassing all the population level hierarchy? ecosystems and living organisms on Earth. Geese can be seen in various settings, such How do geese illustrate the concept of as on a lake or flying in a forest, community in population level organization? demonstrating interactions within a community.  Experimental testing is crucial for validating What role does experimental testing play in predictions derived from hypotheses, allowing the scientific method? scientists to support or reject their initial hypotheses. Zealand and travels to various locations including Sydney, Kneeling Island, Ascension, Bahia, Western Isles, British Isles, Europe, St. Describe the journey of the H.M.S. Beagle. Helena, Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Port Desire, Falkland Islands, Tierra del Fuego, Cape Horn, Straits of Magellan, Valparaiso Galapagos Marquesas and The forelimbs of different mammals such as humans, cats, bats, porpoises, and horses How do the forelimbs of different mammals show homology, indicating a common provide evidence for evolution? evolutionary ancestor despite their different functions and appearances. The arithmetic progression line starts from the origin and passes through points like (2, Define the concept of arithmetic and 2), (4, 4), (6, 5), and (8, 7). The geometric geometric progressions as seen in the progression curve also starts from the origin provided data. and rises through points such as (2, 2), (4, 6), (6, 18), and (8, 54). Molecular evidence for evolution can be observed through the number of amino acid What molecular evidence supports the theory differences in hemoglobin polypeptides of evolution? among different species, with humans showing 0 differences, Rhesus at 10, dogs at 30, birds at 45, and frogs at 65. The tree of homeodomain proteins is branched into two groups containing 11 How are homeodomain proteins categorized different proteins, with one group including in the evolutionary tree? MEIS, KN, BEL1, MATa1 and the other including MATa2, PHO2, HB8, HAT, GL2, PEM, and PAX6. The Woodpecker Finch (Cactospiza pallida) Describe the feeding behavior of the inserts a stick into the hole of wood in search Woodpecker Finch. of food. The number of amino acid differences in What is the significance of the amino acid hemoglobin polypeptides among species differences in hemoglobin polypeptides? provides insight into their evolutionary relationships and divergence. The Cactus Finch (Geospiza scandens) is often How does the Cactus Finch adapt to its seen standing on a cactus, indicating its environment? adaptation to the environment where it finds food and shelter. The Large Ground Finch (Geospiza Explain the relationship between the Large magnirostris) is observed eating food, Ground Finch and its feeding habits. showcasing its role in the ecosystem as a seed or insect eater.  Biological macromolecules are large Define biological macromolecules and their molecules essential for life, built by the significance. combination of smaller organic molecules. Understanding the law of physics and Describe the importance of understanding the chemistry is essential to explaining biological laws of physics and chemistry in biology. processes. The plasma membrane protects the cell from Explain the role of the plasma membrane in a its external environment, mediates cellular cell. transport, and transmits cellular signals. Metabolism refers to all of the chemical How is metabolism defined in the context of reactions that take place inside cells, cellular processes? including those that consume or generate energy. Cells need energy to function, and the stages What is the relationship between cellular involved in glucose catabolism are essential respiration and energy production? to generate ATP. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants Describe the process of photosynthesis and capture sunlight and convert its energy into its importance for plants. chemical energy by manufacturing sugar molecules/carbohydrates. Describe the significance of understanding Understanding cell division is essential for cell division in relation to human grasping the basis of human reproduction and reproduction. the generation of life in various organisms. Define meiosis and its role in sexual Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces reproduction. gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. Mendel's work revealed the fundamental How did Mendel's experiments contribute to principles of heredity, establishing the our understanding of heredity? foundation for genetic inheritance. Explain the relationship between Chromosomes are structures made of genes, chromosomes and genes. which determine hereditary traits.  DNA is the genetic material located in the nucleus of a cell that contains the information What is the role of DNA in a cell? necessary for the development and functioning of the organism. Genes are composed of DNA and are Describe the composition and function of arranged linearly on chromosomes; they genes. specify the sequences of amino acids that form proteins. Although all somatic cells have the same How does gene expression contribute to genetic content, the differential expression of cellular differentiation? genes leads to the unique characteristics of each cell type. Ribosomes are the cellular structures What is the function of ribosomes in a cell? responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA. Natural selection is the process through which organisms better adapted to their Define the process of natural selection. environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Enzymes act as catalysts that speed up What is the role of enzymes in biological chemical reactions in biological systems reactions? without being consumed in the process. What is the primary function of the cell The cell nucleus houses the cell's genetic nucleus? material and controls cellular activities. Cellular respiration is the metabolic process Explain the process of cellular respiration. that converts glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The main stages of the cell cycle are What are the main stages of the cell cycle? interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Homeostasis is the process by which living Define the term 'homeostasis'. organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.  Chlorophyll is the pigment that captures What is the role of chlorophyll in sunlight for photosynthesis, allowing plants to photosynthesis? convert light energy into chemical energy. A DNA molecule consists of two strands forming a double helix, with nucleotides Describe the structure of a DNA molecule. containing a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base. The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in DNA is translated into What is the significance of the genetic code? proteins, determining the traits of an organism. Genetic variation refers to the differences in Explain the concept of genetic variation. DNA sequences among individuals, which contribute to diversity within a population. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the What is the function of the endoplasmic synthesis of proteins and lipids, and it plays a reticulum? role in transporting materials within the cell. A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence Define the term 'mutation'. that can lead to variations in traits and may affect an organism's survival. The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and What is the role of the Golgi apparatus? packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an Describe the process of osmosis. area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Stem cells have the unique ability to develop What is the significance of stem cells? into different cell types, making them crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair. Ecological succession is the process by which Explain the concept of ecological succession. ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.  The mitochondria are known as the What is the role of the mitochondria in a cell? powerhouse of the cell, as they generate ATP through cellular respiration. The vascular system transports water, What is the role of the vascular system in nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant, plants? supporting growth and development. An ecosystem is a community of living Define the term 'ecosystem'. organisms interacting with their physical environment. Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, What is the significance of biodiversity in productivity, and stability, contributing to ecosystems? overall ecological health. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is Describe the role of the smooth endoplasmic involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and reticulum. calcium ion storage. The phospholipid bilayer forms the What is the function of the plasma fundamental structure of the plasma membrane's phospholipid bilayer? membrane, providing a barrier that separates the cell from its environment. Gene therapy involves altering the genes Explain the concept of gene therapy. inside an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. The nucleolus is responsible for producing What is the role of the nucleolus? ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosomes. A genome is the complete set of genetic Define the term 'genome'. material in an organism, including all of its genes. The fluid mosaic model describes the What is the significance of the cell structure of the cell membrane as a dynamic membrane's fluid mosaic model? and flexible layer of various proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer.  Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down Describe the function of lysosomes. waste materials and cellular debris. Transfer RNA (tRNA) transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis? matching them to the corresponding mRNA codons. Transcription is the process by which the Explain the process of transcription. information in a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). The plasma membrane regulates the What is the role of the plasma membrane? movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis. Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell Define the term 'apoptosis'. death that occurs in multicellular organisms. The cytoskeleton provides structural support, What is the function of the cytoskeleton in a helps maintain cell shape, and facilitates cell cell? movement. A trophic level is a position in a food chain or Define the term 'trophic level'. food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem. The immune system protects the body from What is the function of the immune system? pathogens and foreign substances, maintaining health and preventing disease. The endocrine system regulates bodily functions through hormones, coordinating What is the role of the endocrine system? processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, What is the significance of keystone species? influencing the types and numbers of other species.  Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can Explain the concept of carrying capacity. sustain indefinitely without degrading the habitat. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of Define the term 'ecosystem diversity'. ecosystems within a given area, contributing to overall biodiversity. The cell membrane regulates the movement What is the role of the cell membrane in of substances in and out of the cell, helping to maintaining homeostasis? maintain a stable internal environment. DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division, Describe the process of DNA replication. ensuring each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is involved What is the function of the rough in the synthesis and processing of proteins, endoplasmic reticulum? studded with ribosomes. Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction Explain the concept of symbiosis. between two different species, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria? nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth. A biome is a large geographical area Define the term 'biome'. characterized by specific climate conditions and distinct plant and animal communities. The plasma membrane contains receptors Describe the role of the plasma membrane in that allow cells to receive and respond to cell signaling. external signals. The mitochondria are known as the What is the significance of the mitochondria? powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.  Fermentation is an anaerobic process that Explain the process of fermentation. converts sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol, producing energy without oxygen. The vacuole stores nutrients, waste products, What is the function of the vacuole in plant and helps maintain turgor pressure in plant cells? cells. Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells that Define the term 'chloroplast'. conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. The cell wall provides structural support and What is the role of the cell wall in plant cells? protection to plant cells, maintaining their shape. The plasma membrane regulates the What is the role of the plasma membrane in a movement of substances in and out of the cell? cell, maintaining homeostasis. An autotroph is an organism that produces its Define the term 'autotroph'. own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that Explain the process of glycolysis. converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH. The carbon cycle is essential for regulating Earth's climate and supporting life by What is the significance of the carbon cycle? recycling carbon among the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Chloroplasts capture sunlight and convert it Describe the role of the chloroplast in into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. photosynthesis, producing glucose and oxygen. The phospholipid bilayer forms the What is the function of the cell membrane's fundamental structure of the plasma phospholipid bilayer? membrane, providing a barrier that separates the cell from its environment.  Biological magnification is the process by which the concentration of toxic substances Define the term 'biological magnification'. increases in organisms at higher trophic levels in a food chain. The hypothalamus regulates various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, What is the role of the hypothalamus? thirst, and the sleep-wake cycle, and controls the endocrine system. An ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of an individual or Explain the concept of ecological footprint. population, indicating the amount of land and resources required to sustain their lifestyle. The nitrogen cycle is crucial for converting What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle? nitrogen into forms that living organisms can use, supporting growth and development. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the Define the term 'biodiversity'. diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystem diversity. The skeletal system provides structural support, protects internal organs, and What is the function of the skeletal system? facilitates movement by serving as attachment points for muscles. A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates Explain the concept of a food web. how energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem. The liver plays a central role in metabolism by What is the role of the liver in metabolism? processing nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, and producing bile for digestion. Pollinators play a vital role in the reproduction What is the significance of pollinators in of flowering plants, contributing to ecosystems? biodiversity and food production. An invasive species is a non-native organism that, when introduced to a new environment, Define the term 'invasive species'. can cause harm to native species and ecosystems.  Biological macromolecules are large Define biological macromolecules and their molecules essential for life, built by the significance. combination of smaller organic molecules. Understanding the law of physics and Describe the importance of understanding the chemistry is essential to explaining biological laws of physics and chemistry in biology. processes. The plasma membrane protects the cell from Explain the role of the plasma membrane in a its external environment, mediates cellular cell. transport, and transmits cellular signals. Metabolism refers to all of the chemical How is metabolism defined in the context of reactions that take place inside cells, cellular processes? including those that consume or generate energy. Cells need energy to function, and the stages What is the relationship between cellular involved in glucose catabolism are essential respiration and energy production? to generate ATP. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants Describe the process of photosynthesis and capture sunlight and convert its energy into its importance for plants. chemical energy by manufacturing sugar molecules/carbohydrates. Describe the significance of understanding Understanding cell division is essential for cell division in relation to human grasping the basis of human reproduction and reproduction. the generation of life in various organisms. Define meiosis and its role in sexual Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces reproduction. gametes in sexually reproducing organisms. Mendel's work revealed the fundamental How did Mendel's experiments contribute to principles of heredity, establishing the our understanding of heredity? foundation for genetic inheritance. Explain the relationship between Chromosomes are structures made of genes, chromosomes and genes. which determine hereditary traits.  DNA is the genetic material located in the nucleus of a cell that contains the information What is the role of DNA in a cell? necessary for the development and functioning of the organism. Genes are composed of DNA and are Describe the composition and function of arranged linearly on chromosomes; they genes. specify the sequences of amino acids that form proteins. Although all somatic cells have the same How does gene expression contribute to genetic content, the differential expression of cellular differentiation? genes leads to the unique characteristics of each cell type. Ribosomes are the cellular structures What is the function of ribosomes in a cell? responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating messenger RNA. Natural selection is the process through which organisms better adapted to their Define the process of natural selection. environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Enzymes act as catalysts that speed up What is the role of enzymes in biological chemical reactions in biological systems reactions? without being consumed in the process. What is the primary function of the cell The cell nucleus houses the cell's genetic nucleus? material and controls cellular activities. Cellular respiration is the metabolic process Explain the process of cellular respiration. that converts glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The main stages of the cell cycle are What are the main stages of the cell cycle? interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. Homeostasis is the process by which living Define the term 'homeostasis'. organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.  Chlorophyll is the pigment that captures What is the role of chlorophyll in sunlight for photosynthesis, allowing plants to photosynthesis? convert light energy into chemical energy. A DNA molecule consists of two strands forming a double helix, with nucleotides Describe the structure of a DNA molecule. containing a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base. The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in DNA is translated into What is the significance of the genetic code? proteins, determining the traits of an organism. Genetic variation refers to the differences in Explain the concept of genetic variation. DNA sequences among individuals, which contribute to diversity within a population. The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the What is the function of the endoplasmic synthesis of proteins and lipids, and it plays a reticulum? role in transporting materials within the cell. A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence Define the term 'mutation'. that can lead to variations in traits and may affect an organism's survival. The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and What is the role of the Golgi apparatus? packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles. Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an Describe the process of osmosis. area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Stem cells have the unique ability to develop What is the significance of stem cells? into different cell types, making them crucial for growth, development, and tissue repair. Ecological succession is the process by which Explain the concept of ecological succession. ecosystems change and develop over time, often following a disturbance.  The mitochondria are known as the What is the role of the mitochondria in a cell? powerhouse of the cell, as they generate ATP through cellular respiration. The vascular system transports water, What is the role of the vascular system in nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant, plants? supporting growth and development. An ecosystem is a community of living Define the term 'ecosystem'. organisms interacting with their physical environment. Biodiversity enhances ecosystem resilience, What is the significance of biodiversity in productivity, and stability, contributing to ecosystems? overall ecological health. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is Describe the role of the smooth endoplasmic involved in lipid synthesis, detoxification, and reticulum. calcium ion storage. The phospholipid bilayer forms the What is the function of the plasma fundamental structure of the plasma membrane's phospholipid bilayer? membrane, providing a barrier that separates the cell from its environment. Gene therapy involves altering the genes Explain the concept of gene therapy. inside an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. The nucleolus is responsible for producing What is the role of the nucleolus? ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and assembling ribosomes. A genome is the complete set of genetic Define the term 'genome'. material in an organism, including all of its genes. The fluid mosaic model describes the What is the significance of the cell structure of the cell membrane as a dynamic membrane's fluid mosaic model? and flexible layer of various proteins embedded in a phospholipid bilayer.  Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down Describe the function of lysosomes. waste materials and cellular debris. Transfer RNA (tRNA) transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis? matching them to the corresponding mRNA codons. Transcription is the process by which the Explain the process of transcription. information in a gene is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). The plasma membrane regulates the What is the role of the plasma membrane? movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis. Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell Define the term 'apoptosis'. death that occurs in multicellular organisms. The cytoskeleton provides structural support, What is the function of the cytoskeleton in a helps maintain cell shape, and facilitates cell cell? movement. A trophic level is a position in a food chain or Define the term 'trophic level'. food web, representing the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem. The immune system protects the body from What is the function of the immune system? pathogens and foreign substances, maintaining health and preventing disease. The endocrine system regulates bodily functions through hormones, coordinating What is the role of the endocrine system? processes such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem, What is the significance of keystone species? influencing the types and numbers of other species.  Carrying capacity is the maximum population size of a species that an environment can Explain the concept of carrying capacity. sustain indefinitely without degrading the habitat. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of Define the term 'ecosystem diversity'. ecosystems within a given area, contributing to overall biodiversity. The cell membrane regulates the movement What is the role of the cell membrane in of substances in and out of the cell, helping to maintaining homeostasis? maintain a stable internal environment. DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division, Describe the process of DNA replication. ensuring each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information. The rough endoplasmic reticulum is involved What is the function of the rough in the synthesis and processing of proteins, endoplasmic reticulum? studded with ribosomes. Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction Explain the concept of symbiosis. between two different species, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria? nitrogen into a form that plants can use for growth. A biome is a large geographical area Define the term 'biome'. characterized by specific climate conditions and distinct plant and animal communities. The plasma membrane contains receptors Describe the role of the plasma membrane in that allow cells to receive and respond to cell signaling. external signals. The mitochondria are known as the What is the significance of the mitochondria? powerhouse of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration.  Fermentation is an anaerobic process that Explain the process of fermentation. converts sugars into acids, gases, or alcohol, producing energy without oxygen. The vacuole stores nutrients, waste products, What is the function of the vacuole in plant and helps maintain turgor pressure in plant cells? cells. Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells that Define the term 'chloroplast'. conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. The cell wall provides structural support and What is the role of the cell wall in plant cells? protection to plant cells, maintaining their shape. The plasma membrane regulates the What is the role of the plasma membrane in a movement of substances in and out of the cell? cell, maintaining homeostasis. An autotroph is an organism that produces its Define the term 'autotroph'. own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that Explain the process of glycolysis. converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH. The carbon cycle is essential for regulating Earth's climate and supporting life by What is the significance of the carbon cycle? recycling carbon among the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Chloroplasts capture sunlight and convert it Describe the role of the chloroplast in into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. photosynthesis, producing glucose and oxygen. The phospholipid bilayer forms the What is the function of the cell membrane's fundamental structure of the plasma phospholipid bilayer? membrane, providing a barrier that separates the cell from its environment.  Biological magnification is the process by which the concentration of toxic substances Define the term 'biological magnification'. increases in organisms at higher trophic levels in a food chain. The hypothalamus regulates various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, What is the role of the hypothalamus? thirst, and the sleep-wake cycle, and controls the endocrine system. An ecological footprint measures the environmental impact of an individual or Explain the concept of ecological footprint. population, indicating the amount of land and resources required to sustain their lifestyle. The nitrogen cycle is crucial for converting What is the significance of the nitrogen cycle? nitrogen into forms that living organisms can use, supporting growth and development. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the Define the term 'biodiversity'. diversity of species, genetic variation, and ecosystem diversity. The skeletal system provides structural support, protects internal organs, and What is the function of the skeletal system? facilitates movement by serving as attachment points for muscles. A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates Explain the concept of a food web. how energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem. The liver plays a central role in metabolism by What is the role of the liver in metabolism? processing nutrients, detoxifying harmful substances, and producing bile for digestion. Pollinators play a vital role in the reproduction What is the significance of pollinators in of flowering plants, contributing to ecosystems? biodiversity and food production. An invasive species is a non-native organism that, when introduced to a new environment, Define the term 'invasive species'. can cause harm to native species and ecosystems.