PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science Review

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science End of Course Assessment Review Packet 2025.

Medical Examiner

Looks for cause and manner of death when performing an autopsy.

Manner of Death

The way in which someone died (e.g., homicide, suicide, natural causes).

Cause of Death

The specific injury, disease, or condition that results in death (e.g., gunshot wound, heart attack).

Nucleotide

The building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA Bases

Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C). A and G are purines, T and C are pyrimidines.

Base Pairs of DNA

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T); Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C).

Base NOT in RNA

Thymine (T) is not present in RNA; it is replaced by Uracil (U).

Purines

Adenine (A) and Guanine (G) are purines, characterized by a double-ring structure.

Pyrimidines

Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T) (or Uracil (U) in RNA) are pyrimidines, characterized by a single-ring structure.

Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size. DNA runs from negative to positive.

DNA Differences

DNA differs from person to person based on the sequence of base pairs.

RFLP

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. It is a variation in the length of DNA fragments produced by restriction enzymes.

PCR

Stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is used to amplify specific DNA sequences.

Presumptive Test

Initial tests to suggest a particular substance is present.

Confirmatory Test

Tests that confirm the presence and identify a specific substance.

Platelets

Also known as thrombocytes, they help in blood clotting.

Red Blood Cells

Also known as erythrocytes, they carry oxygen to body tissues.

White Blood Cells

Also known as leukocytes, they are involved in immune response.

Plasma

The liquid component of blood that carries cells and other substances.

Hemoglobin

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Hematocrit

The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition where the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of high water concentration to low water concentration.

Hyperglycemia

High blood sugar levels.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar levels.

Transcription

The process of creating mRNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of creating proteins from an mRNA template, using ribosomes and tRNA.

Mitosis

The process that makes identical copies of the parent cell.

Meiosis

The process that creates sex cells of sperm and egg.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

A genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels, caused by a mutation in a gene that affects a protein involved in cholesterol metabolism.

Heart Rate

The number of times the heart beats per minute (bpm).

Blood Pressure

The pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

Measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in the artery walls, which can restrict blood flow and affect blood pressure.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Carries cholesterol from the liver to cells. High levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Helps remove cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver for excretion.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It protects the privacy of patient health information.

Gram-Positive Bacteria

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer that stains purple in Gram staining.

Gram-Negative Bacteria

Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane that stains pink in Gram staining.

Pathogen

A biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host. (Virus, bacteria, fungi, etc.)

Vaccine

A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious disease.