Lecture Notes Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards from lecture notes.

Constant

A factor that does not change when other variables do.

Control group/Treatment

A group in the experiment against which other groups are measured; many times it is the 'normal' group.

Source of error

A specific aspect of an experiment that contributes to an error in experimental result.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, written in 'If, then…' format.

Independent variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated by the experimenter, the variable whose effect is being studied.

Dependent variable

The outcome factor due to the independent variable; measured either qualitatively or quantitatively.

Macromolecule

Four main classes of large organic biological molecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Hydrogen bond

A type of weak chemical bond formed when the slightly positive hydrogen atom of a polar covalent bond in one molecule is attracted to the slightly negative atom of a polar covalent bond in another molecule.

Covalent bond

A chemical bond that involves sharing a pair of electrons between atoms in a molecule (This is a very strong, stable bond like the bond between the Hydrogen atom in a water molecule).

Ionic bond

A chemical bond resulting from the attraction between oppositely charged ions.

ATP

(adenosine triphosphate) Main energy source that cells use for most of their work.

Exergonic

A chemical reaction in which there is a net release of energy.

Endergonic

A chemical reaction in which there is a net absorption of energy.

Acidic pH

pH < 7 (ex. Lemon juice).

Basic pH

pH > 7 (ex. Ammonia).

Pathway of a Protein

Ribosome -> Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum -> Cell/Plasma membrane.

Amino Acids

The monomers that make up proteins.

Phosphate head

Hydrophilic polar part of the phospholipid.

Fatty acid tail

Hydrophobic part of the amphipathic bilayer.

Hydrophobic

Describes a molecule that repels away from water.

Hydrophilic

Describes a molecule that is attracted to water.

Hydrolysis

Breaking down complex molecules by the chemical addition of water.

Dehydration synthesis

A chemical reaction in which two molecules are bonded together with the removal of a water molecule.

Catabolism

Biological processes which primarily break down chemicals often releasing energy in the process.

Anabolism

The building up of complex chemical substances from simpler components.