Learn: Biology 103: Exploring Life & Chemistry | Quizlet

Properties of Life

Order, reproduction, growth/development, response to stimuli, energy processing, regulation, and evolutionary adaptation.

Cell

The structural and functional unit of life.

Homeostasis

A state of biological balance maintained through internal regulation.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species (most to least inclusive).

Binomial Nomenclature

Scientific naming system where the Genus is capitalized and the species epithet is lowercase, both italicized.

Three Domains of Life

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes (Bacteria/Archaea) lack a membrane-bound nucleus; Eukaryotes have one.

Scientific Hypothesis

A proposed, testable, and falsifiable explanation for a set of observations.

Scientific Theory

A broad explanation supported by a massive amount of accumulated evidence.

Controlled Experiment

Compares an experimental group with a constant control group by testing an independent variable and measuring a dependent variable.

CHNOPS Elements

Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur; make up ~99% of living matter.

Subatomic Particles

Protons (positive, in nucleus), neutrons (neutral, in nucleus), and electrons (negative, orbiting nucleus).

Atomic Number

The unique number of protons in an element's nucleus.

Mass Number

The sum of an atom's protons and neutrons.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different neutron counts.

Valence Shell

The outermost electron shell of an atom.

Nonpolar vs. Polar Covalent Bonds

Nonpolar shares electrons equally; polar shares them unequally due to differing electronegativity.

Ionic Bonds, Cations, and Anions

Ionic bonds form between oppositely charged ions; cations are positive, anions are negative.

Properties of Water

Cohesion/adhesion, moderation of temperature, freezing expansion, and versatility as a solvent.

Buffer

A substance that minimizes changes in pH to maintain biological balance.