Quick Refresher

Cellular Organization

Made of one or more cells.

Unicellular

Organisms made of a single cell, e.g., bacteria.

Multicellular

Organisms made of multiple cells, e.g., plants and animals.

Reproduction

The process by which living organisms produce new individuals.

Metabolism

The chemical reactions that sustain life.

Anabolic

Metabolic processes that build molecules, such as photosynthesis.

Catabolic

Metabolic processes that break down molecules, such as cellular respiration.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain internal stability.

Growth & Development

Processes including cell division, differentiation, and morphogenesis.

Response to Stimuli

The reaction of organisms to environmental changes.

Evolution

The genetic change in populations over generations.

Prokaryotic

Cells that lack a nucleus or organelles, e.g., bacteria.

Eukaryotic

Cells that contain a nucleus and organelles, e.g., plants and animals.

Node (in phylogenetics)

Represents a common ancestor in a phylogenetic tree.

Branch Length (in phylogenetics)

Indicates genetic change or time in a phylogenetic tree.

Scientific Method

A systematic process including observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Control Group

A baseline used for comparison in an experiment.

Atoms

Basic units of matter composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond formed by the transfer of electrons.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak attraction between molecules, crucial in water and DNA.

pH Scale

A scale that measures acidity or basicity, ranging from acidic (< 7) to basic (> 7).

Cell Theory

The three principles stating that all living things are made of cells, that cells are the basic unit of life, and that all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Light Microscope

An instrument used to view live cells.

Electron Microscope

A high-resolution microscope used to view dead specimens.

Magnification vs. Resolution

Magnification refers to size, whereas resolution refers to clarity.