CrHS Biology MCAP Flashcards: Key Concepts and Processes

A collection of key concepts and processes in biology formatted as flashcards for study purposes.

Mitochondria

Produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Ribosome

Makes proteins by linking amino acids together.

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotes do not.

Osmosis

The process that moves water across a cell membrane to dilute other solutions.

DNA

A double helix shaped molecule that determines the structure and function of a living organism; used to create proteins and replicate.

Nitrogen Bases in DNA

Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine.

Punnett Square

A method to determine the probability of offspring inheriting certain traits.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can be genetic or chromosomal.

Photosynthesis Formula

CO₂ + H₂O + sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂.

Cellular Respiration Purpose

To convert glucose into ATP (usable energy).

Chloroplast

The organelle where photosynthesis occurs; it contains chlorophyll.

Charles Darwin

Known for the theory of natural selection.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment survive and reproduce.

Fossil

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Food Web

A network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in an ecosystem.

Main Source of Energy for Ecosystems

The Sun.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment in the body.

Circulatory System

The system that transports oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

Nervous System

The organ system that helps respond to stimuli.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or trait.

Allele

A version of a gene; two alleles make a genotype.

Genotype and Phenotype

Genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the physical trait.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles.

Codominance

Both alleles are expressed equally.

Incomplete Dominance

A blending of traits.

Sex-linked Traits

Traits found on the X or Y chromosomes.

Pedigree Chart

Used to trace inheritance of traits through generations.

Deoxyribose

The sugar found in DNA.

Base Pairing in DNA

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

Base Pairing in RNA

Uracil (U) pairs with Adenine (A), Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C).

Helicase

The enzyme that unzips DNA during replication.

DNA Replication Purpose

To make an exact copy of DNA before cell division.

Location of DNA Replication

In the nucleus.

Mitosis Purpose

To produce two identical daughter cells for growth and repair.

Daughter Cells Chromosomes after Mitosis

46 chromosomes (diploid).

Phases of Mitosis

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense, nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite sides.

Telophase

New nuclear membranes form around chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm, completing cell division.

Purpose of meiosis

To produce gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes.

Human gametes chromosome count

23 chromosomes (haploid).

Cells produced at the end of meiosis

Four genetically different haploid cells.

Genetic variation in meiosis

Crossing over and independent assortment.

Crossing over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

Phase of crossing over during meiosis

Prophase I.

Major difference between meiosis and mitosis

Mitosis produces identical cells; meiosis produces genetically unique gametes.

Steps of protein synthesis

Transcription and Translation.

Transcription

DNA is used to make mRNA in the nucleus.

Translation

mRNA is read by the ribosome to build a protein.

Role of mRNA

To carry genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosome.

Role of tRNA

To bring amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

Codon

A sequence of 3 mRNA bases that codes for an amino acid.

Location of translation

At the ribosome in the cytoplasm.

End result of protein synthesis

A chain of amino acids that folds into a protein.

Organelle controlling cell activities

Nucleus.

Organelle breaking down waste

Lysosome.

Structure supporting plant cells

Cell wall.

Function of the cell membrane

Controls what enters and exits the cell.

Jelly-like substance in cells

Cytoplasm.

Structure aiding cell division in animals

Centrioles.

Function of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)

Transports materials throughout the cell.

Organelle packaging proteins

Golgi apparatus.

Circulatory system

Responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients.

Endocrine system

Helps control body functions using hormones.

Muscular and skeletal systems

Allow movement and protect organs.

Excretory system

Removes waste from the blood.

Immune system

First defense against pathogens.

Digestive system

Breaks down food for energy.

Main function of the respiratory system

Gas exchange - oxygen in, carbon dioxide out.

Nervous system

Detects and responds to stimuli.

Building blocks of proteins

Amino acids.

Function of enzymes

Speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Active site of enzymes

The part of the enzyme where the substrate binds.

Factors affecting enzyme activity

Temperature, pH, and concentration.

Denaturation of enzymes/proteins

When an enzyme loses its shape and can't function.

4 main types of macromolecules

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Function of carbohydrates

Provide quick energy.

Monomer of carbohydrates

Monosaccharides (simple sugars like glucose).

Function of lipids

Long-term energy storage and insulation.

Examples of lipids

Fats, oils, waxes.

Monomer of proteins

Amino acids.

Function of nucleic acids

Store and transmit genetic information.

Monomers of nucleic acids

Nucleotides.

Feedback loop

A system that helps regulate internal conditions.

Negative feedback

A process that returns a condition to normal.

Positive feedback

A process that amplifies a response.

Example of homeostasis

Sweating to cool the body down.

Insulin's role in homeostasis

It lowers blood sugar levels after eating.

Main purpose of photosynthesis

To convert solar energy into chemical energy.

Chemical equation for photosynthesis

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs

Chloroplast.

Pigment essential for capturing sunlight

Chlorophyll.

Two main stages of photosynthesis

Light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.

Reactants of photosynthesis

Carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.

Products of photosynthesis

Glucose and oxygen.

Organisms that perform photosynthesis

Autotrophs.