Science Lecture Review: Genetics, Chemistry, and Physics

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering genetics, cellular biology, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and Newtonian physics.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid; a molecule shaped like a double helix that carries genetic information.

Nucleotide

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

Nitrogenous Bases

The four bases in DNA: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).

Base Pairing Rules

The rule that A pairs with T and C pairs with G in complementary DNA strands.

Gene

A section of DNA that controls a characteristic.

Allele

A version of a gene.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an organism.

Genome

All the DNA in an organism.

Chromosome

A tightly coiled DNA structure.

Mutation

A permanent change in DNA.

Dominant

An allele that is expressed whenever it is present.

Recessive

An allele that is expressed only when two copies are present.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles (e.g., AA or aa).

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles (e.g., Aa).

Diploid ($2n$)

Cells containing two sets of chromosomes, such as human somatic cells which have $46$ chromosomes.

Haploid ($n$)

Cells containing one set of chromosomes, such as human gametes which have $23$ chromosomes.

Somatic Cell

A body cell.

Gamete

A sex cell.

Mitosis

A type of cell division for growth, repair, and replacement that produces $2$ genetically identical diploid cells.

Prophase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes become visible.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where new nuclei form.

Cytokinesis

The stage of cell division where the cell splits.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces $4$ genetically different haploid cells for sexual reproduction.

Substitution

A mutation where one DNA base is replaced by another.

Insertion

A mutation where a base is added, often causing a frameshift.

Deletion

A mutation where a base is removed, often causing a frameshift.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom.

Mass Number

The sum of protons and neutrons in an atom.

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Element

A substance made of only one type of atom.

Compound

Substances made of different elements chemically bonded together.

Mixture

Substances physically mixed together but not chemically bonded.

Alkali Metals

Group 1 elements that are soft and very reactive.

Alkaline Earth Metals

Group 2 elements that are reactive metals.

Halogens

Group 17 elements that are reactive non-metals.

Noble Gases

Group 18 elements that are stable and unreactive.

Cation

A positive ion formed by losing electrons.

Anion

A negative ion formed by gaining electrons.

Ionic Bonding

Chemical bonding between a metal and a non-metal involving the transfer of electrons.

Covalent Bonding

Chemical bonding between non-metals involving the sharing of electrons.

Metallic Bonding

Bonding between metals characterized by delocalised electrons.

Scalars

Quantities that have magnitude only, such as distance, speed, and time.

Vectors

Quantities that have both magnitude and direction, such as displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force.

Newton's First Law

An object remains at rest or moves at constant velocity unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

Newton's Second Law

The law stating that Force equals Mass times Acceleration ($F = ma$).

Newton's Third Law

The law stating that every action force has an equal and opposite reaction force.

Kinetic Energy (KE)

The energy of movement, calculated as $KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$.

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)

Stored energy due to height, calculated as $GPE = mgh$.