WGU C190 Introduction to Biology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, cellular processes, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration based on the WGU C190 objective assessment preparation transcript.

Abiotic Factor

A non-living component of an ecosystem, such as rocks, water, or temperature.

Biotic Factors

Living organisms in an ecosystem, including plants, animals, and fungi.

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules such as DNA and RNA that store and transmit genetic information.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process by which cells release energy without oxygen.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

Ionic Bond

A chemical bond that involves the complete transfer of electrons between atoms, creating oppositely charged ions.

Proteins

Macromolecules that serve as enzymes to catalyze biochemical reactions in cells, provide structural support, and facilitate cell processes.

Ribosomes

Cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis (building proteins) in cells.

Phenotype

An organism's physical appearance and observable traits.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism that influences its observable traits.

Mitochondria

Eukaryotic organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell that produce ATP energy through cellular respiration.

Carbon

The essential, fundamental element present in all organic molecules, forming the backbone of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Metaphase

The phase of mitosis during which chromosomes align at the center of the cell along the metaphase plate in preparation for separation.

Chloroplasts

Structures in plant cells containing chlorophyll that capture light energy to perform photosynthesis.

Osmosis

The movement or diffusion of water across a selectively or semi-permeable membrane.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process occurring in mitochondria that generates ATP energy through pathways such as the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase in the cell cycle characterized by cell growth and preparation for DNA replication.

Endocytosis

The process by which a cell takes in material by engulfing it with its cell membrane.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The main energy currency in cells that provides energy for cellular processes.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle primary responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for transport.

Incomplete Dominance

A condition in which neither allele is dominant, resulting in offspring that display a blending of traits.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring cellular energy.

Cell Wall

A structure in plant cells that maintains shape and provides structural support.

Nitrogenous Base

The component of a nucleotide (adenine, thymine, cytosine, or guanine) that distinguishes it from other nucleotides in DNA.

Photosynthesis

The process in plants where light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide into sugars like glucose.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis responsible for fixing carbon dioxide into sugars.

Asexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent through processes like binary fission or mitosis.

Anaphase 1

The stage of meiosis during which homologous chromosomes separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.

Prophase

The initial stage of mitosis during which chromosomes condense and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules such as glucose that serve as the primary source of energy for most organisms.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

An organelle involved in lipid synthesis and the detoxification of harmful substances in the cell.

S Phase

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle during which DNA replication occurs.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain membrane-bound organelles, including a true nucleus.

Electron Transport Chain

The process in cellular respiration that generates the most ATP, producing approximately 34 ATP molecules.

Law of Segregation

The genetic principle stating that homologous chromosomes separate during meiosis so that each gamete receives only one allele for each gene.

Crossing Over

The process during prophase 1 of meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material, increasing genetic diversity.

Mitosis

The stage of the cell cycle following the G2 phase that involves nuclear division.

Lipids

Water-insoluble macromolecules that function in long-term energy storage and insulation.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.

G2 Phase

The cell cycle phase involving preparation for mitosis and checking for any errors in replicated DNA.

Meiosis

A process of cell division that undergoes two rounds of division to produce four genetically diverse haploid cells.

Nucleotide

A monomer consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Anaphase 2

The stage of meiosis characterized by the separation of sister chromatids.