High School Biology Crash Course Review

Flashcards for High School Biology Crash Course

Hypothesis

A testable prediction, often in "If… then…" format.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Control Group

A group in an experiment that is not exposed to the independent variable.

Constants

Conditions that are kept the same throughout an experiment.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecule providing quick energy (e.g., glucose, starch).

Lipids

Macromolecule providing long-term energy & insulation (e.g., fats, oils).

Proteins

Macromolecule used to build body structures and enzymes (e.g., meat, beans).

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecule that stores genetic information (DNA & RNA).

Cells

Basic unit of life and All living things are made of these.

Pre-existing cells

All cells come from these.

Prokaryotes

Cells without a nucleus (e.g., bacteria).

Eukaryotes

Cells with a nucleus and organelles (e.g., plants, animals).

Organelles

Cellular structures

Mitosis

Cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

Cell division resulting in four genetically unique gametes.

Metastasize

The process by which cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Reactants

Substances that start a reaction.

Products

Substances that a reaction produces.

Endothermic

A reaction that absorbs energy.

Exothermic

A reaction that releases energy.

ATP

The energy currency of the cell.

Photosynthesis

CO2 + H2O + sunlight -> C6H12O6 + O2

Cellular Respiration

C6H12O6 + O2 -> CO2 + H2O + ATP

Trophic Pyramids

Energy flows from producers -> consumers -> decomposers.

DNA

Double-stranded, has thymine (T), found in the nucleus.

RNA

Single-stranded, has uracil (U), can leave the nucleus.

DNA Replication

The process of copying DNA.

Transcription

DNA -> mRNA (in nucleus).

Translation

mRNA -> protein (in ribosome).

Somatic

Body cells with a diploid number of chromosomes.

Gametes

Sex cells with a haploid number of chromosomes.

Dominant

Only one allele needed for this.

Recessive

Two alleles needed for this.

Homozygous

AA or aa.

Heterozygous

Aa.

Genotype

Gene combination.

Phenotype

Trait shown.

Natural Selection

Best traits survive.

Adaptation

Helpful traits.

Hardy-Weinberg

No evolution if conditions met.

Homologous Structures

Same structure, different function.