Accelerated Biology Final Exam Study Guide 2026

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key biology topics including cellular transport, metabolism, cell division, genetics, and evolution based on the Final Exam Study Guide 2026.

Selectively Permeable

A property of the cell membrane that allows it to control which substances enter or leave the cell based on its structure.

Diffusion

A form of cellular transport where molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The specific form of diffusion involving the movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Facilitated Diffusion

A type of passive transport that uses membrane proteins to help move molecules across the cell membrane.

Active Transport

The movement of materials across a cell membrane against a concentration gradient, requiring the use of energy in the form of ATP.

Endocytosis

A form of active transport used by the cell to take in materials by wrapping the cell membrane around them.

Exocytosis

A form of active transport used by the cell to release materials or waste to the outside environment.

Photosynthesis

The process described by the chemical reaction: $6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$.

Cellular Respiration

The process described by the chemical reaction: $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{ATP}$.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy molecule used by cells to power metabolic processes.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells where the number of chromosomes remains constant.

Meiosis

A process of cell division that results in the formation of haploid cells for sexual reproduction.

Haploid Cells

Cells produced through meiosis that contain half the number of chromosomes typical of the species.

Zygote

The cell formed when two gametes fuse during the process of fertilization.

Synapsis and Crossing Over

Specific events that occur during meiosis that contribute to genetic variation and biodiversity.

DNA Replication

The process of copying the DNA molecule to ensure the transmission and conservation of the genetic code.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process where the genetic code in mRNA is used to assemble proteins.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Anticodon

A three-nucleotide sequence on tRNA that is complementary to an mRNA codon.

Silent Mutation

A mutation in the DNA sequence of a gene that does not result in a phenotypic change in the offspring.

substituion

A mutation involving a single nucleotide change that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of nucleotides that changes the reading frame of the genetic code.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic inheritance pattern where neither allele is completely dominant, resulting in an intermediate phenotype, such as black and white parents producing a gray offspring.

Codominance

A genetic inheritance pattern where two different alleles are expressed simultaneously, such as brown and black fur appearing together in cats.

Polygenic Trait

A trait, such as human skin color, that is controlled by the interaction of multiple genes.

Pedigree Chart

A diagram used to track phenotypes and determine genotypes within a family over generations.

Mendel's Law of Segregation

The principle stating that allele pairs separate during gamete formation and randomly unite during fertilization.

Mendel's Law of Independent Assortment

The principle stating that the alleles of different genes get sorted into gametes independently of one another.

Directional Selection

A mode of natural selection in which an extreme phenotype is favored over other phenotypes, such as the case of the Peppered moth.

Stabilizing Selection

A type of natural selection that favors intermediate versions of a trait and selects against extreme phenotypes.

Disruptive Selection

A type of natural selection that favors individuals at both extremes of the phenotypic range rather than intermediate individuals.

Reproductive Isolation

The existence of biological barriers that prevent members of two populations from producing viable, fertile offspring.

Geographic Isolation

The physical separation of populations by geographic barriers, which plays a major role in the process of speciation.