Biology and Biochemistry Fundamentals Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from the biology and chemistry lecture notes.

Biology

The study of life.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function of living organisms, and the smallest unit that can carry on all functions of life.

Grow

The formation of new cells and a change in size.

Development

The process of change that takes place during life, such as flight feathers in birds and tusks in elephants.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain constant, stable internal conditions when outside factors change.

Reproduction

The process by which organisms produce offspring and pass DNA to new generations.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving 1 parent resulting in an exact copy of the parent.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving 2 parents where offspring are not identical to either parent, but share characteristics of both.

Stimulus

Any change in the environment, such as light, temperature, or noise.

Response

The reaction to a change in the environment.

Adaptation

Any characteristic that helps an organism to survive and will be passed on to an offspring.

Atom

The building block of all matter.

Molecule

Atoms that join together to form larger structures, such as a water molecule $H_2O$.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that work together to complete a function.

Organ

A group of tissues that work together to perform a specific task.

System

A group of organs that cooperate in a series of related functions.

Scientific Method

A logical, organized way of solving a problem.

Hypothesis

A proposed answer to a problem that can be tested.

Theory

A hypothesis that has been tested many times by different people.

Independent Variable (IV)

The condition in an experiment that is changed by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The condition in an experiment that is measured as results.

Control

The condition that is kept the same in an experiment.

Quantitative Results

Experimental observations based on measurements, such as weight or speed.

Qualitative Results

Experimental information that cannot be measured, such as happiness, excitement, or sadness.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond that forms when electrons are shared between atoms.

Ionic Bond

An electrical attraction between two oppositely charged atoms.

Enzyme

A specialized protein acting as a catalyst that speeds up a chemical reaction in a living cell and is not used up or changed.

Substrate

Reactants that bind to an enzyme.

Active Site

The specific location where the substrate attaches to the enzyme.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The temporary complex formed when a substrate binds to the active site of an enzyme before products are released.

Activation Energy

The minimum amount of energy needed in a chemical reaction to form products.

Macromolecules

Large molecules that are formed by joining smaller organic molecules.

Polymer

A molecule made from repeating units of identical or nearly identical compounds.

Carbohydrates

Molecules such as sugars, starches, and glycogen that provide energy, often ending in "ose".

Lipids

Molecules such as fats and oils that store energy, holding twice as much energy as carbohydrates.

Protein

Molecules made up of smaller units called amino acids that serve as the building blocks of all living things.

Nucleic Acid

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

Polar Molecule

Molecules that have oppositely charged regions.

Hydrogen Bond

A bond formed when a hydrogen atom covalently bonds with another atom, usually oxygen to make water.

Cohesion

Force of attraction where similar molecules stick together.

Adhesion

Force of attraction where different molecules stick together.

Surface Tension

A property of water resulting from water molecules having a tendency to stick together.

Capillary Action

A property of water that allows it to move against gravity in small spaces.

Heat of Vaporization

A property of water meaning it takes a long time to warm up and cool down.

Acid

A substance with a higher concentration of hydrogen ions ($H^+$).

Base

A substance with a higher concentration of hydroxide ions ($OH^-$).

Neutral Solution

A state in which the number of hydrogen ions ($H^+$) equals the number of hydroxide ions ($OH^-$).

pH Scale

A scale used to measure the concentration of hydrogen ions ($H^+$).