Final Biology Exam Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering microbial evolution, plant and fungal biology, animal phyla, human evolution, ecology, and core biological processes.

Spontaneous generation

The idea of life arising from nonliving matter.

Ribozymes

RNA molecules that can act as their own enzyme.

Cocci

A spherical shape of bacteria.

Spirillum

A spiral shape of bacteria.

Exotoxins

Toxins secreted by bacteria.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are part of the bacterial membrane.

Endospores

Structures produced in unfavorable conditions that protect the cell and can survive for an extended period of time.

Extremophiles

Archaea that live in extreme environments such as those that are really hot, cold, salty, or acidic.

Theory of endosymbiosis

The origin of eukaryotic cells where prokaryotes engulfed other organisms but didn't digest them.

Cuticle

A waxy substance on leaves that prevents the loss of water.

Vascular tissues

Tissues that transport water and other materials through the plant.

Seeds

Structures that protect the embryo or baby plant from drying out.

Flowers

Structures that house the gametophyte and attract pollinators.

Fruit

Structures used for seed dispersal.

Gametophytes

The haploid generation of a plant.

Sporophytes

The diploid generation of a plant.

Bryophytes

Nonvascular plants that have no roots, vascular tissue, or leaves, are really small, and need $H_2O$ for reproduction because sperm swim.

Pollen grain

The male gametophyte of a plant.

Hyphae

Threadlike structures that make up the body of fungi.

Mycelium

A collection of hyphae.

Radial symmetry

A body plan that is circular or arranged around a central axis.

Bilateral symmetry

A body plan with two identical sides.

True coelom

A body cavity that has to be lined on both sides by mesoderm.

Choanocytes

Specialized cells in sponges that trap food.

Amoebocytes

Specialized cells in sponges that digest food.

Cnidocytes

Stinging cells found in organisms like jellies, hydras, and anemones.

Radula

A file-like organ used for feeding found in Mollusca.

Acoleomate

An animal that lacks a body cavity, such as a tapeworm.

Lateral line system

A system in cartilaginous fish used to detect vibrations.

Tetrapods

Vertebrates that have 4 legs.

Amniotic egg

A waterproof egg produced by reptiles that allows them to reproduce on land.

Monotremes

Mammals that lay eggs.

Marsupials

Mammals whose young are born super early and live in a pouch.

Eutherians

Mammals with a long gestation period and a close bond to the mother.

Australopithecus

Bipedal human relative, often associated with the fossil Lucy.

Homo habilis

Human relative known for using tools.

Homo erectus

The human relative that left Africa and had a large brain.

Acclimation

Reversible physiological changes, such as producing more red blood cells at high elevation.

Population density

The number of individuals per unit area.

Carrying capacity

The maximum number of organisms that a habitat can support.

Density independent factors

Regulation of population growth caused by factors like natural disasters or weather.

Trophic structure

The feeding relationships and food energy transfer between trophic levels.

Species richness

How many different species are present in a community.

Relative abundance

Also known as species evenness, it refers to how many of each species you have.

Keystone species

A species whose impact is greater than its abundance indicates; helps keep a community diverse.

Nucleus

The center of an atom containing protons and neutrons.

Electrons

Subatomic particles that go in orbits around the nucleus.

Polypeptide

The polymer form of proteins.

Cellular respiration

The process of making ATP using the starting materials $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$ and ending with products $6CO_2 + 6H_2O$.

Photosynthesis

The process taking place in the chloroplast with starting materials $6CO_2 + 6H_2O$ and ending with products $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by alleles (e.g., RR, Rr, rr).

Phenotype

The physical appearance of an organism.

Transcription

The process occurring in the nucleus where DNA is used to produce RNA.

Translation

The process occurring in the cytoplasm where RNA is used to produce protein.

Cellular differentiation

A process caused by specific patterns of gene expression.

Genetically modified organism

An organism that gains a gene through artificial means.