General Biology - Building Blocks of Life and Scientific Method

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic principles of general biology, the scientific method, macromolecules, enzymes, and the characteristics of life based on lecture notes.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to problem solving that allows scientists to have confidence in theories and laws.

Manipulated Variable

Also known as the independent variable, it is the single factor in an experiment that is intentionally changed.

Responding Variable

Also known as the dependent variable, it is what is expected to change in response to alterations in the manipulated variable.

Control Group

A group in an experiment that receives no experimental treatment, closely approximates reality, and serves as a benchmark to compare results.

Hypothesis

An educated statement based upon background research that must be tested scientifically before it is confirmed or rejected.

Theory

The best explanation for a large number of observations that must stand the test of time, repeatedly produce accurate hypotheses, and be falsifiable.

Law

A directly observable and predictive explanation for how the physical universe will behave under certain conditions, generally explained by an equation.

Monomer

A single building block that can be connected with others through chemical bonds to build a larger structure.

Polymer

A large structure formed when 3 or more monomers are bonded together.

Carbohydrates

Biological molecules that serve as a key source of cellular energy, characterized by a $1:2:1$ ratio of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen.

Monosaccharide

A single sugar molecule, such as glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$), produced by photosynthesis.

Disaccharide

A double sugar molecule, such as sucrose (table sugar).

Polysaccharide

A complex carbohydrate composed of 3 or more sugars, formed for longer-term energy storage or structural purposes.

Glycogen

A carbohydrate used for energy storage in animals.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate found in the supportive cell walls of plants.

Proteins

Chains of amino acids that fold into specific shapes, which determine their functionality and interaction with other molecules.

Hemoglobin

A transport protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

Collagen

A structural protein present in bones, tendons, and cartilage.

Keratin

A structural protein that forms hair, nails, feathers, and components of horns.

Energy

The ability to move or change matter.

Enzymes

Modified globular proteins that allow biochemical reactions to occur at usable levels regarding rate, temperature, and activation energy.

Substrate

The specific molecule that an enzyme acts upon.

Active Site

The pocket on an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Cell Theory

The fundamental principle stating that all organisms are composed of one or more cells, all cells arise from pre-existing cells, and cells are the smallest unit of structure and function.

Metabolism

The complex chemistry and chemical reactions necessary for organisms to obtain, use, and break down energy to sustain life.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a steady internal environment in response to a changing external environment.

DNA

A double strand of nucleotides responsible for storing genetic information in the cell's nucleus.

RNA

A single strand of nucleotides used to transport genetic information out of the nucleus during the manufacture of proteins.

ATP

Short for Adenosine Triphosphate, a nucleotide that serves as the main chemical energy currency for a cell's metabolism.