Introduction to Biology and Chemistry of Life

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the lecture on the basics of biology and chemistry of life.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach used by scientists to observe, question, research, hypothesize, experiment, analyze data, and communicate results.

Cell Theory

States that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the smallest units of life, and new cells arise from existing cells.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions within an organism.

Evolution

Heritable change in a population from generation to generation influenced by the interactions with the environment.

Matter

Anything that occupies space and has mass, composed of atoms.

Atoms

The smallest functional unit of mass, cannot be broken down further.

Ionic Bond

A bond formed through the attraction between charged ions, created by the gain or loss of electrons.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond that involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Hydrophilic

Substances that are 'water-loving' and will dissolve in water.

Hydrophobic

Substances that do not dissolve well in water; 'water-fearing'.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms attached to carbon skeletons that confer particular chemical properties.

Dehydration Reaction

A reaction where a water molecule is removed to form a polymer from monomers.

Hydrolysis Reaction

The process of adding water to break down polymers into monomers.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides, serving as energy storage or structural elements.

Lipids

Molecules mainly made of hydrogen and carbon that are hydrophobic and not considered true macromolecules.

Proteins

Large molecules made up of amino acids that perform various functions in the body.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information; examples include DNA and RNA.

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex cells that have a nucleus and organelles, found in organisms like plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple cells without a membrane-enclosed nucleus, such as bacteria and archaea.

Endosymbiosis Theory

The theory that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from bacteria that were engulfed by a primitive eukaryotic cell.

Cell Membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that protects the cell and controls the movement of substances in and out.

Membrane Proteins

Proteins associated with the cell membrane that play roles in transport, communication, and structural integrity.