Ch.1 Bio

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture video notes.

Biology

study of life and organisms

Atom

The smallest unit of an element

Molecule

A chemical combination of two or more atoms; water is an example.

Organelle

A specialized subcellular structure that performs a specific function within a cell.

Cell

The basic unit of life.

Tissue

A group of similar cells that perform a specific function.

Organ

A structure composed of two or more tissues that performs a function (e.g., brain).

Organ system

A group of organs that work together to perform a broader function (e.g., nervous system).

Organism

An individual living thing.

Population

All the members of one species in a defined area.

Community

Many populations of different species inhabiting a common environment and interacting.

Ecosystem

All the biotic and abiotic factors in the environment.

Biosphere

All of Earth's ecosystems.

Biome

A worldwide complex of communities characterized by its climax vegetation.

DNA

Transmits information from one generation to the next; makes up genes; codes for proteins.

Gene

A basic unit of heredity that codes for a protein.

Prokaryotic cell

Cells without a nucleus; includes Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotic cell

Cells with a nucleus; includes Fungi, Protists, Plants, and Animals.

Nucleus

The organelle that houses genetic material; surrounded by a nuclear envelope.

Chromatin

DNA packaged with proteins inside the nucleus.

Nucleolus

A region inside the nucleus where ribosomes are formed.

Nuclear envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus.

Rough endoplasmic reticulum

ER studded with ribosomes; synthesizes proteins for membranes or secretion.

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum

ER without ribosomes; synthesizes lipids and detoxifies substances.

Ribosome

Site of protein synthesis; can be free or attached to rough ER.

Lysosome

Digests waste material and cellular debris.

Mitochondrion

Powerhouse of the cell; site of cellular respiration.

Golgi apparatus

Packages, sorts, and ships proteins and lipids.

Vesicle

A small membrane-bound sac that transports substances inside the cell.

Plasma membrane

The boundary of the cell that controls movement of substances in and out.

Chloroplast

Site of photosynthesis in plants; contains chlorophyll.

Central vacuole

Large storage organelle in plant cells that maintains turgor.

Cell wall

Rigid layer outside the plasma membrane in plants; provides support.

Plasmodesmata

Channels through cell walls that connect plant cells.

Macromolecule

A large biological molecule such as a protein or nucleic acid.

Taxonomy

The study of the classification of living organisms.

Binomial nomenclature

System of naming organisms using two Latin names: genus and species.

Genus

The first part of a binomial name; capitalized.

Specific epithet

The second part of a binomial name; not capitalized.

Scientific name

The Latin binomial name for a species; usually italicized.

Domain

The highest taxonomic rank; three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

Kingdom

A major taxonomic rank (e.g., Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Bacteria, Archaea).

Phylum

A taxonomic rank (e.g., Chordata).

Class

A taxonomic rank (e.g., Mammalia).

Order

A taxonomic rank (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).

Family

A taxonomic rank (e.g., Hominidae, Fagaceae).

Three domains (summary)

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya as the top-level division of life.

Producers

Organisms that produce organic matter from inorganic sources (e.g., plants, phytoplankton).

Primary consumer

Herbivores that eat producers.

Secondary consumer

Organisms that eat primary consumers.

Decomposer

Organisms that break down dead matter and recycle nutrients.

Observation

Noting and describing phenomena to ask questions.

Question

A testable inquiry guiding scientific investigation.

Hypothesis

A tentative scientific explanation that must be tested.

Theory

A well-supported explanation based on multiple lines of evidence.

Control group

Group that does not receive the experimental treatment for comparison.

Experimental group

Group that receives the treatment or manipulation.

Placebo

An inert treatment used to control for the placebo effect.

Bias

A systematic error that skews results.

Sample size

The number of individuals or observations in a study.

Blind study

Participants do not know which treatment they receive.

Double-blind study

Neither participants nor researchers know treatment assignments.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to regulate and balance its internal environment.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions occurring in an organism.

Growth

An increase in size or number of cells.

Development

Changes that occur during an organism’s lifetime.

Reproduction

Process by which organisms produce new individuals to continue species.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without fusion of sex cells; low genetic variability.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of sex cells; high genetic variability.

Adaptability

Ability to adjust to environmental changes.