Biology Review

Biomolecules

Large molecules needed for life, also known as macromolecules.

Macromolecules

Large molecules including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomer

A building block or single unit that can link together to form larger structures.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules primarily used for energy, consisting of sugar molecules like glucose.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar units.

Polysaccharide

A complex carbohydrate formed by combining many monosaccharides.

Lipids

Fats and oils that are used for energy storage.

Proteins

Biomolecules made up of amino acids that perform various functions, including forming muscles and enzymes.

Amino Acids

The monomers that make up proteins.

Nucleic Acid

Biomolecules that include DNA and RNA, responsible for genetic information.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, sugar, and nitrogen base.

Cell Theory

States that all living things are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and organelles.

Cell membrane

A phospholipid bilayer that surrounds and protects the cell, regulating what enters and exits.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance inside the cell where organelles are suspended.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic information.

Enzyme

A type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane using energy.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy currency of cells.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy (glucose).

Cellular Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that codes for an amino acid.

Pedigree

A diagram that shows the occurrence of a genetic trait through generations of a family.

Karyotype

A picture of all the chromosomes in a cell used to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Gene pool

The total collection of genes in a population at any one time.

Population Dynamics

The study of how populations change in size and composition over time.

Sustainability

Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.