Biol 101 Lab – Labs 1-4 Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the Biol 101 lab curriculum including scientific methods, cellular chemistry, DNA investigation, and genetics.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting previous knowledge.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

The variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment.

Control Variable

A variable that is kept constant to accurately assess the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Macromolecules

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

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size.

Positive Control

An experimental group that is expected to give a positive result in an experiment, confirming the experiment's capability to produce results.

Negative Control

An experimental group that is not expected to give a positive result, used to ensure that experimental conditions are not introducing false results.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, typically represented by the alleles present.

Phenotype

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an individual, determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Punnett Square

A diagram that is used to predict the outcome of a particular cross or breeding experiment.

Amino Acid

Building blocks of proteins, determined by codons in the genetic code.

Central Dogma

The principle that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that may affect how a gene functions, potentially altering the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Allele

One of two or more different forms of a gene that can exist at a single locus.

Homozygous

An organism that has two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

An organism that has two different alleles for a particular gene.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.