Forensic Biology / Fall 2025 Exam 1 Review Sheet

These flashcards cover key concepts included in the lecture notes for the Forensic Biology course, focusing on definitions and important facts relevant for Exam 1.

A stimulus is any __ factor that provokes a response from an organism.

external or internal

Chemotaxis is the movement of an organism or cell in response to a __ stimulus.

chemical

When an organism moves toward light, it exhibits __ phototaxis.

positive

Homeostasis is the process by which organisms maintain a __ internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

stable

Reproduction ensures the continuation of a __.

species

Adaptation is any inherited __ that improves an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce.

trait

Adaptation is driven by evolution through __ selection.

natural

Biological evidence includes materials from living organisms, such as blood, saliva, __, hair, or semen.

skin cells

Biological evidence provides __ information for identification.

genetic

Postmortem toxicology focuses on analyzing __ samples from deceased individuals.

biological

A xenobiotic is any __ that is foreign to the body, such as drugs or pollutants.

substance

Naloxone reverses opioid effects by blocking __ in the brain.

receptors

The term ADME stands for __, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion.

Absorption

In the context of mitochondrial DNA, its lower probative value means it can suggest someone’s __ but cannot definitively prove identity.

presence

Cholesterol helps maintain the membrane’s stability and __.

flexibility

Phagocytosis is a key function of __ transport.

bulk

Ribosomes are responsible for __ synthesis by linking amino acids together.

protein

The __ is where drugs undergo significant metabolism before they reach systemic circulation, reducing their potency.

liver

The __ is a clear, jelly-like fluid inside the eye, useful for toxicology after death.

vitreous humor

A drug is a chemical substance that causes a __ effect when introduced into the body.

physiological

Arsenic is known as __ powder because it was commonly used for poisoning in the 1800s.

inheritance