Quick Test Cram Cards: Ecology, Genetics, and Cell Biology

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts in ecology, natural selection, and cell structures based on lecture cram notes.

Trophic level

An organism’s feeding position in a food chain/web.

Mutualism

An ecological relationship where both organisms benefit (+/+).

Commensalism

An ecological relationship where one benefits and the other is unaffected (+/0).

Parasitism

An ecological relationship where one benefits and the host is harmed (+/−).

Predation

An interaction where a predator hunts and eats prey.

Competition

An interaction where organisms compete for limited resources, such as sunlight, water, nutrients, and space.

Allele

One version of a gene.

Allele frequency

How common an allele is in a population.

Variation

Differences in traits among individuals.

Overproduction

A condition in which more offspring are produced than the environment can support.

Natural selection

A process through which helpful inherited traits become more common over generations, changing allele frequencies.

Prokaryote

A cellular organism with no nucleus and no membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

A cellular organism that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Cell membrane

Controls what enters and leaves the cell; it is semi-permeable, letting some substances pass while blocking others.

Cell wall

Provides rigid support and protection in plant cells.

Cytoplasm

Jellylike material that supports cell parts.

Nucleus

Controls cell activities and stores most DNA.

Mitochondria

Organelles that release usable energy for the cell, containing folds that increase surface area for energy-releasing reactions.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that carry out photosynthesis.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Processes and moves materials around the cell.

Golgi apparatus

Sorts, packages, and delivers materials.

Ribosomes

Cell structures that make proteins.

Lysosomes

Organelles that break down and recycle waste.

Vacuole

An organelle that stores water, food, waste, and other materials.

Cytoskeleton

Maintains cell shape and helps movement.