Scientific Measurement, Experimental Design, and Cell Biology

Comprehensive flashcards created from lecture notes covering tools and units of measurement, experimental design definitions, plant vs. animal cell structures, and prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cell characteristics.

Length

A physical quantity measured using a ruler or meter stick, with units in $\text{cm}$ or $\text{mm}$.

Mass

A physical quantity measured using a scale, with units in grams ($\text{g}$).

Volume

A physical quantity measured using a graduated cylinder, with units in $\text{mL}$.

Independent Variable (IV)

The 1 variable (part) that is being tested or changed in an experiment (for example, heads vs tails).

Dependent Variable (DV)

Data that is being measured, recorded, or counted in an experiment; can be numbers (quantitative) or descriptions (qualitative).

Quantitative Data

Data expressed as numbers (#'s) measured, recorded, or counted as part of the dependent variable.

Qualitative Data

Data expressed as descriptions measured, recorded, or counted as part of the dependent variable.

Control Group

The "normal" group used to compare in an experiment.

Experimental Group

The group that you are doing the test on in an experiment.

Controlled Variables

Also known as constants; variables that stay the same constant the whole time during an experiment.

Cell Wall

A structure present in plant cells that provides structure and protection; animal cells do not have a cell wall.

Large Central Vacuole

An organelle present in plant cells used for $\text{H}_2\text{O}$ (water) storage; animal cells do not have a large central vacuole.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that act as a solar panel to collect sunlight for photosynthesis; animal cells have no chloroplasts and eat food for energy.

Nucleus

The organelle present in eukaryotic cells (including both plant and animal cells) where DNA lives.

Organelles

The various structures and "stuff" contained inside complex cells.

Prokaryotes

Small, simple/basic cells with no nucleus, where DNA is free-flowing in the middle (example: Bacteria).

Eukaryotes

Larger, complex cells where DNA is contained inside the nucleus (examples: Animals, Plants, Fungi).

Cytoplasm

The jelly that holds the cell together; present in all cells.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures where proteins are made; present in all cells.