General Biology

Biology

The study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including anabolism and catabolism.

Reproduction

The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced, either sexually or asexually.

Anabolism

The process of building complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Botany

The branch of biology that focuses on the study of plants.

Zoology

The branch of biology that studies animals, including their behavior, physiology, anatomy, and evolution.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Genetics

The branch of biology that studies heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Ecology

The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Observation (Scientific Method)

Noticing a phenomenon or problem in the natural world as the first step in the scientific method.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation or prediction based on observations and prior knowledge.

Cell Theory

The concept that all living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Cell Membrane

The semi-permeable barrier that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Aerobic Respiration

The process of generating energy (ATP) in the presence of oxygen.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, synthesizing glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

DNA Structure

A double helix composed of nucleotides, which includes a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

Evolution

The change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Natural Selection

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

Gene Flow

The transfer of alleles or genes from one population to another, increasing genetic diversity.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Producers

Organisms that produce their own food through processes like photosynthesis; they form the base of food chains.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Mendelian Genetics

The patterns of inheritance that are characteristic of organisms that reproduce sexually, based on Mendel's laws.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that may alter protein function or expression.

Homologous Structures

Structures with a common evolutionary origin, but different functions across species.

Photosynthesis - Light-Dependent Reactions

The phase of photosynthesis that captures light energy and produces ATP and NADPH.

Trophism

The growth response of a plant to an environmental stimulus, such as light or gravity.