Biology Review for Exam # 1

A collection of vocabulary flashcards for key concepts related to the biology exam review.

Science

Knowledge that covers general truths or the operations of general laws.

Biology

The study of life.

Discovery science

Usually inductive, aims to observe, explore, and discover.

Hypothesis-based science

Usually deductive, begins with a question/problem that can be tested.

Scientific method

Steps include making an observation, asking a question, forming a hypothesis, making predictions, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and reporting results.

Double blind experiment

An experiment where both researchers and participants do not know which subjects are receiving the treatment.

Repeatability

A principle in science that emphasizes peer review and repetition of results.

Taxonomy

The classification of life's diversity.

Three Domain System

A classification system that includes Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Water

A polar molecule important for life, known for properties such as cohesion/adhesion, evaporative cooling, and being a universal solvent.

pH

A scale that measures the concentration of H+ ions in a solution.

Hydrogen bonds

Attractions between the slightly negative oxygen and slightly positive hydrogen in polar molecules.

Covalent bonds

Chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons.

Ionic bonds

Chemical bonds formed by the transfer of electrons.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, which serve as primary energy sources.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins.

Nucleotides

Building blocks of nucleic acids composed of sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Cell theory

States that all living things are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells come from preexisting cells.

Eukaryotic cells

Cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins.

Endoplasmic reticulum

Organelle that processes proteins and lipids, including rough (protein synthesis) and smooth (lipid synthesis) types.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles involved in photosynthesis in plant cells.

Cytoskeleton

A network that provides structure and support to the cell, consisting of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate fibers.

Tight junctions

Cell junctions that prevent leakage between adjacent cells.

Desmosomes

Strong connections between cells that provide structural support.

Gap junctions

Cell junctions that allow communication between adjacent cells.