Fundamentals Of Biology - Genetics, Evolution, And Ecology

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key concepts from Fundamentals of Biology, including definitions of terms related to genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Biology

The scientific study of living things.

Element

A substance that cannot be broken down into other substances.

Compound

A substance that contains two or more elements.

Atom

The smallest unit of matter that retains the properties of an element.

Molecule

One or more atoms joined together.

Ionic Bonds

Bonds formed when electrons are transferred from one atom to another.

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed when electrons are shared between atoms.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak interactions between slightly charged atoms.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Ion

An atom or molecule with an electrical charge resulting from the gain or loss of one or more electrons.

pH scale

A scale used to describe how acidic or basic a solution is.

Organic Compounds

Carbon-based molecules.

Isomers

Compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structures.

Polymers

Large molecules made from repeating subunits called monomers.

Lipid

Water-fearing compounds important in long-term energy storage.

Carbohydrates

Water-loving molecules important in cellular fuel and structure.

Monosaccharides

Simplest form of carbohydrates; examples include glucose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides

Formed by two monosaccharides bonded together.

Proteins

Molecules made of chains of amino acids that serve as enzymes.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules that comprise DNA and RNA, which store genetic information.

Prokaryote

Simple cells that lack a nucleus or organelles.

Eukaryote

Complex cells that have a nucleus and organelles.

Mitochondria

Organelles that break down sugar to generate energy.

Cytoskeleton

A network of fibers that maintain cell shape and facilitate movement.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a membrane.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires an input of energy.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen, using light energy.

Autotroph

An organism that makes organic substances using inorganic substances.

Chlorophyll

A pigment in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Heterotroph

An organism that obtains organic food by consuming other organisms.