Introduction to Biology

A set of flashcards covering fundamental concepts in biology, including key terms, definitions, and processes.

What is the basic unit of life?

The cell.

What is a hypothesis?

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

What is the process by which plants make their food?

Photosynthesis.

What are the four macromolecules essential for life?

Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What is the purpose of a controlled experiment?

To isolate the effect of the independent variable.

What is the difference between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

The independent variable is manipulated by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is measured.

What is homeostasis?

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

What is natural selection?

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

What are enzymes?

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

What is the significance of DNA?

DNA contains the genetic information necessary for the growth, development, and reproduction of organisms.