BIO CHAPTER ONE VOCAB

biotechnology

biotechnology

use and application of living things and biological processes

constant

condition that is controlled so that it does not change during an experiment

data

observations and measurement recorded during an experiment

dependent variable

experimental data collected through observation and measurement

experiment

process that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions

gene

specific region of DNA that codes for a particular protein

genomics

study and comparison of genomes within a single species or among different species

hypothesis

proposed explanation or answer to a scientific question

independent variable

condition or factor that is manipulated by a scientist during an experiment

microscope

molecular genetics

observation

using the senses to study the world; using tools to collect measurements; examining previous research results

theory

proposed explanation for a wide variety of observations and experimental results

transgenic

organisms whose genome has been altered to contain one or more genes from another organism or species

adaptation

inherited trait that is selected for over time because it allows organisms to better survive in their environment

biodiversity

variety of life within our area

biology

scientific study of all forms of life

biosphere

all organisms and the part of Earth where they exist

cell

basic unit of life

DNA

molecule that stores genetic information in all organisms

ecosystem

collection of organisms and nonliving things, such as climate, soil, water, and rocks, in an area

evolution

change in a species over time; process of biological change by which decedents come to differ from their ancestors

homeostasis

regulation and maintenance of constant internal conditions in an organism

metabolism

all chemical processes that synthesize or break down materials within an organism

organism

any individual living thing

species

group of organisms so similar to one another that they can breed and produce fertile offspring

system

changing, organized group of related parts that interact to form a whole