Biology #1 Study Guide: The Science & Chemistry of Life - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key biology concepts from the notes.

Biology

The scientific study of life, from microscopic organisms to trees and animals; explores how living things function, interact, and evolve.

Organization & Cells

All living things are made of cells; hierarchical organization from atom → molecule → organelle → cell → tissue → organ → organ system → organism.

Response to Stimuli

Ability to react to environmental changes (e.g., owl pupils dilate in low light).

Homeostasis

Maintenance of internal stability (e.g., keeping body temperature, such as 40°C in owls, via feathers and metabolism).

Metabolism

Chemical reactions that transform energy in living organisms (e.g., photosynthesis in plants; digestion in animals).

Growth & Development

Cell division and specialization; organisms grow and mature (e.g., humans from a single cell to trillions of cells).

Reproduction

Production of offspring; can be sexual (two parents) or asexual (clones); DNA carries hereditary information.

Change Through Time (Evolution)

Genetic changes in populations over time; explains biodiversity and adaptation.

Crystals (Nonliving)

Crystals grow but lack metabolism and reproduction; therefore not alive.

Cell

The basic unit of life; all organisms are built from cells and organized into tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Elements

Pure substances (e.g., O, C, H, N).

Compounds

Fixed ratios of elements (e.g., H2O, NaCl).

Essential Elements

O, C, H, N, Ca, P; make up about 99% of body weight.

Trace Elements

Fe, I, Zn; small but vital for biological processes.

Atoms

The basic unit of matter with protons (+), neutrons (0), and electrons (−).

Isotopes

Same element, different neutron count.

Radioactive Isotopes

Isotopes used in medicine and research for tracing or treatment.

Ionic Bond

Electron transfer between atoms resulting in ionic attraction.

Covalent Bond

Electron sharing between atoms; can be polar or nonpolar.

Hydrogen Bond

Weak bond essential for water properties and DNA structure.

Cohesion

Water molecules sticking to each other.

Adhesion

Water molecules sticking to surfaces.

High Specific Heat

Water’s capacity to moderate temperature due to high specific heat.

Ice Floats

Ice is less dense than liquid water, so it floats on the surface.

Universal Solvent

Water dissolves many polar and ionic substances.

pH Scale

Scale that measures acidity; buffers help stabilize pH levels.

Ocean Acidification

Increased CO2 lowers ocean pH, harming coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Diversity & Unity

Life is incredibly diverse yet unified by shared DNA and cellular structures.

Tree of Life

A diagram showing evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Interdependence

Organisms rely on each other and their environment for survival.

Ecology

Study of interactions among organisms and their environment.

Ecosystems

Communities of living beings plus their physical surroundings.

Evolution

Genetic changes in populations over time.

Natural Selection

Favorable traits increase survival and reproductive success.

Adaptations

Traits that improve fitness in a given environment.

Scientific Method

Systematic process: observe, question, hypothesize, predict, experiment, analyze data, conclude.

Observation

Noticing and describing events or phenomena.

Question

Specific inquiry derived from observations.

Hypothesis

Testable educated guess about a relationship between variables.

Prediction

Statement about expected outcomes if the hypothesis is tested.

Experiment

Procedure to test a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing effects.

Control Group

Baseline group that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Experimental Group

Group in which one variable is deliberately changed.

Independent Variable

Variable deliberately changed by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

Variable measured to assess the effect of the independent variable.

Quantitative Data

Measurable data (e.g., length, time, counts).

Inference

Logical conclusion drawn from evidence and data.

Peer Review

Evaluation by experts to ensure accuracy, credibility, and integrity of research.

Publishing Results

Sharing findings publicly to allow replication and progress.

Bias & Conflicts of Interest

Systematic bias or conflicts that undermine objectivity; must be minimized or disclosed.

Forensic Biologist

Biologist who applies biology to legal investigations; analyzes DNA, blood, and tissue samples; requires strong science background and laboratory skills.

DNA

Molecule that carries genetic information in organisms.

Blood

Biological sample commonly analyzed in forensic investigations.

Tissue Samples

Biological material used for forensic analysis.

Capillary Action

The ability of a liquid to flow in narrow spaces without external forces, critical for processes in plants and biology.

Polarity

The property of molecules having distinct positive and negative ends, affecting their interactions and behaviors in biological systems.

Surface Tension

The cohesive force at the surface of a liquid that makes it behave as if covered by a stretchy film, important in processes.