Bio Lecture: Introduction to Cell Biology, Scientific Method, and Basic Chemistry

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular organization, evolution models, classification, cell theory, Pasteur's experiments, atomic structure, isotopes, valence shells, and chemical bonding principles.

DNA

The biological blueprint inside a cell that creates proteins.

Proteins

The functional elements inside and outside the cell that perform cellular work and dictate shape and function.

Model

A theoretical construct that scientists utilize after looking at data to explain ideas and observations in the most logical way based on available information.

Actomyosin

The functional combination of actin filaments and myosin protein chains working together to produce muscle contraction.

Domains of Life

The three overarching categories of biological classification consisting of Prokarya, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Canis familiaris

The Latin scientific name for the domesticated dog, comprising its genus name (Canis) and species name (familiaris).

Cell Theory

The fundamental biological theory stating that all cells arise from previously existing cells.

Spontaneous Generation Hypothesis

The historical hypothesis proposing that living cells can spontaneously form directly from non-living matter or nutrient media.

Hypothesis

An explanation or proposed idea about the way a system or biological model actually works.

Prediction

A specific guess regarding the expected results or outcomes of an experiment if a given hypothesis is true.

Swan-Necked Flask

A specialized glass flask designed by Louis Pasteur that allows gas exchange while trapping airborne particles and microbes in its curved neck to maintain broth sterility.

Atomic Nucleus

The dense center of an atom composed of positively charged protons and uncharged neutrons.

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle located in the nucleus whose total count defines the identity of a specific atom.

Neutron

A neutral subatomic particle located in the nucleus of an atom that contributes to atomic mass without changing the charge.

Isotopes

Different versions of the same chemical element that possess identical proton numbers but differing numbers of neutrons.

Deuterium

An isotope of hydrogen ($H-2$) containing one proton and one neutron in its nucleus.

Tritium

An isotope of hydrogen ($H-3$) containing one proton and two neutrons in its nucleus.

Valence Shell

The outermost electron shell of an atom that determines its stability and the number of chemical bonds it can form.

CHNOPS

An acronym representing Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, and Sulfur, which are the primary elements constituting biomolecules.

Covalent Bond

A chemical interaction between two atoms characterized by the sharing of a pair of valence electrons.

Polar Covalent Bond

A covalent bond in which shared electrons are pulled closer to the more electronegative atom, resulting in an unequal distribution of charge.

Polar Molecule

A molecule that contains partial positive and partial negative charges due to the presence of polar covalent bonds.