HONORS BIOLOGY Final Exam Review Flashcards

Flashcards covering Mitosis, Meiosis, Mendelian Genetics, Evolution, Photosynthesis, Cellular Respiration, and Ecology.

Mitosis

A type of cell division from one parent resulting in 2 identical daughter cells

Meiosis

A type of cell division that only happens in sexually reproducing cells

Interphase

Phase of the cycle that the cell spends most of its time (prep phase)

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis and meiosis, where the chromosomes have reached the poles of the cell and a new nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes

Egg (ovum)

The egg, or ovum, is the female gamete involved in reproduction, containing half the genetic material necessary for the formation of a new organism.

Sperm

Sperm is the male gamete that fertilizes the female egg and carries half of the genetic information required for offspring.

Chromosomes

Long strands of DNA that contain genetic information and are found in the nucleus of cells, typically organized in pairs.

Gamete

A reproductive cell (sperm or egg) that carries half the genetic information needed for reproduction.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division in which the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides to form two daughter cells.

Prophase

The first stage of cell division where chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.

Crossing over

A genetic recombination process that occurs during meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA, increasing genetic diversity.

Anaphase

The stage in cell division where chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell, ensuring each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes.

Diploid

Refers to a cell or organism that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, typically one from each parent.

Haploid

Describes a cell or organism that has only one complete set of chromosomes, as seen in gametes.

Homologous chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes that have the same genes at the same loci but may contain different alleles.

Metaphase

The stage of cell division where chromosomes line up along the equatorial plane of the cell, preparing for separation.

Heredity

The passing of traits from parents to offspring through genes.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Allele

Different versions of a gene found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

Trait

A specific characteristic or feature of an organism, often influenced by genes.

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes a protein and determines a specific trait.

Dominant

An allele that expresses its phenotype even in the presence of a recessive allele.

Dihybrid Cross

A genetic cross between individuals that differ in two traits.

Recessive

An allele that is only expressed when two copies are present; masked by dominant alleles.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a particular gene.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism for specific traits.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism.

Probability

The likelihood of a particular genetic outcome occurring.

Autosomes

Non-sex chromosomes that determine most of an organism’s traits.

Sex Chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine an organism's sex (X and Y in humans).

Hybrid

An organism that has two different alleles for a specific trait.

Polygenic Traits

Traits influenced by multiple genes, resulting in a range of phenotypes.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic situation where the phenotype is a blend of the two alleles.

Fossils

Preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Adaptation

A trait that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce.

Vestigial Structures

Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution.

Analogous Structures

Body parts in different species that serve similar functions but have different evolutionary origins.

Variation

Differences among individuals within a population.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.

Species

A group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Homologous Structures

Body parts in different species that share a common ancestry but may serve different functions.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Evolution

The gradual change in species over time through processes such as natural selection and genetic drift.

Gene Pool

The total collection of genes in a population.

Common Descent

The theory that all living organisms share a common ancestor.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to new traits.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment.

Artificial Selection

The intentional breeding of organisms to produce desired traits.

Embryology

The study of the development of embryos from fertilization to birth.

Genetic Drift

The random change in gene frequencies in a population over time.

Geographic Isolation

The physical separation of populations that can lead to speciation.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment in plants that captures light energy for photosynthesis.

Chloroplast

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, containing chlorophyll.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.

Glucose

A simple sugar made during photosynthesis that serves as an energy source.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The main energy currency of cells, fueling cellular processes.

Mitochondria

Tiny structures in cells that convert food into energy.

Cellular Respiration

The process cells use to convert oxygen and glucose into energy, producing carbon dioxide and water.

Fermentation

A way for cells to break down sugar for energy without oxygen, often producing alcohol or lactic acid.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems, supporting life on Earth.

Ecology

The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Lichen

A symbiotic association between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.

Detritivore

An organism that feeds on decomposing organic material.

Trophic level

The position an organism occupies in a food chain or web.

Biotic

Living components of an ecosystem.

Predation

The act of one organism hunting and eating another.

Food web

A complex network of feeding relationships between organisms.

Carrying capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain.

Ecosystems

Complex networks of living organisms and their physical environment.

Producers

Organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis.

Invasive species

Non-native organisms that disrupt local ecosystems.

Herbivore

An animal that primarily feeds on plants.

Decomposer

An organism that breaks down dead material and recycles nutrients.

Ecological pyramid

A graphical representation of energy or biomass distribution in an ecosystem.

Carnivore

An animal that primarily feeds on other animals.

Food chain

A linear sequence showing energy flow between organisms.

Symbiosis

A close interaction between two different species, often beneficial to one or both.

Niche

The role or function of an organism within its ecosystem.

Predator

An organism that hunts and consumes other organisms.

Prey

An organism that is hunted and eaten by predators.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Density-independent

Factors that affect population size regardless of density, like natural disasters.

Logistic growth

Population growth that levels off as it approaches carrying capacity.

Limiting factor

A resource or condition that restricts population growth.

Communities

Groups of different species living and interacting in a particular area.

Abiotic

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as water and soil.

Density-dependent

Factors that impact population size based on density, like competition.

Primary consumer

An herbivore that feeds on producers.

Secondary consumer

A carnivore that feeds on primary consumers.

Secondary succession

The process of ecosystem recovery after a disturbance.

Primary succession

The development of an ecosystem in an area previously devoid of life.

Extinction

The permanent loss of a species from Earth.

Habitat

The natural environment where an organism lives.

Conservation

The protection and management of natural resources and ecosystems.

Population dynamics

The study of changes in population size and composition over time.