Midterm Concept Vocab Review

Qualitative

Data that describes characteristics or qualities.

Quantitative

Data that can be measured and expressed numerically.

Precision

The degree to which repeated measurements produce similar results.

Accuracy

The degree to which a measurement reflects the true value.

Independent variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The variable that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

Constants

Variables that are kept the same throughout the experiment.

Control group

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment.

Experimental group

The group that receives the treatment being tested.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes in an organism.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of stable internal conditions in an organism.

Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose to release energy.

Regulation

The process of maintaining homeostasis in the body.

Reproduction

The biological process of producing offspring.

Growth & repair

The process of increasing in size and mending of tissues.

Excretion

The removal of waste products from the body.

Nutrition

The intake and utilization of food for energy and growth.

Transfer

The movement of substances within organisms and between organisms.

Synthesis

The process of combining simpler substances to form more complex substances.

Macromolecule

A large, complex molecule such as proteins, lipids, or carbohydrates.

C.H.O.N.P.S.

The major elements that comprise organic compounds: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur.

Monomer

A small molecule that can join together with others to form a polymer.

Polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating units called monomers.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules made up of sugar units, used for energy.

Protein

Biomolecules made of amino acids that perform various functions in the body.

Lipid

Biomolecules that are hydrophobic, including fats and oils.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules that store genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

RNA

A molecule that helps translate DNA into proteins, including mRNA and tRNA.

Protein synthesis

The process of using DNA and RNA to produce proteins.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes use RNA to produce proteins.

Peptide bond

The bond formed between amino acids in a protein.

Protein folding

The process by which a protein assumes its functional shape.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

Structural proteins

Proteins that provide support and shape to cells and tissues.

Cell receptors

Proteins that receive signals from outside the cell.

Hormones

Chemical messengers that regulate various functions in the body.

Antibodies

Proteins produced by the immune system to neutralize pathogens.

Feedback mechanisms

Processes that maintain homeostasis by regulating internal conditions.

Negative feedback mechanism

A process that reduces the output of a system to stabilize it.

Positive feedback mechanism

A process that increases the output of a system to enhance a change.

Stimuli

Environmental changes that provoke a response in an organism.

Biotechnology

Use of living systems and organisms to develop or create useful products.

Vaccine

A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity.

Antibiotics

Medicines that inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria.

Integumentary system

The system that protects the body from external damage, including skin.

Muscular system

The system responsible for movement and maintenance of posture.

Skeletal system

The system providing structure and support to the body.

Digestive system

The system responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.

Circulatory system

The system responsible for transporting blood and nutrients throughout the body.

Respiratory system

The system involved in gas exchange and breathing.

Excretory system

The system responsible for removing waste products from the body.

Endocrine system

The system that regulates bodily functions through hormones.

Nervous system

The system that coordinates responses and processes information.

Immune system

The system that defends against pathogens and diseases.

Reproductive system

The system involved in producing offspring.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) used in sexual reproduction.

Ovaries

Female reproductive organs that produce eggs.

Testes

Male reproductive organs that produce sperm.

Uterus

The organ where development of the embryo occurs.

Fertilization

The union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Inputs

The substances that enter into a chemical reaction (e.g., carbon dioxide, water).

Outputs

The products that result from a chemical reaction (e.g., glucose, oxygen).

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.

Light energy

Energy from the sun that is captured during photosynthesis.

Chemical energy

Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

Chemical elements

Basic substances that make up all matter, such as C, H, O, N, P.

Hydrocarbon backbone

A chain of carbon atoms that forms the main structure of organic molecules.

Dehydration Synthesis

The process of joining two molecules together while removing water.

Hydrolysis

The chemical process that splits molecules by adding water.

Cellular respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy.

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce ATP through cellular respiration.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The primary energy carrier in cells.

Aerobic respiration

Respiration that requires oxygen to produce energy.

Anaerobic respiration

Respiration that occurs without oxygen.