flash cards from bio study guide

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

Hypothesis

A statement and explanation for a group of observations.

Scientific Theory

A comprehensive explanation supported by abundant evidence, such as the cell theory and Darwin's theory of evolution.

Chemistry

The study of matter.

Matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

Element

A pure substance that cannot be broken down further into simpler forms.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Kinetic Energy

Moving energy.

Hydrogen Bonds

The weakest bonds that form between two water molecules.

Covalent Bond

The strongest bond, resulting from the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Ionic Bond

A medium strength bond formed between two oppositely charged ions.

Solvent

The substance that dissolves another substance.

Solute

The substance that gets dissolved.

Hydrophilic

A term describing substances that love water.

Hydrophobic

A term describing substances that repel water.

pH Scale

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Buffers

Substances that minimize pH changes and help maintain stable pH in body fluids.

Dehydration Synthesis

A reaction that removes water to link molecular units and requires energy.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that adds water to break apart macromolecules and releases energy.

Macromolecules

Large molecules formed from smaller subunits, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules formed from sugars, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Lipids

Hydrophobic macromolecules that include triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

Proteins

Large macromolecules composed of amino acids that perform various functions in the body.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules that store genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell, used for cellular work.

Nucleus

The command center of the cell that contains DNA.

Rough ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum)

A part of the ER coated with ribosomes, synthesizing and folding proteins.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell, producing energy.

Golgi Apparatus

The packing organelle that sends and receives proteins and lipids.

Plasma Membrane

A semipermeable barrier surrounding the cell, controlling entry and exit of substances.

Cytoskeleton

The structural framework of the cell, providing shape and support.

Flagellum

A tail-like structure that helps cells move.

Lysosomes

Organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste in the cell.

Ribosomes

Cell structures responsible for protein synthesis.