Living Environment Regents Examination Review

Flashcards based on the January 2026 Living Environment Regents High School Examination covering genetics, ecology, human physiology, and cellular biology.

DNA (Genetic Information)

Stored information in the cell most directly used to synthesize specific proteins.

Natural Selection

A process of evolution illustrated by behaviors like a male peacock displaying its tail and dancing to attract a female.

Amino Acids

The building blocks that result from the breakdown of large organic protein molecules.

Acidification of the Ocean

A process caused by $CO_2$ absorption from the atmosphere which can be slowed by reducing the burning of fossil fuels.

Enzymes and Hormones

Both types of molecules have specific shapes that influence how they function within an organism.

Invasive Organisms

Species that enter a new area through human transport and are most likely to disrupt an ecosystem’s stability.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that can result in a gamete with one extra chromosome, leading to human genetic disorders.

Producers

Organisms such as algae and phytoplankton that use inorganic compounds ($CO_2$ and water) to produce high-energy organic compounds.

Asexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction, such as in hydras, where the genes in the offspring cells are identical to the genes of the parent cells.

Allergy

A physical response to a substance, such as red meat, that may affect an individual's ability to breathe.

Antibiotic Resistance

A bacterial trait that can develop due to changes occurring in the genetic material of the bacterium.

Placenta

A characteristic of the human reproductive system that provides oxygen and nutrients to a developing fetus.

Insulin

A substance that helps reduce symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and fatigue in individuals with high blood glucose levels.

Genetic Engineering

A process where DNA fragments are cut and joined at sticky ends to form a DNA segment with a new genetic sequence.

Diffusion

A method of transport through a cell membrane where molecules move from an area of higher concentration to lower concentration.

Gene Expression

The process by which environmental factors (such as a temperature of 25^\\\circ C or 37^\\\circ C) influence how traits are manifested in an organism like Serratia marcescens.

Progesterone and Estrogen

Two chemical substances that play a direct role in the regulation of the female reproductive system.

Ecological Niche

The specific role or space occupied by a species; separate niches allow multiple bird species to inhabit the same trees without competition.

Vacuole

A membrane-surrounded structure in an animal cell that stores cellular products.

Autotrophs

The group of organisms (producers) that herbivores are most directly dependent on for energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Useable energy supplied to the cell by processes taking place in the mitochondrion.

Drone Bee Genetics

Male bees that result from the development of unfertilized eggs and contain only $16$ chromosomes.

Overfishing

The practice of catching fish faster than their populations can be sustained, leading to the disruption of ocean food webs.

Cilia

Structures lining the respiratory tract that sweep mucus with pathogens out of the lungs; their activity is measured in $Hertz$ and can be inhibited by cinnamon flavoring.

Hepatitis B Vaccine (GM Bananas)

A vaccine produced by transferring a gene for a specific viral protein into a banana plant, triggering antibody production when eaten.

Erythropoietin (EPO)

A hormone produced by the kidney that regulates the production of red blood cells in bone marrow as part of a feedback mechanism.

CRISPR

A technology used to modify the genetic code of organisms, such as disabling retroviruses in pigs to allow for organ transplants into humans.

MC1R Gene

The specific gene for fur color in rock pocket mice that has different alleles causing tan or dark fur.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size of a species an environment can support, which can decrease for native birds when invasive species overpopulate.