ACA Biology 101 Test 1 Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, terminology, and key topics for ACA Biology 101 Test 1 across Lectures 1 through 4.

Biology

The scientific study of life and living organisms.

Basic Science

Science aimed at expanding knowledge for its own sake, regardless of short-term application.

Applied Science

Science aimed at using scientific knowledge to solve specific, real-world problems.

Inductive Reasoning

A form of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

A form of logical thinking that uses a general principle or law to forecast specific results.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive, non-numerical data capturing qualities, characteristics, or observations.

Quantitative Data

Numerical data involving measurements, values, counts, or statistics.

Hypothesis

A proposed, testable, and falsifiable explanation for an observation or scientific question.

Null Hypothesis

A hypothesis stating that there is no significant difference, effect, or relationship between observed variables.

Degrees (level) of IV

The specific values or experimental conditions set for the independent variable in an experiment.

Characteristics of Life

The 8 fundamental properties shared by all living organisms.

Octet Rule

The rule stating that atoms are most stable when their outermost energy shell contains eight electrons.

Isotopes

Forms of an element that have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Hydrophilic

Describing substances that interact readily with or dissolve in water due to their polar nature.

Hydrophobic

Describing non-polar substances that do not dissolve in or interact well with water.

Organic

Describing molecules containing carbon chemically bonded to hydrogen and other elements.

Macromolecule

A very large molecule, such as a protein, nucleic acid, lipid, or carbohydrate, built from smaller subunits.

Carbohydrates

Biological macromolecules categorized as simple or complex (monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides) that provide energy and structural support.

Lipids

A class of non-polar macromolecules including saturated, unsaturated, trans-fat, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.

Polypeptide

A continuous chain of amino acids joined together by peptide bonds.

R-group

The variable side chain attached to the core amino acid structure that determines its specific chemical properties.

Primary (1°) Structure

The unique linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

Secondary (2°) Structure

The localized folding or coiling of a polypeptide chain into patterns like alpha-helices or beta-pleated sheets held by hydrogen bonds.

Tertiary (3°) Structure

The overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain formed by interactions among R-groups.

Quaternary (4°) Structure

The overall structure formed by the assembly of two or more individual polypeptide subunits into a functional protein.

Nucleotide

The monomer subunit of nucleic acids consisting of three parts: a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Cell Theory

A foundational biological principle comprising 3 core parts describing cells as the basic unit of structure and life.

Endosymbiotic Theory

The evolutionary theory proposing that eukaryotic organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from free-living prokaryotes.

Prokaryote

A single-celled organism that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

An organism whose cells possess a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

3 Domains of Life

The highest level of biological classification dividing cellular life into Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles containing digestive enzymes to break down waste, debris, and cellular macromolecules.

Peroxisomes

Small, membrane-bound organelles that contain enzymes for metabolic reactions, including breaking down fatty acids and toxins.

Cell Specialization

The adaptation of cell structures causing specific cells to contain varying amounts or types of particular organelles to perform distinct functions.