Final exam topics

Evolution/Natural Selection

The process by which organisms change over time through variations that improve survival and reproduction.

3 Domains of Life

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya; the three major categories of life based on cellular structure.

Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms without a nucleus, while eukaryotes are organisms with complex cells containing a nucleus.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane without the use of energy, often along a concentration gradient.

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across a cell membrane using energy, often against a concentration gradient.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids, that are essential for life's functions.

Enzyme Structure

Enzymes are typically proteins that act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, used for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces chromosome number by half to produce gametes, resulting in genetic diversity.

Gene Regulation

The mechanism by which cells control the expression of genes, influencing cell function and identity.

Biotechnology

The use of living organisms or biological systems to develop products, typically involving genetic manipulation.

Bioethics

The study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine, focusing on the implications of biotechnological interventions.