PLTW PBS EOC Exam

Vocabulary flashcards for review.

Hypothesis

A statement predicting the anticipated results of an experiment.

Independent Variable

In an experiment, the variable that the researcher intentionally changes to determine its influence on the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable

In an experiment, the variable being measured and whose value is influenced by another variable.

Control Group

The group in an experiment where the independent variable being tested is not applied. The control group serves as a standard for comparison against the experimental group.

Positive Control

In an experiment, the group that the researcher expects to have a positive result, to show that the experimental setup was capable of producing results.

Negative Control

In an experiment, the group in which the conditions produce a negative outcome. Helps identify outside influences not accounted for.

Experimental Design

A process used to carefully plan experiments in order to investigate scientific questions or problems.

Documentation

A record of citations that identify resources used in writing a work.

Atrium

An upper chamber of the heart where blood enters.

Ventricle

A lower chamber of the heart where blood exits.

Aorta

The largest artery in the body; it carries oxygenated blood from the left ventricle of the heart to the rest of the body.

Aortic Valve

One of four valves in the heart. It separates the left ventricle and the aorta, preventing blood from flowing back into the left ventricle.

Pulmonary Valve

A one-way valve through which blood leaves the heart via the arteries. It prevents blood from returning into the right ventricle.

Mitral Valve

A valve in the heart that guards the opening between the left atrium and the left ventricle. Also called the bicuspid valve.

Tricuspid Valve

The valve at the opening between the right atrium and right ventricle. It has three triangular flaps.

Cardiovascular System

The transport system of the body responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients and removing carbon dioxide and other wastes. Includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood.

Pulmonary Circulation

Part of the circulatory system in which deoxygenated blood moves from the right ventricle to the lungs (via arteries) to become oxygenated, and then returns to the left side of the heart (via veins).

Systemic Circulation

The series of vessels that bring oxygenated blood from the heart to the body tissues and return deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

Respiratory System

The system of organs involved in the intake of oxygen and the release of carbon dioxide. Includes the nose, trachea, lungs, bronchi, and alveoli.

Digestive System

An organ system that breaks down food to extract energy and nutrients and then removes waste.

Nervous System

The body system made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to muscles or glands.

Organ

A collection of tissues in an organism that performs a specific function, such as the heart, brain, skin, or liver.

Tissue

An integrated group of cells with a common function and/or structure.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions.

Pulse

The rhythmic expansion and recoil of arteries resulting from heart contraction.

Heart Rate

A measure of cardiac activity, usually expressed in beats per minute.

Blood Pressure

The pressure that blood exerts upon the walls of blood vessels, especially arteries. Measured with a sphygmomanometer and expressed in mmHg.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure generated by the heart’s left ventricle during contraction (systole).

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in arteries between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed.

Respiratory Rate

The number of breaths an organism takes per minute.

Vital Signs

Measurements that indicate the state of essential body functions, such as pulse, temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

Sphygmomanometer

An instrument used to measure blood pressure.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

A type of nucleic acid with a double-helix structure composed of nucleotides. Contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of living organisms.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

A nucleic acid that is typically single-stranded. Includes bases adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and guanine (G). Involved in protein synthesis.

mRNA (Messenger RNA)

A type of RNA transcribed from DNA and translated by ribosomes to produce proteins.

tRNA (Transfer RNA)

An RNA molecule that transfers specific amino acids to a growing protein chain based on the sequence of mRNA codons.

Transcription

The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

The synthesis of protein using the genetic information encoded in mRNA.

Protein Synthesis

The creation of a protein from a DNA template, involving both transcription and translation processes.

Gene

A sequence of nucleotides that codes for a protein, resulting in a specific phenotype.

Allele

Any of the alternative forms of a gene that may occur at the same place on a chromosome.

Genotype

All or part of the genetic constitution of an individual or group.

Phenotype

The physical and physiological traits of an organism determined by its genetic makeup.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles at one location on two homologous chromosomes.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles at one location on two homologous chromosomes.

Dominant Trait

A trait that is expressed when at least one dominant allele is present.

Recessive Trait

A trait that is only expressed when an individual has two copies of a recessive allele.

Punnett Square

A simple graphical tool used to predict all potential combinations of offspring genotypes, given the parents’ genotypes.

Chromosome

Tightly coiled DNA found in the nuclei of cells that carries genetic information.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, having similar gene composition, size, and structure.

Karyotype

An image of the chromosome pairs of a cell arranged by size and shape.

Mutation

A rare change in genetic material that creates genetic diversity within a species.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique for separating nucleic acids or proteins based on size and electrical charge.

Restriction Enzyme

A degradative enzyme that cuts DNA at specific nucleotide sequences.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A laboratory technique used to amplify DNA in vitro, involving primers, DNA polymerase, and a thermocycler.

RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms)

Variations in DNA fragment sizes produced when DNA is cut with restriction enzymes. These variations are due to differences in DNA sequence.

Pathogen

A disease-causing organism.

Virus

A nonliving, submicroscopic infective agent with a core of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat. Requires a host to replicate.

Bacteria

Single-celled, prokaryotic microorganisms that can be helpful or harmful to humans.

Fungus

Saprophytic and parasitic spore-producing eukaryotic organisms that lack chlorophyll, such as molds, yeasts, and mushrooms.

Prion

An infectious protein that causes other normal proteins to convert to the abnormal form, associated with diseases like mad cow disease.

Protozoan

A eukaryotic protist of the kingdom Protozoa; many are motile and can cause disease.

Helminth

A large, multicellular parasitic worm, such as a tapeworm or fluke.

Infection

The establishment of a disease-causing microorganism within a host.

Immunity

The ability to defend against pathogens through mechanisms that prevent or neutralize infection.

Innate Immunity

Non-specific immune defenses present at birth that protect against any pathogen.

Acquired Immunity

Specific immune defenses that develop over a lifetime in response to antigens. Includes active (via infection or vaccination) and passive (from mother) forms.

Antigen

Anything that stimulates an immune response.

Antibody (Immunoglobulin)

A protein produced by B cells that binds to and helps destroy pathogens.

White Blood Cell (Leukocyte)

Blood cells involved in defending the body against infectious disease and foreign invaders.

Red Blood Cell (Erythrocyte)

Hemoglobin-rich cells that transport oxygen through the body and give blood its red color.

Hematocrit

The proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

A protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen.

Sickle Cell Disease

A genetic disease where red blood cells misshapen, leading to blocked blood flow and oxygen delivery.

Diabetes (general)

A group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose).

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition usually diagnosed in childhood where the body produces little or no insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

A condition typically developing in adults, associated with insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels.

Heart Disease

Any abnormal condition of the heart or circulatory system.

Stroke

A sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, causing brain damage.

Heart Attack

An acute episode of heart disease that leads to damage or death of heart muscle due to insufficient blood supply.

Metabolic Syndrome

A group of concurrent conditions—high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, and high cholesterol—that increase the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Autopsy

A postmortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Medical Examiner

A physician who performs autopsies when deaths occur under unusual circumstances; may also serve as a coroner.

Medical History

A record of information about a patient’s past and present health, including habits, lifestyle, and family medical background.

Diagnosis

The process of determining which disease or condition explains a person’s symptoms and signs.

Forensic Science

The application of scientific knowledge to resolve questions in civil and criminal law.

Toxicology

The study of the adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms.

Toxicant

Manufactured or extracted chemicals (like pesticides, industrial waste, etc.) that produce harmful biological effects.

Toxin

A naturally occurring poison produced by living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, plants, or algae.

Xenotransplantation

The transplantation of cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, such as from pigs to humans.

Tissue Typing

A process where donor and recipient tissues are tested for compatibility before transplantation.

Stenting

A procedure to insert a stent—a tube-like structure—into a vessel or duct to keep it open.

Coronary Bypass

A surgical procedure that reroutes blood flow around blocked arteries in the heart using a vein graft.

Angiogram

A medical imaging technique using dye and X-rays to view blood vessels.

Angioplasty

A procedure to restore blood flow through narrowed or blocked arteries, often using a balloon.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A medical imaging technique using magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Macromolecules

Large molecules made by joining smaller ones; includes carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds like sugars and starches that provide energy to cells.

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids that perform a wide range of functions in the body, including structure, signaling, and catalysis.