AP Biology Pre-Vocab 2

Chromosomes:

The DNA when it is wrapped up tightly around proteins during metaphase.

Codon:

The three nucleotide combination on the messenger RNA that matches up with the three letter combination on the transfer RNA and has the information to code for one amino acid

Cohesion:

The attractive force between polar molecules of the same substance.

Controlled variables:

The many characteristics of the experimental group and control group which are held constant.

Cuticle:

The waxy protective layer on plants that prevents dessication.

Cytokinesis:

After mitosis or meiosis it is the “splitting” of the cytoplasm to form two or four new cells each with its own nucleus.

Diploid:

Cells that have two copies of each kind of chromosome.

Endoplasmic reticulum:

the series of membranes inside the cell that allow for passage of materials through the cytoplasm and the synthesis of lipids.

Endosymbiosis:

The theory that eukaryotic cells arose from prokaryotic cells that lived closely together to the point that we now call these former cells “mitochondria” and “chloroplasts”.

Estuary:

The biome created when freshwater mixes with salt water to form brackish water that is one of the most productive areas on Earth.

Enzyme:

An organic catalyst that lowers the activation energy of chemical reactions in organisms thus increasing the rate of reaction.

Eukaryotic cell:

A cell with a nucleus and membrane bound organelles.

External fertilization:

When an egg and sperm unite outside the body of the mother.

Facilitated transport:

The movement of molecules across the cell membrane without the use of ATP, but with the help of a protein.

Fruit:

The ripened ovary of a plant.

Gametes:

The haploid cells produced by meiosis.

Gene:

The section of DNA that is responsible for the production of one polypeptide.

Genetic engineering:

The process of combining the DNA of two different organisms.

Genome:

The entire complement of chromosomes in an individual.

Global Warming:

The increase in carbon dioxide and other gases causes heat to be trapped and thus raises the temperature of the Earth and possibly could lead to flooding and climate change.

Glycerol:

The three carbon backbone molecule of the lipids.