Procedure
The set of processes used to define the scientific method typically including a hypothesis, experiment, observation, analysis, conclusion, and evaluation.
Hypothesis
If the (DV) then the (IV).
Independent variable
Variable that is manipulated and has a direct effect on the DV.
Dependent variable
The measured variable that is observed/recorded.
Repeatability
The ability of the experiment to be repeated identically in the same environment.
Precision
The degree to which the results are consistent.
Accuracy
The degree to which the results are close to the true value.
Reproducibility
The ability of the experiment to be repeated with the same materials and method in a different environment.
Validity
The experiment is measuring what it's supposed to be measuring.
Bar Graphs
Different groups of data.
Line graphs
Ranged set or continuous data.
Control set up
The experiment without the independent variable.
Controlled variables
Variables that are used to keep the experiment and control set up the same except for the independent variable.
Experiment
A step in the scientific method where a hypothesis is tested.
Observation
The act of gathering data or information through the senses.
Analysis
The process of examining data or information to uncover patterns, relationships, and insights.
Conclusion
A statement that summarizes the findings of an experiment and determines whether the original hypothesis was supported or refuted.
Method
The specific procedure or technique used to conduct an experiment.
Investigation
The process of exploring a scientific question or problem through systematic research and experimentation.
Experimental Set-up
The arrangement and conditions of an experiment that includes the independent variable.
Control Set-up
A set-up used to compare and confirm findings in the experimental set-up, which does not have the independent variable.
Controlled Variable
Factors that are applied in both setups to ensure that only one variable is tested at a time in an investigation, making it valid.
Results
The data or findings obtained from an experiment, usually presented in graphs or tables.
TAILS
A mnemonic device used to remember the components of a graph, including title, axis, interval, label, and scale.
Random Errors
Unpredictable events or mistakes that affect the results of an experiment, such as outliers or human errors.
Systematic Errors
Errors that occur in the measuring system and affect every single measurement, often requiring recalibration of machines.
Enzymes
Proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.
Catalyst
A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.
Enzyme Functions
The specific roles or tasks performed by enzymes in biochemical reactions.
Substrates
The substances that bind to the active site of an enzyme and undergo a chemical reaction.
Coenzymes
Non-protein organic molecules that assist enzymes in their catalytic functions.
Active Site
The region on the enzyme where specific substrates bind and undergo a chemical reaction.
Anabolic
A type of reaction that builds up larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy (endergonic).
Catabolic
A type of reaction that breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy (exergonic).
Endergonic
Reactions that require an input of energy to proceed, often referred to as uphill reactions.
Exergonic
Reactions that release energy as they proceed, often referred to as downhill reactions.
Activation Energy
The energy required to initiate a chemical reaction, which enzymes lower to increase the rate of reaction.
Denature
The change in the active site of an enzyme, rendering it useless and unable to catalyze reactions.
Optimum Temperature
The temperature at which an enzyme functions most efficiently.
Saturation Point
The point at which all active sites of an enzyme are occupied by substrates, resulting in a stable reaction rate.
Substrate Concentration
The amount of substrate present in a reaction, which affects the rate of reaction until the point of saturation is reached.
Cofactors
Inorganic ions or metal ions that assist enzymes in their catalytic functions.
Feedback Inhibition
A regulatory mechanism in which the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits the activity of an enzyme in the pathway.
Metabolic Pathway
A series of interconnected enzymatic reactions that lead to the synthesis or breakdown of molecules in cells.
Dephosphorylation
The removal of a phosphate group from a molecule.
Phosphorylation
The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule.
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate, a high-energy molecule used as a source of energy in cellular processes.
ADP
Adenosine diphosphate, a lower-energy molecule that results from the hydrolysis of ATP.
Mechanic Work
The work performed by enzymes in moving or rearranging structures within cells.
Nucleotide
A building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
Hydrolysis
The chemical breakdown of a compound due to a reaction with water.
Hydrolyse
The process of breaking down a compound through hydrolysis.
Loaded
Referring to ATP, it means that the molecule is fully energized and ready to release energy.
Unloaded
Referring to ADP, it means that the molecule is not fully energized and requires energy input to become ATP.
Inorganic Phosphate (Pi)
A phosphate ion that is not part of an organic molecule.
Organic
Referring to a molecule that contains carbon atoms.
Inorganic
Referring to a molecule that does not contain carbon atoms.
Cellular Respiration
The process in which cells produce energy by breaking down glucose and other molecules.
Enzymes
Proteins that speed up chemical reactions in cells, including those involved in cellular respiration.
Adenine Triphosphate (ATP)
A molecule that stores and releases energy for cellular processes.
Hydrolysis
The process of breaking down ATP into ADP and phosphate by adding water.
ATPase
An enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of ATP into ADP and phosphate.
Exergonic Reaction
A chemical reaction that releases energy.
ATP Synthesis
The process of creating ATP from ADP and phosphate using ATP synthase.
Coenzymes
Molecules that assist enzymes in their catalytic functions.
NAD+ and FAD
Coenzymes that accept and transport electrons during cellular respiration.
Glycolysis
The first step of cellular respiration, in which glucose is broken down into pyruvate.
Krebs Cycle
The second step of cellular respiration, in which pyruvate is further broken down to release energy.
Electron Transport Chain
The final step of cellular respiration, in which electrons are transported and used to generate ATP.
Anaerobic Respiration
The process of producing energy without oxygen, typically through fermentation.
Fermentation
A metabolic process that converts pyruvate into either lactic acid or ethanol.
Oxygen Concentration
The amount of oxygen present, which affects the rate of cellular respiration.
Glucose Concentration
The amount of glucose available, which affects the rate of cellular respiration.
Biofuels
Renewable fuels made from recently living organisms, such as plants and algae.
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants convert sunlight into energy in the form of glucose.
Light Dependent
The stage of photosynthesis that requires light and produces ATP and NADPH.
Light Independent (Calvin Cycle)
The stage of photosynthesis that does not require light and produces glucose.
Autotrophs
Organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Heterotrophs
Organisms that rely on consuming other organisms for food.
Stomata
Small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for the exchange of gases.
Xylem
Tubes in plants that transport water from the roots to the leaves.
Phloem
Tubes in plants that transport food (sugar) from the leaves to other parts of the plant.
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen.
Chloroplast
The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.
Reduction
The gain of electrons in a chemical reaction.
Oxidation
The loss of electrons in a chemical reaction.
NADP
A molecule that picks up hydrogen ions released during photosynthesis and becomes NADPH.
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that stores and releases energy for cellular processes.
Xylem
Tubes in plants that carry water from the roots to the leaves.
Phloem
Tubes in plants that carry food to all parts of the plant for cellular respiration.
Thylakoid
Discs in the chloroplast filled with chlorophyll where the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis occurs.
Stroma
The fluid-filled space in the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle, or light-independent stage of photosynthesis, occurs.
Calvin cycle
The process in the stroma where carbon dioxide, ATP, and NADPH are used to synthesize glucose.
Rubisco
An enzyme required for the fixation of carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle.
C3 plants
First product is PGA (3c), undergoes photorespiration, Co2 fixing enzyme is Rubisco, 1 CO2 Fixation
C4 plants
Plants that use an additional step before the Calvin cycle to fix carbon dioxide, making them more efficient in hot and dry conditions.
CAM plants
Plants that open their stomata at night to trap carbon dioxide and store it for use during the day, making them adapted to hot and dry conditions.
Stomata
Openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange.
Photorespiration
A process that occurs when there is a lack of carbon dioxide entering the plant, resulting in oxygen binding to Rubisco instead and producing carbon dioxide.
Proteins
Biomacromolecules made up of amino acids that have various functions in cells and organisms.