Biology Released Form Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the North Carolina Biology End-of-Course assessment release form, covering DNA structure, cell biology, genetics, and ecology.

DNA Molecule Arrangement

A double-stranded structure with alternating deoxyribose and phosphate groups on the sides and adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine in the middle.

Enzyme X

A biological catalyst required for a reaction; adding more of it typically results in an increase in the reaction rate.

Prokaryotic Cell

A type of cell characterized by the absence of certain organelles like a nucleus, often identified in microscopic observations by its specific cellular characteristics.

Codon (Significant Nucleotide Sequence)

Three consecutive nucleotides in DNA that code for one amino acid.

Cell Cycle Error (Cytokinesis before Mitosis)

An error resulting in new cells with an incorrect amount of DNA and organelles, likely leading to cell death.

Specialized Cells

Cells that contain the same DNA but express certain traits to produce specific structures, such as feathers or scales, as they mature.

Photosynthesis (Energy Transfer)

An energy transfer process that starts with solar energy and converts it into chemical energy stored in the bonds of carbohydrates.

Heat-Induced Denaturation

A process where heating causes a shape change in enzymes, such as those in a potato, so they can no longer function properly to break down substances like hydrogen peroxide.

Vacuole (Plant Cell)

An organelle that stores water for later use in photosynthesis; its decrease in size can lead to a decreased rate of photosynthesis.

Estuary

A brackish water environment where salinity increases at high tide with ocean water and decreases at low tide as fresh water from a river enters.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

A cellular membrane that allows water and other materials to move into and out of the cell as needed to maintain homeostasis.

Crossing-over

A process involving homologous chromosomes that serves as a primary source of genetic variation.

Genetically Engineered Corn

A crop that has been modified with a bacterial gene to produce pesticide, allowing farmers to reduce chemical use during the growing season.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to adapt to medication, allowing them to survive and continue to reproduce after exposure to an antibiotic.

Nucleotide Sequences

The sequences of bases in DNA that provide the most reliable evidence of common ancestry among different species.

Artificial Selection

The human practice of encouraging the transmission of specific traits, such as high-quality milk production in dairy cows, from parents to offspring.

Cellular Respiration (Energy Role)

The process of releasing energy from the chemical bonds in carbohydrates to produce ATP molecules.

Phytoplankton

Organisms at the bottom of the food chain that obtain energy directly from the sun and transfer it to other organisms.

Polygenic Trait (Human Height)

A trait controlled by multiple genes, resulting in a wide range of phenotypes that can be influenced by environmental factors like nutrition and health.

Ribosome (Protein Synthesis)

The site of protein synthesis where mRNA attaches to tRNA molecules that are coupled to specific amino acids.