SCIENCE MIDTERM

Scientific Method

A series of steps: Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Observation, Conclusion.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon or question that can be tested.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or affected in an experiment.

Control Group

The group that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used for comparison.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the treatment or condition being tested.

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Diffusion

Movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins.

Mitochondria

The organelle where aerobic respiration occurs.

Cell Membrane

The structure that regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

Negative Feedback Loop

A process that counteracts a change in a system to maintain balance.

Positive Feedback Loop

A process that amplifies change in a system, making it more extreme.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms.

Nucleic Acids

Biomacromolecules such as DNA and RNA that store genetic information.

Cell Theory

The theory that all living things are composed of cells, the basic unit of life.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that absorbs light for photosynthesis.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration that occurs without oxygen, producing less ATP.

Aerobic Respiration

Respiration that requires oxygen and produces more ATP.

Kidneys

Organs that play a key role in osmoregulation and maintaining water balance.

Feedback Mechanism

Processes that utilize information to maintain internal stability.

Lactic Acid

A byproduct of anaerobic respiration, often associated with muscle fatigue.

Variables

Factors in an experiment that can change.

Adaptation through Evolution

The process by which species adjust to their environment to survive.

Data Table

A structured format for organizing and presenting experimental data.

Graph Types

Various forms of data representation, including bar, line, and pie charts.

Cell Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions.

Osmoregulation

The regulation of water and solute concentrations within an organism.

Energy Use

The way living organisms obtain and utilize energy to perform biological functions.

Stimuli

Changes in the environment that provoke a response in living organisms.

Comparison of Gas Exchange

Examining how respiration varies across different organisms and their environments.

Yeast Investigation

An experiment to observe cellular respiration in yeast under varying oxygen levels.

Graphing Changes During Exercise

Analyzing how blood oxygen levels fluctuate with physical activity.

Cellular Respiration Equation

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP.

Photosynthesis Equation

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.