Bis

Controlled Experiment

An experiment that includes a control group, an experimental group, and variables to ensure valid results.

Control Group

This group does not receive the experimental treatment, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Experimental Group

This group receives the treatment or condition being tested.

Independent Variable

The variable manipulated or changed by researchers to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Constants

All other variables kept constant in an experiment to ensure that changes are due to the independent variable.

Replication

The process of repeating an experiment to ensure reliability and accuracy of results.

Pseudoscience

An explanation that cannot be falsified, lacking the rigor of scientific evidence.

Scientific reasoning

Convincing by appeal to evidence and logic.

Falsification Process

A method involving the ruling out of hypotheses through testing and eliminating incorrect ones.

Homologous Traits

Shared characteristics inherited from a common ancestor, important for classifying features in biology.

SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)

A variation in a single nucleotide that may lead to variations in traits or phenotypes.

Catabolism

Energy-yielding metabolism that breaks down fuels to produce ATP.

Anabolism

Biosynthetic metabolism that uses energy to build large molecules from smaller ones.

Mutation

A random change in a DNA sequence that can affect protein function.

Antibiotic

Drugs that kill bacteria by targeting structures specific to bacterial cells.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)

An organism whose DNA sequence has been altered by humans for specific purposes.

Selective Breeding

A process where animals or plants with desired traits are chosen to reproduce, passing on those traits to offspring.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of the Earth caused by greenhouse gases absorbing outgoing radiation.

Carbon Fixation

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into carbohydrates during photosynthesis.

Engram

Patterns of neurons that activate together to store a memory.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by pancreatic beta cells that signals cells to uptake glucose.

Probiotics

Live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed, typically found in fermented foods.

Cancer Immunotherapy

A treatment designed to unleash the immune system against cancer cells.

Viruses

Pathogens that can invade host cells, often having specific host species they infect.

Transcription Factors

Proteins that help regulate gene expression and determine cell fate.

CRISPR-Cas9

A genome editing tool that allows for targeted changes to DNA sequences.

Hydrophobic Effect

The tendency of nonpolar substances to aggregate in aqueous environments, excluding water.