Bio Q4 Final Vocabulary

DNA

A molecule that carries genetic information, acting as the blueprint for building and maintaining an organism.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Base Pair

A pair of nitrogenous bases in a DNA molecule that are held together by hydrogen bonds.

Double-Helix

The structure of DNA, consisting of two strands that twist around each other like a spiral staircase.

Sugar-Phosphate Backbone

The structural component of DNA (and RNA), consisting of alternating sugar and phosphate groups.

Gene

A segment of DNA that contains instructions for making proteins or RNA, determining traits and functions in living organisms.

Sequence (DNA or Amino Acid)

The order of nucleotides in DNA or the order of amino acids in a protein.

Structure

The specific arrangement or organization of components in biological molecules, cells, or organisms.

Function

The role or purpose that a biological component serves within an organism.

Protein

A molecule made up of amino acids, essential for many functions including catalyzing reactions and building structures.

Transcription

The process by which a segment of DNA is copied into RNA (specifically mRNA) in the nucleus.

Translation

The process where mRNA is decoded to build a specific protein at the ribosome.

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

RNA (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA)

Types of RNA involved in protein synthesis: mRNA carries the genetic code, tRNA brings amino acids, and rRNA makes up ribosomes.

Ribosome

The cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins.

Protein Synthesis

The process by which cells make proteins, involving transcription and translation.

Amino Acid

The building blocks of proteins, with 20 different types, each having its own unique properties.

Specialized Cell

A cell that has developed a specific function, such as a nerve or muscle cell.

Cell Specialization/Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized to perform specific functions.

Mutation

A change in the sequence of DNA that can lead to changes in protein structure and function.

Cell

The basic unit of life made up of all living organisms.

Tissue

A group of similar cells working together to perform a specific function.

Organ

A group of tissues that perform a specific function in the body.

Organ System

A group of organs that work together to perform a major function in the body.

Organism

An individual living being that can carry out all basic functions of life.

Multicellular

Organisms composed of many cells, such as humans and plants.

Unicellular

Organisms composed of a single cell, such as bacteria.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains genetic material (DNA).

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance inside the cell where cellular processes occur.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells.

Chromosome

A long strand of DNA wrapped around proteins, containing many genes.

Genetic Information

The instructions encoded in DNA that guide the development and functioning of organisms.

Daughter Cells

The two cells produced from the division of a single parent cell.

Stem Cell

A cell that has the potential to develop into many different types of cells.

Gene Expression

The process by which a gene's instructions are used to synthesize a functional gene product.

Gene Regulation

The mechanisms controlling the expression of genes.

Homozygous

An individual with two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Heterozygous

An individual with two different alleles for a particular gene.

Gamete

A reproductive cell carrying half the genetic information of an organism.

Trait

A characteristic or feature of an organism.

Allele

One of the different versions of a gene.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material (DNA) in an organism.

Zygote

A fertilized egg formed from the fusion of sperm and egg cells.

Offspring

The progeny or descendants of an organism.

Dominant

An allele that expresses its trait even if only one copy is present.

Recessive

An allele whose trait is expressed only when two copies are present.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygous individual are fully expressed.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic scenario where the phenotype of a heterozygote is an intermediate blend of parental traits.

Multiple Alleles

A situation where more than two alleles exist for a gene.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict genetic outcomes of a cross between organisms.

True Breeding

Organisms that, when bred, produce identical offspring for a given trait.

Heredity/Inheritance

The passing of genetic material from parents to offspring.

Environmental Factor

Any non-genetic influence on an organism’s traits.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating gametes.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that have the same genes but may carry different alleles.

Fertilization

The process where sperm and egg cells combine to form a zygote.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Variation

Differences in traits among individuals within a population.

Percentage/Proportion

Mathematical terms for expressing part of a whole in genetic calculations.

Probability

The likelihood of a particular event occurring.

Distribution

How traits or characteristics are spread out in a population.

Common Ancestry/Ancestor

The concept that different species share a common ancestor.

Biological Evolution

The process by which species change over time.

Embryo

An early stage of development in multicellular organisms after fertilization.

Analogous Structure

Structures in different species with similar functions but different evolutionary origins.

Homologous Structure

Structures with a similar origin in different species but may have different functions.

Fossil Record

The history of life documented by fossils.

Anatomy/Anatomical Evidence

The study of body structures to understand evolutionary relationships.

Vestigial Structure

A structure that has lost its original function through evolution.

Molecular Evidence

Genetic material used to trace evolutionary relationships between species.

Biogeography

The study of species distribution across the planet.

Natural Selection

The process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of gametes, resulting in genetic variation.

Resources

Elements necessary for the survival of organisms.

Competitive (Phenotypic) Advantage

A trait that gives an individual better chances of survival.

Generation

A group of organisms born and living at the same time.

Species

A group of organisms that can interbreed.

Environmental Conditions

Factors in the environment that influence the survival of organisms.

Population

A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Competition

The struggle between organisms for limited resources.

Adaptation

A characteristic that increases an organism's chances of survival.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in climate patterns caused by various factors.

Greenhouse Gas

Gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Concentration

The amount of a substance in a given volume.

Ocean pH/Acidification

The decrease in the pH of ocean water due to carbon dioxide absorption.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, essential for life.

Geosphere

The solid part of the Earth, including crust and core.

Biosphere

All living organisms on Earth.

Hydrosphere

The water component of Earth.

Temperature

A measure of warmth or coldness affecting survival.

Precipitation

Any form of water falling from the atmosphere.

Sea Level

The average ocean surface level used as a reference point.

Glacier/Sea Ice

Large masses of ice formed over land or floating on ocean.

Weather/Climate

Weather is short-term conditions; Climate is long-term patterns.

Natural Hazard/Disaster

Events causing damage to the environment and human life.

Disturbance

An event that disrupts an ecosystem.

Wildfire

A large, uncontrolled fire that spreads rapidly.

Hurricane

A powerful tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rain.

Volcanic Eruption

The release of magma and ash from a volcano.

Drought/Flood

Drought is a period of deficient rainfall; Flood is an overflow of water.