Lab Midterm Review - Scientific Method, Cells, and Biomolecules

These flashcards are designed to help review key concepts related to the scientific method, cell biology, biomolecules, and photosynthesis from the lab midterm lecture notes.

Scientific Method Steps

The five steps include Observation, Hypothesis, Experimentation, Analysis, and Conclusion.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, typically based on limited evidence.

Null Hypothesis

A statement that there is no effect or no difference, used as a default or starting point.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is manipulated or changed.

Dependent Variable

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

Control Variables

Factors in an experiment that are kept constant to ensure a fair test.

Diffusion

The process by which molecules spread from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with an equal concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another solution.

Biomolecule

A molecule that is present in living organisms, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Reagents

Chemical substances used to detect or measure other substances in a reaction.

Monomer

The basic building block of a polymer; for example, amino acids for proteins, monosaccharides for carbohydrates.

Enzyme Activity

The rate at which an enzyme catalyzes a reaction, which can be affected by temperature, pH, and concentration.

Pigments in Photosynthesis

Molecules that absorb light energy, with chlorophyll being the primary pigment that appears green.