Biology Notes: Organisms, Evolution, Genomics, and Micelles

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes.

Organism

A living thing.

Emergent properties

Properties that arise from interactions among smaller components in an organism.

Biological evolution

The change in a population of organisms over time.

Vertical descent

Evolution where new species arise from pre-existing species through accumulation of mutations.

Horizontal gene transfer

Transfer of genetic material between organisms of different species.

Genomics

The study of DNA sequences in genomes.

Proteome

The entire protein complement of a cell or organism.

Gene

A unit that encodes mRNA used to produce polypeptides/proteins.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids that forms a protein.

Taxonomy

Grouping of species for purposes of classification.

Domains of Life

The three domains used in classification: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

Archaea

A domain of life consisting of prokaryotic microorganisms distinct from bacteria.

Bacteria

A domain of life consisting of prokaryotic microorganisms.

Radioisotopes

Unstable isotopes that emit subatomic particles or radiation.

Trace elements

Elements required in very small amounts for growth or functioning of living organisms.

Micelle

A sphere formed by amphipathic molecules in water.

Amphipathic

Molecules that have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) parts.

Polar region

The hydrophilic (polar) side of an amphipathic molecule.

Non-polar

Hydrophobic region of a molecule (inside the micelle).

Resolution

The ability to distinguish two adjacent objects as separate.

Contrast

The ability to visualize a particular structure.