Biology lab

Independent Variable

What is being measured in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The experiment results affected by changes in the independent variable.

Control

The factor that remains constant throughout the experiment.

Hypothesis

A testable statement predicting the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Null Hypothesis

The statement that the independent variable will/will not affect the dependent variable.

Carbohydrates

Sugars like glucose.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that include starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin.

Amino Acids

The monomers that make up proteins.

Polymers

Chains and branched structures formed by monomers.

Starch

A polymer of glucose that acts as a storage form of energy in plants.

Glycogen

A polymer of glucose that is a storage form of energy in animals, made in the liver.

Glucose

A carbohydrate/sugar composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CH2O).

Polymerization

The process that bonds monomers together to form polymers.

Coarse Knob

Moves the stage up and down; used only on scanning and 10x lenses.

Fine Adjustment Knob

More precisely regulates the focus of the microscope.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying the eyepiece magnification by the objective lens magnification.

Cell Theory

All living things are composed of cells, cells are the functional unit of life, and all cells come from preexisting cells.

Prokaryotes

Bacteria and archaea, characterized by no true nucleus and lack of membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Plants and animals with a true nucleus and more complex structures, including membrane-bound organelles.

Histology

The study of tissues.

Epithelial Tissue

Covers and lines organs, providing protection, absorption, and secretion.

Simple Columnar Epithelium

Lines the inside of the intestine and functions to secrete enzymes and absorb nutrients.

Smooth Muscle

Involuntary muscle found around the digestive tract and arteries.

Striated Muscle

Voluntary muscle found in skeletal muscle, triceps, and biceps.

Connective Tissue

The most abundant tissue type in the body.

Adipose Tissue

Connective tissue that stores energy, provides protection, and insulation.

Simple Diffusion

The movement of molecules from high to low concentration.

Brownian Motion

The random motion of molecules due to their energy.

Osmosis

The movement of water from high to low concentration through a selectively permeable membrane.

Isotonic Solution

Equal concentration of solute inside and outside the cell.

Hypotonic Solution

Higher concentration of solute inside the cell, causing it to gain mass.

Hypertonic Solution

Higher concentration of solute outside the cell, causing it to lose weight.

Selectively Permeable Membrane

A membrane that allows certain molecules to pass through while acting as a barrier to others.