Honors Bio Midterms

Identify biological research questions

Used to determine what is being investigated and how to design an experiment

Independent variable

The factor that is purposely changed in an experiment

Dependent variable

The factor that is measured or observed in an experiment

Control group

Group not exposed to the independent variable, used for comparison

Controlled variables

Factors kept constant to maintain reliable results

Multiple trials

Repeating an experiment to increase reliability

Manipulating variables

Intentionally changing factors to test outcomes

Accurate data collection

Data collected close to the true value

Precise data collection

Data collected consistently and repeatably

Qualitative data

Data describing qualities or characteristics

Quantitative data

Data involving numbers or measurements

Data organization

Arranging data to make analysis easier

Scientific graphs

Visual representations of data trends

Interpreting results

Understanding what the data means

Scientific conclusion

Statement explaining whether data supports the hypothesis

Communicating results

Sharing findings clearly using scientific vocabulary

Scientific procedures

Step-by-step instructions for conducting experiments

Scientific terminology

Specialized words used for clear communication

Replication in science

Repeating experiments for accuracy

Scientific method

Systematic approach to solving scientific problems

SI system

International System of Units used in science

SI unit for length

Meter (m)

SI unit for mass

Gram or kilogram

SI unit for time

Second (s)

SI unit for temperature

Celsius or Kelvin

SI unit for volume

Liter (L)

Prefix centi-

Means 0.01

Prefix milli-

Means 0.001

Prefix kilo-

Means 1000

Millimeters in a meter

1000

Centimeters in a meter

100

Mathematical models

Used to represent data patterns

Statistical models

Used to analyze trends and make predictions

Graphs and tables

Visual tools for analyzing data

Criteria for life

Organization, growth, reproduction, energy use, response, homeostasis

Biosphere

All ecosystems on Earth

Biome

Large region with similar climate and organisms

Ecosystem

Community of organisms and their physical environment

Community

All living organisms in an area

Population

Members of the same species in an area

Organism

Any individual living thing

Organ system

Group of organs working together

Tissue

Group of similar cells performing a function

Cell

Basic unit of life

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together

Subatomic particles

Protons, neutrons, electrons

Organic compound

Carbon-containing compound

Inorganic compound

Non-carbon compound

pH scale

Measures hydrogen ion concentration

Acid

pH below 7

Base

pH above 7

Neutral pH

pH of 7

High hydrogen ion concentration

Results in an acidic solution

High hydroxide ion concentration

Results in a basic solution

Monomers

Building blocks of polymers

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars

Polysaccharides

Long chains of sugars

Lipids

Fats and oils used for energy storage

Proteins

Made of amino acids

Nucleic acids

DNA and RNA

Enzyme

Protein that speeds up reactions

Enzyme-substrate specificity

Enzyme works with only one substrate

Water importance

Universal solvent, temperature regulator, reaction participant

Species

Organisms that can reproduce with each other

Habitat

Environment where an organism lives

Niche

Role an organism plays in its ecosystem

Biotic factors

Living parts of an ecosystem

Abiotic factors

Nonliving parts of an ecosystem

Beneficial bacteria

Recycle nutrients by breaking down dead matter

Direction of energy flow

One way—from producers to consumers

Producers

Organisms that perform photosynthesis

Herbivores

Animals that eat plants

Carnivores

Animals that eat other animals

Decomposers

Break down dead organisms

Limiting factors

Limit amount of life supported by environment

Food web

Network of interconnected food chains

Food chain

Single pathway of energy transfer

Biomass pyramid

Shows mass of organisms at each trophic level

Competition

Organisms fighting for same resources

Predation

One organism kills and eats another

Symbiosis

Close relationship between two species

Carrying capacity

Maximum population environment can support

Ecological succession

Gradual change in communities over time

Human interference in biomes

Causes habitat loss and biodiversity decline

Plant cell unique structures

Cell wall, chloroplasts, large vacuole

Prokaryotic cell

Cell without nucleus

Eukaryotic cell

Cell with nucleus

Nucleus

Stores DNA and controls cell functions

Ribosome

Makes proteins

Mitochondria

Produces ATP energy

Golgi apparatus

Packages and ships proteins

Endoplasmic reticulum

Transports materials within cell

Lysosome

Breaks down waste materials

Cytoskeleton

Provides structure and movement

Cell membrane

Controls what enters and exits the cell

Homeostasis

Maintaining stable internal conditions

Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a membrane

Diffusion

Movement from high to low concentration

Facilitated diffusion

Passive transport using proteins