What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data → Conclusion

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data → Conclusion

What is the independent variable?

The variable that is changed by the experimenter

What is the dependent variable?

The variable that is measured

hy are controls important?

They allow valid comparison and reliable results

What is a cell theory?

All living things are made of cells

What does the nucleus do?

Controls cell activities and contains DNA

Function of mitochondria?

produces energy (ATP)

Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus; eukaryotes have one

Plant cell only structures?

Cell wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole

What is homeostasis?

Maintaining stable internal conditions

What affects enzyme activity?

Temperature, pH, and substrate concentration

What happens when enzymes denature?

They lose their shape and stop working

Photosynthesis equation?

CO₂ + H₂O + light → glucose + O₂

Where does photosynthesis occur?

Chloroplasts

Cellular respiration equation?

Glucose + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O + ATP

Where does respiration occur?

Mitochondria

What is DNA?

Genetic material that codes for traits

Base-pairing rules?

A–T and C–G

What is transcription?

DNA → mRNA (in nucleus)

What is translation?

mRNA → protein (at ribosome)

Purpose of mitosis?

Growth and repair

Purpose of meiosis?

Produces gametes with half the chromosomes

What is cancer?

Uncontrolled cell division

What is a gene?

A segment of DNA coding for a trait

Dominant vs recessive?

Dominant masks recessive

Homozygous vs heterozygous?

Same alleles vs different alleles

What is a Punnett square used for?

Predict offspring traits

What is natural selection?

Organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce

What is adaptation?

Trait that increases survival

Evidence of evolution?

Fossils, DNA similarities, homologous structures

Levels of organization?

Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere

What is a food web?

Shows energy transfer among organisms

Role of decomposers?

Recycle nutrients

What is carrying capacity?

Max population an environment can support

Renewable vs nonrenewable resources?

Renewable can be replaced; nonrenewable cannot

What causes climate change?

Increased greenhouse gases

How can humans reduce environmental impact?

Conservation, recycling, sustainable practices