Biology: Cell Structure, Scientific Method, and Ecosystems

Hypothesis

an educated guess based on the

observations that were made and on current scientific

understanding. "if... then"? statements

Controlled Experiment

An experiment that has one group under conditions that will generate a known outcome, and a second group that has one variable that will result in an unknown outcome.

Independent Variable

Variable getting manipulated/ variable being tested or changed (X-axis)

Dependent Varible

The responding variable or the dependent variable is observed and changes (Y axis) D for data.

Observation

An observation is, gathering information to record facts, and inferences for data. Or a final judgment that include multiple inferences.

Inference

An educated guess.

Theory

Formed after many related hypothesis have been tested and proven true.

Metabolism

Living things obtain and use materials/ energy in order to carry out all cellular processes.

Homeostasis

All living things have the ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Evolution

Groups of organisms can change over time

Biosphere

All life and places where life exists on earth.

Biome (not on the test)

Larger areas with similar climate and organisms

Ecosystem

All living and nonliving things in an area

Community

All the different living organisms in an area

Population

A group of the same species living in one area

Organism

One individual living thing (plant, animal, ect.)

Organ system

Group of organs working together (digestive system)

Organ

A body part with a specific job (stomach)

Tissues

Groups of similar cells working together (muscle tissue)

Cells (not on test)

The basic unit of life

Organelles-Organs of the cell

Cell parts that do specific jobs (mitochondria, chloroplasts)

-Structures within the cell that have specialized functions. All are found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.

Cell theory

All organism are composed of 1 or more cells and the cell's products. All cells carry out all of the basic life processes and are basically similar in structure. New cells come from preexisting cells. An organism becomes ill because of cell malfunction.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simplest of the cell types and generally the smallest. They possess a cell membrane but not other membrane-bound organelles. The DNA is not found in a nucleus

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex cells. Contain membrane-bound organelles (eu sounds like you)

Cytoplasm

Liquid material in the cell (sometimes called cytosol) It contains enzymes and other chemicals that cause life functions to occur.

Nucleus

Controls cellular activity; the cells control center ("brain") -Found in all eukaryotic cells

Ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis (Ribs give you protein) In all cells

Golgi apparatus

"FedEx of the cell" Processes and packaged cell products into membrane bound sacs for secretion from the cell.

Vacuoles

Membrane bound sacs for the storage of materials. Food vacuole.. stores food. Contractile Vacuole... pumps out water

Mitochondria

"Power house of the cell"

Chloroplast

The site of photosynthesis. Membrane bound sac with smaller stacks of membranes inside.

Cell Wall

A rigid layer made of cellulose, Its function is cellular support and protection for plant cells. Porous to allow materials to enter and leave the cell but does not control what comes in or go out.

Microscope

An instrument that makes small objects look larger

Cell membrane

Selectively permeable boundary that controls what materials can enter and exit the cell.