Bio Week 1-2 Flash Cards

~ (tilde)

Means 'about' or 'approximately'.

∴ (therefore)

Symbol used to indicate 'therefore'.

& (ampersand)

Symbol meaning 'and'.

Prokaryotic Cell

Type of cell that does not have a nucleus.

Eukaryotic Cell

Type of cell that has a nucleus.

Unicellular

Organism consisting of a single cell.

Multicellular

Organism consisting of multiple cells.

Metabolism

The sum total of all the chemical reactions occurring in cells.

Catabolism

The metabolic pathway that breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones.

Anabolism

The metabolic pathway that synthesizes larger molecules from smaller ones.

Reproduction

The process of passing down DNA to the next generation.

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction that leads to a recombination of DNA, resulting in genetically unique offspring.

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction in which offspring are identical to the singular parent.

Stimulus

A detectable change in the environment detected by receptors.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within narrow limits.

Atomic Number

Represents the number of protons and electrons in an isolated atom.

Covalent Bonds

Chemical bonds that involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Non-polar Covalent Bond

A covalent bond where atoms share electrons equally.

Polar Covalent Bond

A covalent bond where atoms share electrons unequally.

Ionic Bonds

Chemical bonds formed through the attraction between oppositely charged ions.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between polar molecules.

Hydrolysis

The process of breaking down large molecules into smaller ones using water.

Solvent

The substance that dissolves the solute, usually present in larger quantity.

Solute

The substance that is dissolved in a solvent, present in smaller quantity.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture of solute dissolved in solvent.

Aqueous Solution

A solution in which water is the solvent.

Thermoregulation

The process of maintaining an internal temperature within a range.

pH

A measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

An energy carrier in cells that provides energy for metabolism.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Cellular Respiration

The process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Trace Elements

Elements required by organisms in minute quantities; vital for life.