EXAM STUDY (copy)

Cell Division

The process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells for growth, repair, and reproduction.

Mitosis

A method of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells used for growth and tissue repair.

Meiosis

A specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four genetically diverse gametes.

Herd Immunity

A form of indirect protection from infectious diseases that occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic disorder caused by two copies of a mutated allele for hemoglobin, leading to sickle-shaped red blood cells.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Common Descent

The theory that all species share a common ancestor and evolve over time through a branching process.

Germ Theory

The theory stating that many diseases are caused by microorganisms, specifically pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

Atomic Structure

The composition of an atom, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Protons

Positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom that determine the element's identity.

Neutrons

Neutral particles located in the nucleus that contribute to atomic mass.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles that orbit the nucleus and play a key role in chemical bonding.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy.

Viruses

Infectious agents that replicate only inside a host cell and can lead to diseases such as cancer.

Macromolecules

Large complex molecules made from smaller subunits called monomers.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as energy sources and structural components.

Proteins

Large molecules made of amino acids that perform a variety of functions in the body.

Lipids

Fats and oils primarily used for energy storage and cell membrane structure.

Nucleic Acids

Biological macromolecules, such as DNA and RNA, responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a double-stranded molecule that contains genetic information.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis.

Asexual Reproduction

A reproductive strategy involving one organism producing genetically identical offspring.

Sexual Reproduction

A reproductive strategy involving the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in genetic diversity.

SRY Gene

The gene located on the Y chromosome that triggers male sex determination in embryos.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for conducting research that includes observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion drawing.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its life and prepares for division.

Mitotic Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell divides its copied DNA and cytoplasm to form two new cells.

Proto-Oncogenes

Normal genes that can become oncogenes due to mutations leading to uncontrolled cell division.

Genetic Variations

Includes concepts like epistasis and pleiotropy, influencing multiple traits.

Eukaryotes

Organisms with complex cells containing organelles and linear DNA.

Prokaryotes

Simple organisms lacking organelles and usually possessing circular DNA.

Nucleotides

The basic building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Alleles

Variant forms of a gene that occur at specific loci on chromosomes.

Polymers

Large molecules made up of repeating structural units (monomers) connected by covalent bonds.

Dominant Alleles

Alleles that express their trait even when only one copy is present.

Recessive Alleles

Alleles that require two copies to express their trait.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict genetic variations in offspring based on parental gene combinations.

Microscope Parts

Key components include the objective lens, stage, coarse and fine adjustment knobs, oculars, and iris condenser.

Experimental Controls

Procedures used to ensure that experimental results are due to the treatment rather than external factors.

Heterozygous

An organism with two different alleles for a trait.

Homozygous

An organism with two identical alleles for a trait.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an individual.

Phenotype

The observable traits displayed by an organism.