BSC2010L Midterm Review Notes

This set of flashcards covers key concepts, definitions, and processes related to the BSC2010L course, focusing on scientific methods, laboratory techniques, cellular processes, and key vocabulary. Use these for effective self-study and exam preparation.

Scientific Method

A systematic process used for scientific investigation, including making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data.

Hypothesis

A testable statement or prediction about the relationship between two or more variables, which must be falsifiable.

Control Variable

A variable that is kept constant in an experiment to ensure that the results are valid.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment and is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Control Sample

A sample that remains unchanged throughout the experiment for comparison purposes.

Spectrophotometer

An instrument that measures the amount of light absorbed by a sample, used to determine concentration.

Absorption Spectrum

A graph that shows the absorbed light wavelengths of a substance, indicating which wavelengths are absorbed and which are transmitted.

Standard Curve

A plot that relates known concentrations of a substance to measurable properties, allowing for the determination of concentrations of unknown samples.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Dynamic Equilibrium

A state in which the concentration of molecules remains constant over time due to equal rates of diffusion in both directions.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Hypertonic Solutions

Solutions with a higher concentration of solutes compared to the cell's interior, causing cells to lose water.

Hypotonic Solutions

Solutions with a lower concentration of solutes compared to the cell's interior, causing cells to gain water and swell.

Isotonic Solutions

Solutions with equal solute concentrations inside and outside the cell, resulting in no net movement of water.

Total Magnification

The product of the magnification of the ocular lens and the magnification of the objective lens in a microscope.

Field of View

The diameter of the visible area in a microscope, which decreases with increased magnification.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Aerobic Cellular Respiration

A metabolic process that converts glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Alcohol Fermentation

A metabolic process by which sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeast and other microorganisms in the absence of oxygen.

Photosynthesis

The process through which green plants and some organisms convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Carbon Cycle

The series of processes through which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, including photosynthesis and respiration.