GENBIO (copy)

Scientific Method

A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

Problem Statement

A clear, concise description of the issue that needs to be addressed.

Literature Review

An assessment of existing research relevant to the problem being studied.

Hypothesis Formulation

The process of creating a testable statement predicting the outcome of an experiment.

Experimentation

The act of conducting tests to validate or invalidate a hypothesis.

Data Collection & Analysis

Gathering and interpreting information from experiments to draw conclusions.

Conclusion

The final decision made based on the analysis of data, either accepting or rejecting the hypothesis.

Null Hypothesis (Ho)

A statement that there is no effect or no difference, used as a default position in hypothesis testing.

Alternative Hypothesis (Ha)

A statement that indicates the presence of an effect or difference, opposing the null hypothesis.

Accept

To agree with the alternative hypothesis based on experimental evidence.

Reject

To disagree with the null hypothesis based on experimental evidence.

Antibacterial

A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Microliter (ml)

A unit of volume equal to one-millionth of a liter.

Objective Lens

A lens in a microscope that gathers light from the specimen and focuses it to create an image.

Total Magnification

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

Cell Theory

A fundamental concept in biology stating that all living things are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Cell Membrane

The outer covering of a cell that supports and protects it, also known as the plasma membrane.

Cytoplasm

The thick, clear liquid substance within a cell where organelles are suspended.

Nucleus

The control center of a cell that contains DNA and regulates cell activities.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that transports substances and plays a role in metabolism, with rough and smooth types.

Golgi Apparatus

The cell's "post office," responsible for packaging and distributing molecules processed by the ER.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouse of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration.

Lysosomes

Organelles that act as recycling centers, digesting old or foreign cells and substances.

Ribosomes

Structures that synthesize proteins using genetic material from the cell.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer found only in plant cells that provides protection and structure.

Chloroplast

Organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles in cells that hold food, water, and waste.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus, such as animal cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Mitosis

A process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces four haploid cells, such as gametes.

Cell Membrane Structure

Composed of a phospholipid bilayer that is semi-permeable.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of various proteins floating in or on the fluid lipid bilayer.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment within a cell.

Diffusion

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

Active Transport

The movement of molecules across a membrane using energy, typically against a concentration gradient.

Passive Transport

The movement of molecules across a membrane without the use of energy.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solute compared to another solution.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solute compared to another solution.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal concentrations of solute compared to another solution.

Phagocytosis

A type of bulk transport where a cell engulfs solid particles.

Pinocytosis

A type of bulk transport where a cell takes in liquid from the surrounding environment.

Exocytosis

The process of expelling materials from a cell by vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane.