Biology UIL 2024-2025

Proteins

Made of amino acids; used for structure, enzymes, transport, and signaling.

Carbohydrates

Composed of sugars; provide energy and structural support.

Lipids

Hydrophobic molecules including fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.

Nucleic Acids

DNA and RNA that store and transfer genetic information.

Passive Transport

Movement across membranes without energy (e.g., diffusion, osmosis).

Active Transport

Requires energy (ATP) to move substances against a gradient.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases through which a cell passes from one division to the next.

G1 Phase

Cell grows and prepares for DNA replication.

S Phase

DNA replication occurs.

G2 Phase

Cell prepares for division.

M Phase

Mitosis, where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The splitting of the cytoplasm to form two separate cells.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)

Enzymes that control cell cycle progression.

Helicase

Enzyme that unwinds DNA during replication.

DNA Polymerase

Enzyme that builds new DNA strands.

Ligase

Enzyme that joins DNA fragments on the lagging strand.

Meiosis

Process that produces haploid gametes from diploid cells.

Lytic Cycle

Viral reproduction where the virus hijacks the host to make new viruses.

Lysogenic Cycle

Viral reproduction where viral DNA integrates into the host genome and can remain dormant.

Cellular Respiration

Process through which cells convert glucose into usable energy (ATP).

Glycolysis

First step of cellular respiration, breaking glucose into pyruvate.

Krebs Cycle

Second step of cellular respiration, produces CO₂ and energy carriers.

Electron Transport Chain

Final step of cellular respiration, produces the majority of ATP.

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Light-dependent Reactions

First phase of photosynthesis, producing ATP and NADPH.

Calvin Cycle

Second phase of photosynthesis, converting CO₂ into glucose.

Transcription

Process of converting DNA into mRNA.

Translation

Process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Point Mutations

Changes in a single base in the DNA sequence.

Frameshift Mutations

Insertions or deletions that change the reading frame of DNA.

Operons

Groups of genes regulated together, found in prokaryotes.

Mendelian Genetics

Principles of inheritance established by Gregor Mendel.

Dominant Alleles

Alleles that express their traits even in the presence of a recessive allele.

Recessive Alleles

Alleles that express their traits only when two copies are present.

Incomplete Dominance

Genetic scenario where heterozygous individuals show a blend of traits.

Codominance

Genetic scenario where both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.

Polygenic Traits

Traits controlled by multiple genes.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Technique used to amplify DNA segments.

Gel Electrophoresis

Method for separating DNA fragments by size.

CRISPR

Gene editing technology that allows for precise modifications of DNA.

Natural Selection

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

Microevolution

Small evolutionary changes within a species over time.

Macroevolution

Large evolutionary changes that result in the formation of new species.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history and relationships among species.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals that an environment can support.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Processes that cycle nutrients between living organisms and the environment.

Ecosystem Stability

The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time.

Epithelial Tissue

Tissue that covers body surfaces and lines cavities.

Connective Tissue

Tissue that supports, binds together, and protects organs.

Muscle Tissue

Tissue specialized for contraction and movement.

Nervous Tissue

Tissue that transmits nerve impulses.

Organ Systems

Groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

Negative Feedback Loops

Processes that maintain homeostasis by reversing a change.

Malaria

A disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted by mosquitoes.

Symptoms of Malaria

Fever, chills, anemia, and potential organ failure.

Treatment for Malaria

Antimalarial drugs like quinine and artemisinin.

Hydrophobic Molecules

Substances that do not mix with water.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The main energy currency of the cell.

Genetic Diversity

The variety of genes within a species.

Oxygen

Final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain.

Crossing Over

Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis.

Independent Assortment

Random distribution of maternal and paternal chromosomes into gametes during meiosis.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle that processes proteins (rough ER) and lipids (smooth ER).

Golgi Apparatus

Organelle that packages and distributes proteins.

Lysosomes

Organelles that digest waste materials in the cell.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that carry out photosynthesis.

Eukaryotic Cells

More complex cells with a nucleus and organelles.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simpler cells that lack a nucleus and organelles.

Nucleus

Organelle that stores genetic material.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for producing ATP through respiration.

Fermentation

Anaerobic process that produces energy without oxygen.

NADH

An electron carrier involved in cellular respiration.

FADH2

Another electron carrier involved in cellular respiration.

Plasmodium

The parasite that causes malaria.

Quinine

An antimalarial drug derived from the bark of the cinchona tree.

Artemisinin

A fast-acting antimalarial compound derived from sweet wormwood.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Homeostatic mechanism to maintain glucose levels in the bloodstream.

Innate Behaviors

Instinctual behaviors that organisms are born with.

Learned Behaviors

Behaviors that are acquired through experience.

Symbiosis

A close relationship between two different species.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms and their physical environment.