1st Nine Weeks Biology Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards generated from the 1st Nine Weeks Biology Study Guide covering scientific method, biomolecules, organelle functions, cell transport, photosynthesis, and respiration.

Scientific Method

A systematic process involving six steps: Ask a question → do research → form a hypothesis → experiment → observe → make a conclusion.

5 Characteristics of Living Things

The essential features of life: Adaptation & response, Growth and development, Reproduction, Organization, and Homeostasis.

Levels of Organization

Biological hierarchy from smallest to largest: Atom → Molecule → Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ system → Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biosphere.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules responsible for carrying genetic information.

Lipids

Biomolecules used for long-term energy storage that also act as insulation.

Proteins

Biomolecules involved in structure, movement, regulation, transport, nutrition, and defense.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules that store energy and give shape to organisms.

Enzymes

Proteins that speed up the rate of a chemical reaction.

Animal Cell

A cell type that lacks a cell wall and contains centrioles, small vacuoles, and a cytoskeleton.

Plant Cell

A cell type that possesses a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell where DNA is located.

Ribosome

Organelle involved in protein synthesis (makes proteins), found in the RER or free in the cytoplasm.

Chloroplast

Organelle involved in photosynthesis that produces oxygen; contains granum, thylakoids, and stroma.

Mitochondria

Organelle that makes ATP (energy) for the cell.

Semipermeable Membrane

A barrier that allows only certain particles to pass through—small molecules pass freely, while large molecules and ions require a carrier protein.

Passive Transport

Movement of molecules down the concentration gradient that requires no energy.

Active Transport

Movement of molecules up the concentration gradient that requires energy.

Diffusion

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration; includes simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and osmosis.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution where solute concentration inside the cell is less than outside, causing water to move out, leading to plasmolysis (cell dehydration and membrane detachment).

Hypotonic Solution

A solution where solute concentration inside the cell is greater than outside, causing water to move in, which puts turgor pressure on the cell wall and can cause lysis (bursting).

Isotonic Solution

A solution where solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in no overall change to the cell.

Exocytosis

Active transport mechanism moving materials out of the cell.

Endocytosis

Active transport mechanism moving materials into the cell.

Phagocytosis

A type of endocytosis where a solid particle is moved into the cell.

Pinocytosis

A type of endocytosis where a liquid is moved into the cell.

ATP

Adenosine Triphosphate; the main energy molecule created during cellular respiration.

ADP

Adenosine Diphosphate.

Autotrophs

Organisms that make their own food; also known as producers.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot make their own food and must consume other plants or animals; also known as consumers.

Photosynthesis

The process where plants take in sunlight, water, and $CO_2$ to produce glucose energy and release oxygen.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Photosynthetic reactions in the thylakoid/electron transport chain that take in water and sunlight, release oxygen, generate electrons and hydrogen, and transfer ATP and NADPH to the stroma.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Photosynthetic reactions in the stroma that utilize $CO_2$ to produce glucose.

Cellular Respiration

The process used to create ATP energy, requiring water, $CO_2$, sunlight, and chlorophyll.

Aerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration requiring oxygen; consists of Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, and Electron Transport Chain/Phosphorylation, producing a net 36 ATP.

Glycolysis

The first step of aerobic respiration occurring in the cytoplasm that produces 3-carbon pyruvate.

Anaerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration that does not require oxygen; includes alcoholic fermentation and lactic acid fermentation.