Biology 1-4

Neuronal plasticity

The ability of the nervous system to be modified after birth.

Synapse

The junction between neurons where most brain remodeling occurs.

Short-term memory capacity

Limited capacity lasting about seven seconds.

Long-term memory duration

Infinite duration capacity retrieved to short-term memory when needed.

Learning definition

The use of knowledge to decrease the likelihood of a negative outcome.

Long-term potentiation

A lasting increase in the strength of synaptic transmission.

Chunking

Learning information in sets of related concepts to ease recall.

Unifying ideal of biology

Evolution, meaning all living organisms descend from common ancestors.

Emergent properties

Properties resulting from the arrangement and interaction of parts within a system.

Hypothesis

A testable proposed explanation for observations based on available data.

Prediction

The expected outcome when testing a specific hypothesis.

Scientific theory

A broad explanation with significant support leading to new hypotheses.

Scientific law

An observable pattern stating what always occurs under certain circumstances.

Electron potential energy

Electrons further from the atomic nucleus possess higher potential energy.

Valence electrons

Electrons occupying the outermost shell of an atom.

Nonpolar covalent bond

Equal sharing of electrons due to similar electronegativity.

Polar covalent bond

Unequal sharing of electrons due to unequal electronegativity.

Ionic bond

An attraction between oppositely charged ions formed by electron transfer.

Bond strength hierarchy

From strongest to weakest: covalent, ionic, hydrogen, and Van der Waals.

Cohesion in water

The attraction between water molecules caused by hydrogen bonding.

Adhesion in water

The attraction between water molecules and other substances.

Why ice floats

Water expands when frozen, making ice less dense than liquid water.

Carbon bonding capacity

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds to create complex structures.

Hydroxyl group formula

-OH

Carboxyl group properties

Polar, hydrophilic, and acts as an acid by releasing a proton.

Amino group properties

Acts as a basic proton acceptor found in amino acids.

Phosphate group properties

Strongly acidic and hydrophilic, found in nucleic acids and phospholipids.

Methyl group properties

Nonpolar and hydrophobic, affecting gene expression in DNA.

Dehydration reaction

A process that links monomers by removing a water molecule.

Hydrolysis

A process that breaks down polymers by adding a water molecule.

Non-polymer biological molecules

Lipids.

Polysaccharide functions

Energy storage and cellular structure.

Phospholipid structure

Glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Protein monomers

Amino acids.

Peptide bonds

Bonds joining amino acids together via dehydration reactions.

Abiogenesis requirements

Low free oxygen, an energy source, chemical building blocks, and time.

Oparin-Haldane hypothesis

The idea that life formed near the Earth's surface in shallow water.

Iron-Sulfur hypothesis

The idea that life formed at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

Ribozymes

RNA molecules that possess enzymatic properties.

RNA-Peptide World Hypothesis

The theory that the first replicating systems used RNA to store and copy genetic information.

Oxygen Apocalypse

The rise in atmospheric oxygen due to oxygenic photosynthesis by cyanobacteria.

Endosymbiosis

The evolutionary process by which eukaryotic cells acquired membrane-bound organelles.