EOC Notes for BIO

Mitosis

The process of cellular reproduction that occurs in somatic cells, producing two identical diploid daughter cells.

Stages of Mitosis

Include Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis.

Meiosis

The process of cellular reproduction that produces four unique haploid cells from one diploid cell.

Crossing Over

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during Prophase I of meiosis, leading to genetic diversity.

Central Dogma of Biology

The process by which genetic information is transferred from DNA to RNA to protein.

DNA Structure

Described as a double helix made of nucleotides, with bases adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions, primarily composed of proteins.

Homeostasis

The process by which cells maintain a stable internal environment.

Passive Transport

Movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy, moving from high to low concentration.

Active Transport

Movement of substances across a cell membrane using energy, moving against their concentration gradient.

Cell Theory

The principle that all living things are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) using chloroplasts.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Genetic Variability

Genetic differences in offspring produced by meiosis due to independent assortment and crossing over.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can affect protein synthesis and lead to genetic diversity.

Mendelian Laws

Include the Law of Dominance, Segregation, and Independent Assortment governing inheritance.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments by size.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method used to amplify specific DNA sequences, creating millions of copies.

Symbiosis

An interaction between two different organisms where at least one benefits; includes mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Natural Selection

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

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.

Primary Succession

The development of an ecological community in an area that was previously uninhabited, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Sex-Linked Traits

Traits associated with genes located on sex chromosomes, often affecting one sex more than the other.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that help maintain homeostasis through regulatory mechanisms, including negative and positive feedback.

Nucleic Acids

Biological macromolecules (DNA and RNA) that store and transmit genetic information.

Organelles

Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions.

Diffusion

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

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Endocytosis

The process by which cells ingest external material by engulfing it with their cell membrane.

Exocytosis

The process by which cells expel materials from the cell via vesicles.