Biological Science Overview

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts in biology, including scientific methods, cellular functions, genetics, and the roles of various biomolecules.

What is currently happening to plant and animal species worldwide?

They are going extinct 100 times faster than they did 200 years ago, indicating the early stages of a sixth mass extinction.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observe and ask questions, suggest a hypothesis, generate predictions, design tests, analyze results, and support, modify, or reject hypotheses.

What is a falsifiable hypothesis?

A hypothesis that can be refuted.

What distinguishes primary literature from secondary literature?

Primary literature is where research is first published, while secondary literature summarizes research from primary literature.

How are the terms 'basic research' and 'applied research' defined?

Basic research expands fundamental knowledge, whereas applied research intends to solve real-life issues or develop commercial applications.

What does the concept of herd immunity refer to?

Protection against disease that is provided by preexisting immunity in a significant portion of the population through vaccination or prior infection.

What is the atomic number of an element?

The number of protons in an atom’s nucleus.

What are isotopes?

Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons.

Define biomolecules. What are their primary categories?

Large organic molecules that include proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids.

What is the process of photosynthesis?

It is the process by which plants convert sunlight energy into sugars using carbon dioxide and water.

What occurs during glycolysis?

Carbon bonds are broken to produce three carbon compounds called pyruvate.

What is the cell theory?

Every living organism is made of one or more cells, and all cells living today originated from a preexisting cell.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

It packages and directs proteins and lipids produced by the endoplasmic reticulum.

What are the main differences between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors remain confined to one site, whereas malignant tumors can spread to other organs.

How does the process of crossing-over affect genetic variation?

It involves the physical exchange of chromosomal segments between homologous chromosomes, contributing to genetic diversity.

What does the law of segregation state?

It states that the two alleles of a gene are separated during meiosis and end up in different gametes.

Define codominance in genetics.

A genetic situation where neither allele is able to exert its full effect, resulting in both being expressed.

What is a karyotype?

A depiction of all chromosomes arranged in homologous pairs.

What is gene therapy?

A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.

What is the role of PCR in genetic studies?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is used to amplify DNA segments for analysis in genetic studies.