Evolution, Cells, and Energy – Vocabulary Flashcards

A curated set of vocabulary flashcards covering evolution, genetics, cell biology, energy flow, and ecosystem concepts from the notes.

Evolution

Gradual change in populations over many generations driven by mutation, adaptation, and natural selection, leading to new species.

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, providing genetic variation on which natural selection can act.

Adaptation

Inherited trait that increases an organism's chance of survival in a specific environment.

Natural Selection

Process where individuals with advantageous traits reproduce more successfully, shaping evolution over time.

Common Ancestor

Most recent ancestral form from which two or more species diverged.

Homo habilis

An early human species often cited as part of human evolution along with other Homo species.

Homo sapiens

Modern humans; the species name for humans, Genus Homo, species sapiens.

Neanderthals

Extinct relatives of Homo sapiens that lived in Europe and Asia.

Chimpanzee–Human Genetic Similarity (notes)

Statement from the notes that humans and chimpanzees differ by about 15% in nucleotide sequences.

Common Ancestry of Humans

Idea that humans evolved from a shared ancestral species related to other hominins like Neanderthals.

Embryogenesis/Embryonic Development

Process by which a fertilized egg develops into a differentiated organism.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Cells from early embryos capable of differentiating into many cell types.

Differentiation

Process by which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function.

Fertilization

Union of sperm and egg to form a fertilized egg (zygote), combining parental DNA.

Zygote

A single cell formed by the fusion of sperm and egg, which then divides to form an embryo.

Chromosome

DNA packaged with protein within the nucleus; carries genes.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Material that stores genetic information in a double helix, encoding genes.

Gene

Unit of inheritance—a specific sequence of nucleotides that encodes a product (protein or RNA).

Transcription

Copying of DNA into RNA, producing a messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript.

Translation

Process by which the sequence of an RNA molecule is used to assemble amino acids into a protein.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; single-stranded nucleic acid used in transcription and translation (uses U instead of T).

Nucleotide

Building block of DNA/RNA; a molecule consisting of a sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

Amino Acid

Building blocks of proteins; sequence determines protein structure and function.

Protein

Large biomolecule composed of amino acids that performs a wide range of functions in cells.

Crystallin

A crystalline protein involved in eye color determination (as noted in the lecture).

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) and release oxygen.

Solar Energy (Sunlight)

Energy from the sun that drives photosynthesis and fuels life on Earth.

Producers

Organisms that make their own food via photosynthesis (plants, algae, cyanobacteria).

Consumers

Organisms that obtain energy by feeding on other organisms.

Decomposers

Organisms (bacteria, fungi) that break down dead matter, recycling nutrients.

Cellular Respiration

Process of breaking down glucose in cells to release energy (ATP), producing CO2 and water.

Glucose

A simple sugar produced by photosynthesis; primary energy source for cells.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Path of energy from sunlight to producers to consumers and eventually as heat.

Chemical Cycling (Biogeochemical Cycling)

Recycling of nutrients like carbon and nitrogen through ecosystems via processes like photosynthesis and decomposition.

Ecosystem

A system of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.

Biosphere

All regions of Earth that support life; the global sum of ecosystems.

Community

All populations of different species living and interacting in a defined area.

Population

Group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.

Organ

A structure composed of different tissues performing a specific function.

Tissue

Group of similar cells functioning together to perform a particular task.

Cell

The basic unit of life; the smallest unit capable of independent life.

Atom

The fundamental unit of matter; the basic unit of an element.

Molecule

Two or more atoms bonded together, forming the smallest unit of a compound.

Emergent Property

A new property that arises from the organization and interaction of parts at a higher level (not present in single components).

Unity of Life

All living things share fundamental features (DNA, cell structure) indicating a common origin.

Domain

Highest taxonomic rank; the three domains are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Kingdom

Second-highest taxonomic rank below domain; examples include Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Binomial Nomenclature

Two-part scientific naming system for species: genus followed by species (e.g., Homo sapiens).

Homo sapiens (binomial name components)

Homo is the genus; sapiens is the species epithet; together name modern humans.

Quercus alba

White oak; an example of binomial nomenclature: genus Quercus, species alba.

Oryza sativa

Rice; genus Oryza, species sativa; another example of binomial nomenclature.

Prokaryote

Organism whose cells lack a true nucleus; includes Bacteria and Archaea; generally simpler cells.

Eukaryote

Organism whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Fertilized Egg

Egg cell after fertilization, containing combined maternal and paternal DNA (zygote).

Embryo

Early developmental stage after fertilization as cells differentiate to form tissues and organs.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of a stable internal environment (consistent body conditions) despite external changes.

Negative Feedback

Regulatory mechanism that counteracts changes to return to a set point (e.g., insulin lowering blood glucose).

Positive Feedback

Regulatory mechanism that amplifies a change rather than reducing it (not typically for maintaining homeostasis).

Homeostatic Glucose Regulation

Process by which insulin lowers blood glucose by promoting glycogen storage in liver and muscle.

Glycogen

Stored form of glucose found in liver and muscles; used to regulate blood sugar.

DNA to RNA to Protein

Central dogma: DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is translated into protein.

King Philip Came Over For Good Soup (mnemonic)

Mnemonic to remember Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.