NYS Biology Regents Review Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key topics of the NYS Biology Regents exam, including cell biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, human body systems, and scientific method.

Cell Theory

The scientific theory stating that all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from other cells.

Prokaryotic

A type of simple cell that has no nucleus, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic

A more complex type of cell that has a nucleus, found in plants and animals.

Nucleus

The organelle that controls the cell.

Mitochondria

The organelle responsible for energy production in the form of ATP.

Ribosomes

The organelles where proteins are made.

Cell membrane

The structure that controls the entry and exit of substances in a cell.

Cytoplasm

The substance that holds organelles in place within the cell.

Vacuole

An organelle used for storage.

Chloroplast

The organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Cell wall

A structure in plant cells that provides support.

Diffusion

The movement of substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a membrane.

Active transport

The movement of substances from an area of low concentration to high concentration, which requires energy (ATP).

Homeostasis

The process by which cells and organisms maintain a stable internal balance of temperature, water, and nutrients.

DNA Bases

The four nitrogenous bases in DNA: Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).

Transcription

The process of converting DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process of converting mRNA into a protein.

Genotype

The genetic code of an organism.

Phenotype

The physical trait of an organism appearing as a result of its genotype.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence.

Natural selection

The process where organisms with the best traits for their environment survive and reproduce; often called survival of the fittest.

Adaptation

A helpful trait that improves an organism's chance of survival and reproduction.

10% Rule

The ecological principle that only 10% of energy transfers between trophic levels.

Producers

Organisms that make their own food, typically using energy from the sun.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter.

Circulatory system

The body system responsible for transport, specifically carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells via blood.

Respiratory system

The body system responsible for gas exchange, bringing oxygen in and removing $CO_2$ through the lungs.

Endocrine system

The body system that uses hormones as chemical messengers to regulate long-term functions.

Hormones

Chemical messengers made by glands that travel through the bloodstream; they are slower than nerves but longer lasting.

Pituitary gland

The "Master gland" that controls other glands and regulates growth.

Thyroid

The gland that controls metabolism and energy use.

Pancreas

The organ that produces insulin to control blood sugar levels.

Insulin

The hormone that lowers blood sugar after eating.

Adrenal glands

Glands that release adrenaline to trigger the fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate and breathing.

Independent variable

The variable in an experiment that is changed by the scientist.

Dependent variable

The variable in an experiment that is measured to see the effect of the change.

Control group

The group in an experiment where variables are kept the same to provide a fair comparison.