Mr. Eric's Biology Final Exam Review Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering Cell Theory, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Evolution based on the Semester 2 Biology Review Guide.

Micrometers

The unit of measurement used for quantifying observations under a microscope.

Cell Theory

The fundamental biological theory detailing how all living things are composed of cells, which are the basic units of structure and function.

Prokaryote

A type of cell distinguished by the absence of a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryote

A type of cell that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Organelle

Various cell parts with specific structures and functions, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, or chloroplasts.

Mitochondria

The organelle responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells.

Chloroplast

The organelle found in plant cells that is responsible for photosynthesis.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a living cell membrane.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle consisting of $G1$, $S$, and $G2$ stages where the cell grows and replicates its DNA.

Mitosis

The stage of the cell cycle involving nuclear division, consisting of Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (PMAT).

Cytokinesis

The final stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm divides to form two separate daughter cells.

Cancer

A condition caused by disruptions or errors in the cell cycle and cell division.

Chromosome

Structures composed of DNA that play a critical role in cell division and carrying genetic information.

Meiosis

A specialized form of cell division that results in haploid gametes and increases genetic variation.

Crossing Over (Recombination)

A process during meiosis where homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material to increase variation.

Haploid

A cell containing a single set of chromosomes, typical of gametes.

Diploid

A cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Karyotype

A visual representation or diagram used to identify the types and number of chromosomes in an individual, including autosomes and sex chromosomes.

Autosomes

Human chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes.

Nucleotide

The basic unit of DNA consisting of a nitrogen base ($A$, $T$, $C$, or $G$), a 5-Carbon sugar (deoxyribose), and a phosphate group.

Double Helix

The structural shape of a DNA molecule.

Polymerase

The enzyme responsible for building new DNA strands during the process of DNA replication.

Transcription

The process where the genetic code in DNA is copied into mRNA, usually occurring in the nucleus.

Translation

The process occurring at the ribosome where the mRNA code is used to synthesize a protein (amino acid sequence).

Codon

A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Start Codon (AUG)

The specific mRNA codon that initiates the process of translation.

Central Dogma

The directional flow of genetic information: $DNA \rightarrow RNA \rightarrow \text{Protein}$.

Substitution

A point mutation where one nitrogen base is replaced by another.

Frameshift

A type of mutation caused by the insertion or deletion of nucleotides, which alters the mRNA reading frame.

Allele

Different forms or versions of a gene.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, often represented by letters (e.g., homozygous or heterozygous).

Phenotype

The physical traits or observable characteristics produced by an organism's genotype.

Codominance

An inheritance pattern where both alleles are fully expressed, such as in ABO Blood Groups.

Sex-linkage

The inheritance pattern of genes located on the sex chromosomes ($X$ or $Y$).

Natural Selection

The process by which individuals with traits better suited to their environment (fitness) are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Fitness

The ability of an organism to survive and pass its traits to the next generation in its environment.

Cladogram

A diagram used to show common ancestry and descent among different species based on homologous structures and molecular evidence.

Descent with modification

The principle that each living species has descended, with changes, from other species over time.