Questions

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated in an experiment, such as whether the prisoner received the medicinal oil.

Dependent Variable

The outcome that is measured in an experiment, such as the survival of the prisoner.

Null Hypothesis (H₀)

A statement that there is no effect or difference, for example, no difference in college attendance between preschool attendees and non-attendees.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁)

A statement that there is an effect or difference, such as preschool attendees having higher college attendance.

Randomization

A process that helps minimize bias by ensuring that all other variables are evenly distributed across treatment groups.

Standardization

The practice of controlling all other conditions in an experiment to isolate the effect of the independent variable.

Cell Theory

The theory stating that all living organisms consist of one or more cells, and that all cells arise from existing cells.

Abiogenesis

The theory that life arose spontaneously from non-living matter.

Biogenesis

The hypothesis that living organisms arise only from existing living organisms.

Hydrogen Bond

A weak bond formed between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that have different numbers of neutrons, such as ¹²C and ¹⁴C.

Amphipathic

Molecules that have both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-fearing) regions.

Peptide Bond

The covalent bond that links the carboxyl group of one amino acid to the amino group of the next.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that have no double bonds and contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids that contain one or more double bonds, resulting in kinks in the fatty acid chains.

Phospholipids

Molecules that form the bilayer of cell membranes, composed of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of diverse protein molecules floating in a fluid lipid bilayer.

Gene Transfer

The concept that genes can be transferred from organelles like mitochondria to the nucleus.

TMPRSS2

A serine protease that cleaves and activates the coronavirus spike protein, facilitating viral entry into host cells.