Bio Regents

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the hereditary material in all living organisms that carries genetic instructions.

Proteins

Essential molecules in the body that perform a wide range of functions necessary for life.

Transcription

The first step in protein synthesis where the DNA code is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The process where mRNA is read to create proteins, using transfer RNA (tRNA) to bring amino acids.

Hierarchical Organization

The structured levels of organization in multicellular organisms, including cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment within an organism despite external changes.

Feedback Mechanisms

Processes that help maintain homeostasis by responding to changes in the internal or external environment.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Aerobic Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells break down food molecules with oxygen to release energy.

Ecosystem Balance

The dynamic equilibrium in ecosystems maintained by the cycling of matter and flow of energy.

Biodiversity

The variety of life forms within a particular ecosystem, including species diversity and genetic differences.

Natural Selection

The process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

Biotic Factors

Living components of an ecosystem, such as predators and prey, that affect populations.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components of an ecosystem, such as climate, water, and soil.

Gene Frequency

The proportion of a specific allele among all alleles for a given gene in a population.

Population Dynamics

The changes in the number and composition of species populations in an ecosystem over time.

Environmental Changes

Alterations to the ecosystem caused by natural events or human activities that impact species survival.

Speciation

The evolution of new species due to the accumulation of genetic differences.

Extinction

The permanent loss of a species when it can no longer adapt to environmental changes.

Adaptation

The process through which populations become better suited to their environment.

Embryonic Development

The process of development from a fertilized egg to a fully formed organism, influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into various cell types for growth and repair.

Evolutionary Change

Long-term changes in the genetic composition of populations as a result of natural selection and other evolutionary processes.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products like proteins.

Transcription and Translation

Two main steps in protein synthesis: copying DNA into RNA and then using that RNA to create proteins.