Definitions

What is an independent variable?

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment.

What is a dependent variable?

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment.

What is a control group?

A group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment and is used for comparison.

What are controlled variables?

Variables that are kept constant to ensure a fair test.

What is the difference between qualitative data and quantitative data?

Qualitative data describes characteristics, while quantitative data involves numbers and measurements.

What is a hypothesis?

A testable prediction about the outcome of an experiment.

What is a scientific theory?

An explanation of an observed phenomenon that is supported by substantial evidence and has been tested multiple times.

List the eight characteristics of life.

1. Cellular organization 2. Reproduction 3. Metabolism 4. Homeostasis 5. Heredity 6. Response to stimuli 7. Growth and development 8. Adaptation through evolution.

How do autotrophs differ from heterotrophs?

Autotrophs produce their own food, whereas heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy.

Why are viruses not considered to be alive?

They cannot reproduce on their own and do not have cellular structure.

What is the structure of an atom?

Composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What is a covalent bond?

A chemical bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

What is dehydration synthesis?

A process that links monomers together by removing water.

What is hydrolysis?

A process that breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water.

What are macromolecules?

Large molecules made up of smaller subunits, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

What are amino acids?

The building blocks of proteins, each containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable side chain.

What are enzymes?

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

What is the fluid mosaic model of a plasma membrane?

Conceptual model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of diverse protein molecules embedded in a fluid bilayer of phospholipids.

What is transcription?

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

What is translation?

The process where ribosomes create proteins based on the sequence of mRNA.

Define point mutation.

A mutation that involves a change in a single nucleotide base in DNA.

What is gel electrophoresis used for?

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size and charge.

What is gene therapy?

A technique that aims to treat or prevent disease by inserting genes into a patient's cells.