SCB life science 2026 tuff notecards

Vocabulary practice flashcards identifying key terms in cell biology, microbiology, frog physiology, and basic genetics based on lecture notes.

Robert Hooke

An English scientist who first observed and named “cells” while looking at cork under a microscope in 1665.

Cell Theory

A scientific theory stating that: 1. All living things are made of cells. 2. Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things. 3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Aerobic bacteria

Bacteria that need oxygen to survive.

Anaerobic bacteria

Bacteria that do not need oxygen and may even die if oxygen is present.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects and destroys bacteria.

Eukaryotic cells

Larger and more complex cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotic cells

Smaller and simpler cells that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; they are usually single-celled and include bacteria.

Cyanobacteria

A type of blue-green bacteria that is an example of a bacteria that uses photosynthesis.

Toxin

A poisonous substance made by living organisms such as bacteria, plants, or animals.

Bacteria vs. Viruses

Bacteria are living single-celled organisms that can reproduce on their own, while viruses are not considered living and need a host cell to reproduce.

Independent variable

The factor changed by the scientist in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The factor being measured or observed in an experiment.

Microbiome

The collection of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) living in and on the body that help with digestion, immunity, and overall health.

Nictitating membrane

A transparent third eyelid that protects and moistens a frog’s eyes underwater.

Poikilothermic

An animal whose body temperature changes with the environment, also known as “cold-blooded.”

Ventral

The belly or underside of an organism.

Dorsal

The back or upper side of an organism.

Cloaca

An opening in frogs used for both waste removal and reproduction.

Tadpole

The early stage of a frog’s life cycle.

Vomerine teeth

Teeth located on the roof of the frog’s mouth.

Cell cycle

The entire life cycle of a cell, including growth and division.

Cell division

The stage of the cell cycle where one cell splits into two cells; essential for growth, repair, replacing old cells, and reproduction.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that produces 2 identical cells with the same number of chromosomes; used for growth and repair.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces 4 different sex cells with half the number of chromosomes; used for reproduction.

Order of Mitosis

$$\text{PMAT} = \text{Prophase} \rightarrow \text{Metaphase} \rightarrow \text{Anaphase} \rightarrow \text{Telophase}$$

Chromatin

Loose strands of DNA found in the nucleus.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

Gregor Mendel

A scientist known as the “Father of Genetics” who discovered how traits are inherited using pea plant experiments.

Nitrogenous bases

Four bases in DNA: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G), where A pairs with T and C pairs with G.

Allele

A different form of a gene.

Dominant trait

A trait that shows up when at least one dominant allele is present.

Recessive trait

A trait that only appears when two recessive alleles are present.

Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism, such as $TT$ or $Tt$.

Phenotype

The physical appearance of a trait.

Trait

A characteristic passed from parents to offspring.

Inherit

To receive genes or traits from parents.

Gene

A section of DNA that controls a trait.

Self-pollination

When a plant pollinates itself using pollen from the same flower or plant.

Cross-pollination

When pollen from one plant fertilizes another plant.

Hybrid

An organism with two different alleles for a trait, such as $Tt$.