Science Concise Reviewer Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering cellular biology, microscope components, measurement tools, solutions, phase changes, models, and scientific methods based on lecture notes.

Cell

The basic structural and functional unit of life.

Cell Membrane

Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Cytoplasm

Jelly-like substance where many cellular activities occur.

Nucleus

Contains DNA and controls cell activities.

Mitochondria

Powerhouse of the cell that produces usable energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

Ribosomes

The site of protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Structure responsible for the transport of materials inside the cell.

Rough ER

Part of the endoplasmic reticulum specialized for protein transport.

Smooth ER

Part of the endoplasmic reticulum specialized for lipids synthesis.

Golgi Apparatus

Cellular organelle responsible for packaging and secretion.

Lysosome

Organelle responsible for digestion of waste materials, known as the suicide bags of the cell.

Vacuole

Organelle that stores water, food, and waste.

Cell Wall

Provides support and protection; found in plant cells.

Chloroplast

Site of photosynthesis; found in plant cells only.

Plant Cell Key Features

Contains a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

Animal Cell Key Features

Has no cell wall or chloroplast; usually contains lysosomes, centrioles, and smaller vacuoles.

Scientific Model

A representation of an object, system, or process used to explain, understand, or predict scientific phenomena.

Conceptual Model

A scientific model that ties together many ideas to explain a phenomenon in part.

Mathematical Model

A set of equations that represent relationships between a phenomenon, usually executed on a computer.

Simulation Model

Uses a digital model of a physical model to predict its performance in the real world.

Physical Model

Smaller and simpler representations of a thing being studied, such as a globe, map, or working model.

Atomic Models

Theoretical representations of the atom that evolved over time to explain scientific observations.

Phase Change

The change of matter from one state to another due to changes in heat/energy.

Melting

Phase change from solid to liquid.

Freezing

Phase change from liquid to solid.

Evaporation / Vaporization

Phase change from liquid to gas.

Condensation

Phase change from gas to liquid.

Sublimation

Phase change from solid to gas.

Deposition

Phase change from gas to solid.

Scientific Method

A systematic process used to investigate questions and solve scientific problems, consisting of observation, question, hypothesis, experiment, data, conclusion, and communication.

Observation

The step in the scientific method where you notice something.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction.

Independent Variable (IV)

The variable that the researcher changes or controls; also called the manipulated variable.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The variable that is measured or observed and changes because of the independent variable; also called the responding variable.

Solution

A homogeneous mixture in which one substance is dissolved in another.

Solute

The substance that is dissolved in a solution (e.g., salt).

Solvent

The substance that dissolves the solute in a solution (e.g., water).

Percent by Mass

The percentage of a solute's mass compared with the total mass of the solution, calculated as \text{\textit{\text{\text{\text{\text{\text{\text{\text{\text{\text{Percent by mass}}}}}}}}}} = \frac{\text{mass of solute}}{\text{mass of solution}} \times 100.

Percent by Volume

The percentage of the solute's volume compared with the total volume of the solution, calculated as $\text{Percent by volume} = \frac{\text{volume of solute}}{\text{volume of solution}} \times 100$.

Graduated Cylinder

Measuring instrument used to measure the volume of liquids.

Balance

Measuring instrument used to measure mass.

Beaker

Laboratory equipment used for holding and mixing liquids, giving approximate volume.

Micropipette

Instrument that accurately measures and transfers very small liquid volumes.

Eyepiece / Ocular Lens

Microscope lens you look through, usually $10\times$ magnification.

Revolving Nosepiece

Microscope part that holds and rotates objective lenses.

Diaphragm

Microscope component that controls the amount of light.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

Microscope control used for large and faster focusing.

Fine Adjustment Knob

Microscope control used for precise focusing.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying eyepiece magnification by objective magnification: $\text{Total Magnification} = \text{Eyepiece} \times \text{Objective}$.

Unicellular

Organisms made of one single cell that performs all necessary life functions (e.g., Bacteria, Amoeba, Paramecium).

Multicellular

Organisms made of many cells that can become specialized for different functions (e.g., Humans, plants, animals).

Prokaryotic Cell

A cell with no true nucleus, DNA located in the nucleoid region, and no membrane-bound organelles (e.g., Bacteria).

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell that contains a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., Plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells).