Untitled Flashcards Set

Hypothesis

A testable prediction or explanation for an observation or phenomenon.

Prediction

A statement forecasting a future outcome, often framed as an if/then statement.

Control Group

A group in an experiment that does not receive treatment, used for comparison.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention.

Independent Variable

The factor that is manipulated in an experiment to test its effects.

Dependent Variable

The response measured in an experiment, which is influenced by changes in the independent variable.

Replication

The process of repeating an experiment to increase reliability and validity of results.

Randomization

The practice of selecting samples randomly to avoid bias in scientific experiments.

Dissecting Microscope

A microscope used for observing larger specimens in three dimensions.

Compound Light Microscope

A microscope that uses lenses to magnify small specimens for observation.

SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope)

A type of electron microscope that provides a three-dimensional image of a specimen.

TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope)

A type of electron microscope that produces two-dimensional images by transmitting electrons through a specimen.

Focusing Procedure

Steps to adjust a microscope's focus, starting with the lowest power and using coarse and fine adjustments.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying the lens power of the objective by the eyepiece magnification.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of high to low concentration.

Diffusion

The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal solute concentration to that inside a cell.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with lower solute concentration compared to that inside a cell.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with higher solute concentration compared to that inside a cell.

Plasmolysis

The process in which cells lose water in a hypertonic environment, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall.

Lysis

The rupture of a cell due to excess fluid intake in a hypotonic environment.

Turgid

The state of a plant cell when it is full of water and the pressure from the vacuole pushes the cell membrane against the cell wall.

Cell Theory

A fundamental concept in biology stating that all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotes

Organisms made up of cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

An energy-carrying molecule found in the cells of all living things.

Aerobic Respiration

A type of respiration that occurs in the presence of oxygen.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration that occurs without oxygen, often resulting in byproducts like alcohol or lactic acid.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.

Denaturation

A process in which proteins lose their structure and function due to external stressors like temperature or pH.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates, consisting of single sugar molecules like glucose and fructose.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates formed by long chains of monosaccharides.

Vitamins

Organic compounds that are essential for various metabolic processes.

Minerals

Inorganic nutrients necessary for the body’s functioning, often involved in enzyme reactions.

Essential Amino Acids

The nine amino acids that the body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through diet.

Blood Components

The different parts of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Passive Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the use of energy.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules (DNA and RNA) that carry genetic information.

Glycolysis

The process of breaking down glucose to extract energy, occurring in the cytoplasm.

Krebs Cycle

A series of chemical reactions in aerobic respiration that generates energy through oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Electron Transport Chain

A sequence of proteins that transfer electrons and create ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.

Fluid Mosaic Model

A model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of various proteins moving laterally in a fluid phospholipid bilayer.

Antioxidants

Molecules that can donate an electron to free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.

Chemosynthesis

The process by which some organisms create food using chemicals as an energy source instead of sunlight.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.