BLG143: Biology I - Key Concepts and Definitions

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions relevant to the topics discussed in the BLG143 Biology I lecture notes.

Dish With One Spoon Territory

A treaty between Indigenous peoples to share and protect their land.

Cell Theory

States that all organisms are composed of cells and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Hypothesis

A testable statement that explains an observation.

Theory

A broad explanation for a general class of phenomena supported by extensive evidence.

Natural Selection

The process by which certain heritable traits increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction.

Fitness

The ability of an individual to produce offspring.

Adaptation

A trait that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a specific environment.

Evolution

Change in the characteristics of a population over time.

Chromosome Theory of Inheritance

Proposes that hereditary information is encoded in genes located on chromosomes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the hereditary material in organisms.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays important roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history and relationships among species.

Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms.

Genus

A group of closely related species.

Species

Individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Adenine (A)

One of the four building blocks of DNA, pairs with thymine.

Thymine (T)

One of the four building blocks of DNA, pairs with adenine.

Cytosine (C)

One of the four building blocks of DNA, pairs with guanine.

Guanine (G)

One of the four building blocks of DNA, pairs with cytosine.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Heritable Variation

Differences in traits that can be passed from parents to offspring.

Scientific Method

A systematic process of inquiry that includes observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and theory development.

Mitosis

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

Meiosis

The process of cell division that results in gametes with half the number of chromosomes.

Genetic Variation

Differences in genetics among individuals within a population.

Testable Hypothesis

A hypothesis that can be confirmed or refuted through experimentation.

Observation

The act of watching or noticing phenomena to gather data.

Prediction

A forecast about what will happen in a study if a hypothesis is correct.

Environmental Pressure

Factors that influence the survival and reproduction of organisms.

Plasma Membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of the cell from the outside environment.

Living Organisms

Entities that exhibit the properties of life, including growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli.

Laboratory Component

The practical part of the course involving hands-on experiments and activities.

Online Quizzes

Assessment tools that test knowledge on course material through internet-based questions.

Midterm Exam

An examination that occurs in the middle of an academic term.

Final Exam

A comprehensive examination typically given at the end of an academic term.

Case Studies

In-depth examinations of specific instances or examples within the subject matter.

Good Lab Practices

Protocols that ensure safety, accuracy, and reliability in scientific experimentation.

Experimental Design

The plan for how to conduct an experiment, including variables and controls.

Null Hypothesis

A hypothesis that states there is no significant difference or effect.

Scientific Name

The two-part name given to an organism, consisting of its genus and species.

Gene Control

Mechanisms that regulate when and where genes are expressed.

Astrobiology

The study of the origin, evolution, and potential for life in the universe.

Strand Pairing

The specific pairing of nucleotides in DNA (A-T and C-G) essential for replication.

Energy in Biology

Chemical energy required for cellular processes and functions.