question

Abiotic

answer

of or relating to nonliving things

question

Accurate

answer

correct

question

Acid

answer

compound that forms hydrogen ions (H+) in solution a solution with a pH of less than 7

question

Active Transport

answer

the movement of molecules or ions against a concentration gradient, that is, from an area of lower concentration to higher concentration, and therefore requiring energy

question

Activation Energy

answer

energy that is needed to get a reaction started

question

Adaptation

answer

any feature or behavior that enables an organism to survive and reproduce in its environment

question

Adaptive Radiation

answer

a process by which different species develop from a common ancestor because different groups of the offspring are adapted for different environments

question

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

answer

the molecule that carries the energy produced by respiration in its third, high-energy phosphate bond; used by cells to provide energy necessary for chemical reactions

question

Aerobic

answer

relating to a reaction that requires the presence of oxygen

question

Allele

answer

one of the different forms in which a gene can occur; there are at least two alleles for every trait

question

Amino Acid

answer

any of the organic acids that are the chief component of proteins, either manufactured by cells or ingested by the organism

question

Anabolism

answer

the production, storage, and transport of materials inside cells that the organism needs to survive

question

Anaerobic

answer

relating to a reaction that can occur without the presence of oxygen

question

Analogous Structures

answer

physical features possessed by different specise that are similar in function, but that are not related in development or evolutionary origin

question

Anaphase

answer

the third phase in mitosis, during which the chromatids separate and move toward opposite centrioles

question

Animalia

answer

a kingdom of multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, most of which can move about freely at some point in their life cycle

question

Anticodon

answer

a sequence of three nucleotide bases on a molecule of transfer RNA (tRNA) that corresponse to a complementary sequence of three nucleotide bases on a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule

question

Asexual Reproduction

answer

reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes; organisms that reproduce in this manner are genetically identical to their progeny

question

ATP Synthase

answer

an enzyme that allows protons to pass through a membrane and, in doing so, extracts enough energy to attach a phophate to an ADP molecule, producting ATP

question

Autosomal Chromosome

answer

any of the non-sex chromosomes

question

Autotroph

answer

an organism that produces its own food, including photosynthetic organisms such as green plants and photoplankton and chemosynthetic organisms such as sulfur bacteria

question

Auxin

answer

a plant hormone that causes elongation on one side of a plant, so part of the plant may bend toward or away from a stimulus

question

Balance

answer

a tool used for measuring mass or weight that uses a counterweights of known values for comparison

question

Behavioral Adaptation

answer

an inherited behavior, such as feeding, mating, breeding, or migrating, that helps it survive in its environment

question

Bias

answer

a perspective that affects the way in which people interpret events and form beliefs

question

Bilateral Symmetry

answer

a body plan in which the right and left sides of the animal are symmetrical

question

Binary Fission

answer

a type of asexual reproduction used by bacteria in which the cell is split into two identical cells through a process of elongation

question

Binomial Nomenclature

answer

a system of classification in which an organism is given a two-word scientific name in Latin designating its genus and species

question

Biodiversity

answer

the variety and number of organisms on Earth

question

Biogenesis

answer

the theory that organisms can arise only from other organisms

question

Biomass

answer

the total mass (with water removed) of living organisms within a given trophic level

question

Biotechnology

answer

the use or alteration of organisms to serve human needs

question

Bioterrorism

answer

the use of biological agents to terrorize, injure, or kill groups of people

question

Biotic

answer

of or relating to living things

question

Biotic Potential

answer

the ability of a population to increase, resulting from maximal rate of reproduction and minimal mortality

question

Budding

answer

a method of asexual reproduction in which a juvenile grows out of an adult organism and eventually falls off to grown on its own

question

Calvin Cycle

answer

light-independent reations of photosynthesis in which the ATP and NADPH generated from the light-dependent reactions provide energy for the synthesis of sugars

question

Capsule

answer

the outermost protective layer found on some prokaryotic cells

question

Carbohydrate

answer

one of the essential chemicals for life, used for energy and structure; made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio

question

Carbon Cycle

answer

the movement of carbon through an ecosystem, primarily through photosynthesis and respiration

question

Carbon Fixation

answer

the process of synthesizing sugars from carbon dioxide and water

question

Carnivore

answer

a type of heterotroph that gets its energy for life by eating other animals

question

Carrying Capacity

answer

the maximum number of organisms that can exist in an ecosystem given the available resources

question

Catabolism

answer

the destruction (break-down) of waste products, worn-out parts, or foreign material inside a cell

question

Cell Cycle

answer

the events in the life of a dividing cell, consisting of G₁, S, G₂, M phases and cytokinesis

question

Cell Membrane

answer

a phospholipid bilayer covering a cell that controls which chemicals and substances are allowed to enter and exit the cell

question

Cell Theory

answer

the idea that all living things are made of cells and that all cells come only from existing cells

question

Cell Wall

answer

a structure in plant cells that surrounds the cell membrane, important for external cell structure and the protection of the cell's contents; also present in algae and certain bacteria

question

Cellular Respiration

answer

the process in which carbon-rich sugar molecules react with oxygen to make energy for a cell's use; occurs in heterotrophs and autotrophs

question

Centriole

answer

a cell structure that helps separate the contents of the nucleus during cell division

question

Centromere

answer

the structure that binds chromatids together at the middle

question

Chemotaxis

answer

a response shown by bacteria when tthey swim toward the source of a sensed chemical

question

Chlorophyll

answer

one of the photosynthetic pigments found in plant chloroplasts

question

Chloroplast

answer

the structure in plants that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis

question

Chromatid

answer

one of two identical strands of a replicated chromosome

question

Chromatin

answer

numerous strands of DNA, coiled and bunched together; the individual strands that make up the chromosomes

question

Chromosome

answer

any of the tubelike bodies within the nucleus containing DNA and protein; chromosomes carry the genetic code for an organism's inherited characteristics

question

Cladogram

answer

a diagram used to classify related organisms according to their primative and derived traits

question

Class

answer

a taxonomic category below the phylum and above the order categories

question

Cloning

answer

the process of creating a genetically identical organism

question

Codominance

answer

a situation in which both alleles express themselves in an organism that is heterozygous for a trait

question

Codon

answer

a three-base sequence on messenger RNA (mRNA) that transfer RNA (tRNA) uses to provide the correct amino acid

question

Coevolution

answer

the process in which two species evolve in response to each other

question

Color Blindness

answer

a genetic disorder causing defects in the pigments of the light and color receptors of the eye

question

Commensalism

answer

a symbiotic relationship in which one participant experiences a benefit and the other is unaffected

question

Community

answer

a variety of populations that coexist in an ecosystem

question

Competition

answer

a rivalry that occurs when two species or two individuals within a species need the same resource - food, shelter, and so on - to survive

question

Compound Light Microscope

answer

a microscope consisting of an eyepiece and an objective mounted in a tube

question

Concentration Gradient

answer

the varying levels of concentration of a substance on either side of a membrane or in an area

question

Conclusion

answer

a decision or claim based on investigation and evidence

question

Conditioned Response

answer

a response shown by a human or animal, which has been learned to be associated with a particular, unrelated stimulus

question

Constraint

answer

a limitation that prevents the completion of certain types of research or study

question

Control Group

answer

in an experiment, a group of subjects identical to the experimental subjects in every way, except it lacks exposure to the independent variable

question

Convergent Evolution

answer

different species in similar environments evolving similar adaptations

question

Controlled Variable

answer

the factor in an experiement that remains constant while the independent variable is manipulated/changed

question

Credibility

answer

a quality in a person or organization by which others are more likely to believe their claims

question

Crossing Over

answer

the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during meiosis I

question

Cytokinesis

answer

the phase during which the cytoplasm divides to form to daughter cells

question

Cytoplasm

answer

a combination of inorganic and organic substances outside the nucleus; includes the cytosol and organelles of a cell

question

Cytoskeleton

answer

the support framework inside the cell made up of microfilaments and microtubules

question

Daughter Cell

answer

a cell produced from a parent cell by mitosis or meiosis

question

Decomposer

answer

an organism (e.g., bacterium, fungus) that breaks down other organisms into organic molecules after they have died

question

Denitrification

answer

bacterial reduction of nitrates or nitrites

question

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

answer

a double-stranded nucleic acid molecule that contains the genetic code

question

Dependent Variable

answer

the factor in an experiment that changes (or doesn't change) in response to the independent (manipulated) variable; sometimes called the responding variable

question

Dichotomous Key

answer

a key for identifying organisms based on a series of choices between alternative characters

question

Diffusion

answer

the general process by which all materials tranfer passively in and out of cells

question

Diploid

answer

a cell that has two sets of chromosomes

question

DNA Polymerase

answer

an enzyme that moves along a strand DNA and repairs or replicates the DNA

question

Dominant Allele

answer

the form of a trait that is always expressed when at least one allele for it is present

question

Dormancy

answer

a sleep-like state in which an animal's metabolism slows in order to save energy; hibernation and estivation are examples

question

Ecology

answer

the branch of biology that studies relationships among organisms and their environments

question

Ecosystem

answer

a collection of living organisms and their environment

question

Electron Transport Chain

answer

a series of proteins within a membrane that uses high-energy electrons to convert ADP to ATP

question

Emigration

answer

the movement of individuals out of a population

question

Enzyme

answer

a specialized protein that often acts as a catalyst in various chemical reactions

question

Estivation

answer

a dormant condition that some animals enter when temperatures are high and water is scarce

question

Ethics

answer

the standards of behavior followed by a group of people

question

Eukaryote

answer

a cell that has membrane-bound organelles and genetic material contained inside a nucleus

question

Eutrophication

answer

the process by which a body of water is enriched in nutrients; this stimulates the growth of plant life; when plant life decays, it depletes dissolvved oxygen in the water

question

Evidence

answer

observations and measurements connected to a scientific investigation

question

Evolution

answer

the process by which living things change over time

question

Explanation

answer

an account that gives the causes of or reasons for an object, an event, or a pattern

question

Exponential Phase

answer

the period of rapid population growth before the carrying capacity is reached

question

Fair Test

answer

an experiment in which one independent variable is tested by keeping all controlled variables the same

question

Family

answer

a taxonomic category below the order and above the genus categories; a group of closely related genera

question

Fertilization

answer

the process of union of two gametes, in which the somatic chromosome number is restored

question

Field of View

answer

the area visible through the lens of a compound light microscope

question

First Filial (F₁) Generation

answer

the first hybrid offspring in a genetic cross-fertilization

question

Fitness

answer

the capacity of an organism to survive in its environment

question

Flagella/Flagellum

answer

a whiplike appendage (tail) that some prokayotes (and eukaryotes) use for movement

question

Food Web

answer

a diagram showing the food relationships between multiple organisms within a community

question

Fossil

answer

a rock containing parts of ancient plants or animals, or impressions left by organisms' activities

question

Fossil Correlation

answer

establishing the equivalence of rocks of similar ages in different areas, based on the fossils they contain

question

Fossil Record

answer

all the information gathered from fossil findings

question

Fungi

answer

a kingdom of heterotrophic organisms that decompose other organisms; yeasts are the only single-celled fungi

question

Gamete

answer

a sex cell containing only half the usual number of chromsomes; in sexual reproduction, the genetic material from the male gamete (sperm) combines with genetic material from the female gamete (egg) to create new offspring

question

Gene

answer

a DNA sequence that codes for a particular protein and, therefore, a specific trait

question

Gene Expression

answer

the appearance of a particular trait in an organism through the process of DNA trascription and protein synthesis

question

Genetic Counceling

answer

the screening of DNa for individuals and couples to give information about their lives or their potential offspring

question

Genetic Engineering

answer

the alteration of an organism's hereditary information to produce new traits

question

Genotype

answer

the combination of dominant and recessive genes (alleles) in an organism's cells; the genetic makeup of an organism

question

Genus

answer

a taxonomic category below the family and above the species categories; a group of similar species; the first part of the scientific nae in binomial nomenclature

question

Geomorphology

answer

the study of landforms and how they are formed

question

Germ Cell

answer

a cell that undergoes meiosis to produce gametes

question

Global Warming

answer

the increase in average global termperatures

question

Glucose

answer

a six-carbon sugar that is the usual form in which organisms process carbohydrates

question

Glycolysis

answer

the anaerobic portion of cellular respiration occuring in the cytoplasm

question

Golgi Apparatus/Golgi Complex

answer

an organelle that stores, modifies, packages, and ships enzymes and other molecules

question

Graduated Cylinder

answer

a tool used to measure volume

question

Grana

answer

stacks of thylakoids within a chloroplast

question

Gravitropism

answer

the response of a plant orienting itself toward or away from the direction of gravity

question

Greenhouse Effect

answer

the trapping of heat from the Sun by atmospheric gases

question

Habitat

answer

the noral place or environment in which an organism lives

question

Haploid

answer

a cell, such as a gamete, that has only one set of chromosomes

question

Helicase

answer

a class of enzyme that separates strands of nucleic acid at the start of DNA replication and RNA transcription

question

Heliotropism

answer

the response of a plant orienting itself toward or away from a source of sunlight

question

Hemophilia

answer

a genetic disease in which an individual's blood clots in an abnormal manner

question

Herbivore

answer

an organism whose sole food source is plants; herbivores can be a food source for canivores and omnivores

question

Heterotroph

answer

an organism requiring complex organic compounds of nitrogen and carbon for metabolic synthesis; it must get its energy from plants or animals

question

Heterozygous

answer

the type of genetic combination that occurs when an organism has two different alleles for one trait

question

Hibernation

answer

a dormant condition that some animals enter when temperatures are low and food is scarce

question

Homeostasis

answer

detection and maintenance of a body's internal environment

question

Homologous Chromosomes

answer

chromosome pairs that possess genes for the same traits at the same positions; one chromosome in a pair comes from the mother, the other comes from the father

question

Homologous Structure

answer

physical features in different organisms that correspond to another freature in a different species

question

Homozygous

answer

the type of genetic combination that occurs when an organism possesses two ientical alleles for one trait

question

Hormone

answer

a sustance that serves as a chemical messenger among cells in a body

question

Hydrological Cycle

answer

the movement of water through the biosphere

question

Hypertonic

answer

a solution with a higher solute concentration than another solution

question

Hypothesis

answer

a tentative explanation that can be tested by observation or experimentation

question

Hypotonic

answer

a solution with a lower solute concentration than another solution

question

Immigration

answer

the permanent relocation of new individuals into a population

question

Incomplete Dominance

answer

a type of inheritance in which F₁ hybrids have a phenotype that looks like a "blend" between the parental phenotypes

question

Independent Variable

answer

a variable that is isolated for study in an experiment; sometimes called a manipulated variable

question

Index Fossil

answer

a species or genus of fossil used for correlation of rock strata

question

Inference

answer

a conclusion based on limited factual information

question

Informed Consent

answer

the process by which an individual's consent to participate in a research study is obtained only after fully informing the individual of the potential risks and benefits of his or her involvement

question

Innate Adaptation

answer

a behavior shown by an organism that does not need to be learned

question

Innate Behavior

answer

a behavior shown by an organism that does not need to be learned

question

Instinct

answer

a complex pattern of behaviors shown by organisms; instincts are triggered by external stimuli and do not need to be learned

question

Invasive Species

answer

nonnative species that overcrowd native species

question

Inversion

answer

a mutation in which a DNA segment breaks and is flipped around, resulting in a reversed sequence

question

Isotonic

answer

two different solutions that have the same concentration of solute in them

question

Karyotype

answer

a photo that organizes chromosomes by number, size, and type

question

Kingdom

answer

the most general taxonomic group, made up of similar phyla

question

Krebs Cycle

answer

the cycle of enzymatic reactions within the mitochondria that releases energy for use in forming the third phosphate bone in ATP molecules

question

Lag Phase

answer

the period of time during which a population tries to gain a foothold in an ecosystem, normally preceding the exponential phase

question

Law of Cross-Cutting Relationship

answer

the geologic law stating that if a fault line or igneous intrusion cuts through a succession of rocks, the fault or intrusion occurred after the rocks were formed

question

Law of Fossil Succession

answer

the geologic law stating that particular fossils are present or absent in different layers of sedimentary rock, depending on the ages of the sedimentary rock layers

question

Law of Inclusions

answer

the geologic law stating that any rock that is included in a differnt rock or layer of sediment is older than that rock or layer of sediment containing the inclusion

question

Law of Original Horizontality

answer

the geologic law stating that when sedimentary rock layers form, they are parallel to Earth's surface

question

Law of Original Lateral Continuity

answer

the geologic law stating that the sequence of exposed rock layers on one bank of a river or side of a canyon will be identical to the sequence on the other side

question

Law of Superposition

answer

the geologic law stating that a layer of sedimentary rock is younger than the layers below it and older than the layers above it

question

Law of Unconformities

answer

the geologic law stating that sedimentary rock layers do not necessarily form in a steady, unbroken sequence

question

Legume

answer

a plant with root nodules that contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria

question

Light-Dependent Reactions

answer

the chemical reactions in photosynghesis that use photons of light as a souce of energy

question

Light-Independent Reactions

answer

the chemical reactions in photosynthesis that do not require light as a source of energy; also called the Calvin Cycle and the Dark Reactions

question

Limiting Factor

answer

some condition that limits how many organisms can live in an area

question

Lipid

answer

one of the essential chemicals for life; can form a structural part of a cell membrane or a stored fat used for energy; includes phospholipids, fats, waxes, and steroids

question

Lysosome

answer

a membrane-bound organelle that digests sugars and wastes

question

Magnification

answer

the apparent enlargement of an object by an optical instrument such as a microscope

question

Mating Ritual

answer

a set of actions and responses performed by individuals of a species to attract a member of the opposite sex

question

Mean

answer

in a data set, the average of all the number values (the sum divided by the number of values)

question

Median

answer

the middle value in a group of numbers arranged in order or, if there is an even number of values, the average of the two middle values

question

Meiosis

answer

a process that divides a cell's nucleus, resulting in sex cells (gametes) that have half the chromosomes of a regular cell

question

messenger RNA (mRNA)

answer

a type of RNA that transcribes a gene and then carries that information to the ribosomes for protein synthesis

question

Metaphase

answer

the second phase of mitosis, during which the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell and attach to spindles at thier centromeres

question

Migration

answer

movement of a population into or out of an area, typically to find food or to breed

question

Mitochondrion/Mitochondria

answer

a membrane-bound organelle that is the site of aerobic respiration

question

Mitosis

answer

the process within cell division by which the original nucleus gives rise to two identical daughter nuclei, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original nucleus; this type of division is required for cell growth and repair

question

Mode

answer

in a data set, the number value that occurs most frequently

question

Model

answer

a simplified representation of a complex structure or process

question

Monera

answer

a kingdom of unicellular prokaryotes that can be either hetero- or autotrophic and that are the most abundant life-forms on Earth; most researchers now split the kingdom into the kingdoms Archaebacteria and Eubacteria

question

Monohybrid Cross

answer

a type of Punnett square that examines one trait

question

Mortality

answer

the number of deaths in a population in a given place and time

question

Multiple Alleles

answer

any trait which is coded for by more than a single pair of alleles

question

Muscular Dystrophy

answer

a genetic disease that prevents the body from correctly construction proteins essential for proper muscle function

question

Mutation

answer

any change in a gene; can cause new traits to appear in offprings if it occurs in gametes

question

Mutualism

answer

a symbiotic relationship in which both participants experience a benefit

question

Natality

answer

the number of births in a population in a given place and time

question

Natural Selection

answer

survival of the fittest; the theory that organisms that are best adapted are the ones most likely to survive and reproduce

question

Negative Feedback

answer

information gathered about a change in a system which is then used to halt the change

question

Niche

answer

the ecological role performed by a species within an ecosystem

question

Nitrification

answer

conversion by bacteria of ammonium compounds to nitrate compounds

question

Nitrogen Cycle

answer

the process by which atomospheric nitrogen is made available for organisms and eventually returned to the atmosphere

question

Non-Indigenous Species

answer

a species that is not native to a habitat, but has been introduced either deliberately or accidentally by humans

question

Nonsustainable Development

answer

a form of development in which a society improves the lives of its people without taking care to preserve natural resources for future generations

question

Notochord

answer

a long, flexible rod located between the gut and the nerve chord in all chordate embryos

question

Nuclear Membrane

answer

a layer surrounding the nucleus that controls which substances are allowed to enter and exit the nucleus

question

Nucleic Acid

answer

one of the essential chemicals for life; the informational blueprint for the production of proteins; DNA and RNA are two types

question

Nucleoid

answer

the bundle of fibers of DNA found within a prokaryotic cell

question

Nucleolus

answer

an organelle within the nucleus that produces ribosomes

question

Nucleotide

answer

the basic unit of a nucleic acid; made of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

question

Nucleus

answer

the control center of a eukaryotic cell that contains the cell's DNA

question

Omnivore

answer

an heterotrophic organism that eats both plants and animals; they may be a food source for carnivores and other omnivores

question

Order

answer

a taxonomic category below the class and above the family categories; a group of families with similar characteristics

question

Organ

answer

a group of tissues that works together to complete a specific task

question

Organ System

answer

a group of organs that works together to complete a specific task

question

Organelle

answer

a compartmentalized structure in eukaryotic cells that performs a specific function for the cell

question

Osmosis

answer

the passive transport of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane

question

Parasitism

answer

a symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits while causing harm to the other organism

question

Parent Cell

answer

a cell that gives rise to daughter cells through mitosis or meiosis

question

Parent (P) Generation

answer

the homozygous parents in a genetic cross-fertilization; their offspring are called the F₁ generation

question

Passive Transport

answer

the movement of molecules from higher concentration to lower concentration; does not require energy

question

Pedigree

answer

a chart showing heritable traits in parents and offspring; may contain information of individuals' phenotypes or genotypes

question

Peer Review

answer

the process by which fellow scientists judge their colleagues' work before and after publication

question

Permineralized Fossil

answer

a fossil formed by minerals that slowly replace dissolving body parts of a dead organism

question

Peroxisome

answer

a membrane-bound organelle containing enzymes that break down peroxides, which can damage cells

question

Phenotype

answer

a physical trait of an organism that results from its genetic makeup

question

Pheromone

answer

a chemical messenger released by an animal to communicate with members of its own species

question

Phospholipid

answer

a lipid molecule that is a building block of cell membranes; made of a phosphate-group head and two fatty acid chain tails

question

Photosynthesis

answer

the process by which plants make high energy carbohydrates in thier chloroplasts from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide

question

Phototropism

answer

response of a plant to a source of light, by growing toward or away from the source of the light

question

Phylum

answer

a taxonomic category below the kingdom and above the class categories; a group of similar classes

question

Physiological Adaptation

answer

an evolutionary adaptation that regulates a body function and that can be passed on to offspring

question

Pili/Pilus

answer

hollow, hairlike structures used by bacteria to attach to other cells

question

Plantae

answer

a kingdom consisting of mostly multicellular autotrophs, although some (most red, brown, and green algae, for example) are single-celled

question

Plasma Membrane

answer

a combination of lipids and proteins that separates the cell from its environment and helps regulate the traffic of molecules between the inside and the outside of the cell

question

Point Mutation

answer

a change in the chromosome at a single nucleotide within a gene

question

Population

answer

a group of individuals of the same species that occupy the same geographical area and that can interbreed

question

Population Density

answer

the number of individuals per unit of area

question

Predation

answer

the act of one organism (predator) feeding on another organism (prey)

question

Primary Consumer

answer

an organism that gets its energy by eating plants; often a food source for carnivores and omnivores

question

Producer

answer

an organism that makes its own food through photosynthesis or another chemical process such as chemosynthesis

question

Prokaryote

answer

a cell that does not have a nucleus in which its hereditary material is stored; a single-celled organism such as bacteria

question

Prophase

answer

the first phase of mitosis, during which the centrioles move to opposite sides of the nucleus and the chromatin strands within the the nucleus condense to form chromosomes

question

Protein

answer

one of the essential chemicals for life; the structural component of cells, made up of amino acids and used for growth and repair and to catalyze reactions

question

Protein Channel

answer

a membrane passageway that opens and closes to allow necessary molecules to move in and out of the cell

question

Protista

answer

a kingdom consisting of eukaryotic microscopic organisms; can be uni- or multicellular, and either hetero- or autotrophic

question

Proton Gradient

answer

a state of different concentrations of protons, resulting in an area with high proton concentrations (a positive charge) and one with low proton concentrations (a negative charge)

question

Punnett Square

answer

a grid used to show the possible gene combinations from the crossing of two genotypes

question

Purine

answer

a nucleotide that has two rings; adenine and guanine

question

Pyrimidine

answer

a nucleotide that has one ring; thymine and cytosine

question

Qualitative Data/Observations

answer

information/data about things that can be subjectively described (described using the senses)

question

Quantitative Data/Observations

answer

information/data about things that can be counted or measured

question

Radial Symmetry

answer

a circular body plan; present in cnidarians and echinoderms

question

Range

answer

the difference between the highest and lowest value in a data set

question

Recessive Allele

answer

a trait that is expressed only when a dominant allele is not present

question

Recombination

answer

the sharing and trading of genetic information in sexual reproduction

question

Reflex

answer

an automatic response shown by the nervous system that does not need to be learned

question

Relative Dating

answer

the identification of an event as occurring before one event and after another event, without indicating a specific date

question

Replication

answer

a process in which a cell makes a copy of its DNA before dividing

question

Response

answer

an action or behavior linked to a stimulus

question

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)

answer

any of the nucleic acids containing ribose and replacing thymine with uracil that assist in protein manufacture and cellular control

question

Ribosome

answer

an organelle, made of RNA and proteins, that is involved in protein synthesis

question

RNA Polymerase

answer

an enzyme that reads DNA during transcription and combines complementary bases into an messenger RNA (mRNA) strand

question

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER)

answer

a series of membranous sacs that are covered with ribosomes and are an important producer of proteins

question

Schooling

answer

a group of fish swimming in unison

question

Science

answer

a mode of inquiry that searches out, describes, and explains patterns in the natural world

question

Scientific Inquiry/Method

answer

an orderly way to find information, involving the formation of a hypothesis and the collection of data in a controlled, repeatable fashion

question

Second Filial (F₂) Generation

answer

offspring that result from interbreeding a hybrid F₁ generation

question

Secondary Consumer

answer

an organism that gets its energy by eating primary consumers; a carnivore or omnivore

question

Semipermeable

answer

the quality of a barrier, such as a membrane, that lets only certain substances pass through it

question

Sex Chromosome

answer

a chromosome that determines sex; in humans, a female has two X chromosomes and a male has one X and one Y

question

Sex-Linked Trait

answer

a genetic trait determined by a gene on a sex chromosome; such a trait has a different pattern of inheritance in males than in females

question

Sexual Reproduction

answer

a form of reproduction involving the union of two gametes

question

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER)

answer

a series of membranous tubules that assist in the synthesis of lipids and other molecules needed by the cell

question

Society

answer

a community of people having many common values, beliefs, traditions, interests, and institutions

question

Solute

answer

the dissolved substance in a solution

question

Solution

answer

a mixture of solute and solvent

question

Solvent

answer

the part of the solution into which another substance is dissolved

question

Somatic Cell

answer

any of the cells that make up the body tissues and contains a complete set of an organism's chromosome pairs; all cells except gametes; also called a body cell

question

Speciation

answer

the origin of new species in evolution

question

Species

answer

the most specific taxonomic group, made up of closely related organisms that can produce offspring that, in turn, can reproduce

question

Spontaneous Generation

answer

an ancient theory that states that organisms could arise from nonliving material

question

Spring Scale

answer

a tool used to measure gravitational force or weight

question

Stewardship

answer

taking care of Earth for future generations

question

Stimulus

answer

something in the environment which acts on an organism and elicits a response

question

Stroma

answer

the fluid that surrounds the thylakoid membranes; the site of the Calvin Cycle

question

Structural Adaptation

answer

an evolutionary adaptation involving the shape of an organism; an example is the transformation of toes to hooves in horses

question

Sustainable Development

answer

a form of development in which a society improves the lives of its people while taking care to preserve natural resources for future generations

question

Symbiosis

answer

a relationship that occurs when two distinct organisms live in close association with one another

question

Systeme International (SI)

answer

a system of units based on the metric system; used internationally by scientists

question

Taxis

answer

an active movement toward or away from something, shown by simple forms of animal life

question

Taxonomy

answer

tthe science of classifying and naming organisms

question

Technology

answer

the products and processes that result from engineered designs

question

Telophase

answer

the last phase of mitosis, during which two new nuclear membranes form around the two groups of chromosomes, the chromosomes disperse into a tangle of chromatin strands, and the spindles break apart

question

Territoriality

answer

a behavior in which animals hold and defend a geographic area

question

Tertiary Consumer

answer

a third level consumer that gets its energy by eating, among other organisms, secondary consumers

question

Tetrad

answer

a structure consisting of four chromatids that forms during meiosis I; allows for crossing over of genetic material among homologous chromosomes

question

Theory

answer

a well-supported, dominant explanation of observed phenomena

question

Thylakoid

answer

the sack-like membrane in chloroplasts where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur

question

Tissue

answer

a group of cells that works together to perform a task that requires many cells

question

Trait

answer

an inherited characteristic

question

Transcription

answer

the first stage of gene expression during which mRNA is made; the process that occurs when a DNA sequence is encoded as an mRNA sequence

question

transfer RNA (tRNA)

answer

ribonucleic acid found in the cytoplasm of a cell that binds to messenger RNA to add an amino acid in the building of a protein

question

Translation

answer

the second stage of gene expression during which two kinds of RNA work together to assemble amino acids into proteins

question

Translocation

answer

a type of mutation that takes place when a segment of DNA breaks and is inserted into another location

question

Transpiration

answer

evaporation of water from plants

question

Trophic Level

answer

a feeding level in a food web

question

Trophic Pyramid

answer

a graphic representation of the trophic levels in an ecosystem, with producers at the base and tertiary or quaternary consumers at the top

question

Tropism

answer

response of a plant to an external stimulus, such as moisture, light, or gravity

question

Turgor Pressure

answer

the positive force as a result of water that plant cells exert on their cell wall to keep from overexpanding

question

Use and Disuse

answer

a disproven theory of evolution stating that a body part that is used more and more will grow larger in a species, whereas an unused body part will grow smaller and possibly disappear from the species

question

Vacuole

answer

a membrane-bound organelle in a cell that serves as a storage area for materials such as water, food, and waste products; helps to maintain cell rigidity in plants

question

Variation

answer

differences in inherited traits among members of the same species; provides the raw material for evolution

question

Vertebrate

answer

animals with backbones, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and various fish

question

Vestigial Structure

answer

an unused anatomical feature, such as the human tailbone or appendix

question

Virus

answer

a particle consisting of DNA encased in a protein coat that must inject its DNA into a living cell in order to reproduce

question

Zygote

answer

the cell resulting from the fusion of gametes during sexual reproduction

question

Advantage

answer

a factor or circumstance that benefits its possessor

question

Adhesion

answer

force of attraction between different kinds of molecules

question

Apoptosis

answer

process of programmed cell death

question

Atom

answer

the basic unit of matter

question

Biology

answer

the scientific study of life

question

Biome

answer

a group of ecosystems that share similar climates and typical organisms

question

Cancer

answer

disorder in which some of the body's cells lose the ability to control growth

question

Catalyst

answer

substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction

question

Cell

answer

basic unit of all life forms

question

Cilia/Cillium

answer

short hairlike projection that produces movement

question

Cohesion

answer

attraction between molecules of the same substance

question

Differentiation

answer

process in which cells become specialized in structure and function

question

Domain

answer

larger, more inclusive taxonomic category than a kingdom

question

Ecology

answer

scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment

question

Element

answer

pure substance that consists entirely of one type of atom

question

Facilitated Diffusion

answer

process of diffusion in which molecules pass across the membrane through cell membrane channels without expending added energy

question

Fertilization

answer

process in sexual reproduction in which male and female reproductive cells join to form a new cell called the zygote

question

Food Chain

answer

series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

question

Fitness

answer

how well an organism can survive and reproduce in its environment

question

Frameshift Mutation

answer

mutation that shifts the "reading fram" of the genetic message by inserting or deleting a nucleotide

question

Genetics

answer

scientific study of heredity

question

Hypothesis

answer

a prediction abou the relationship between the variables that can be tested

question

Half Life

answer

length of time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay

question

Homeostasis

answer

relatively constant internal physical and chemical conditions that organisms maintain

question

Hybrid

answer

offspring of crosses between parents with different traits

question

Independent Assortment

answer

one of Mendel's principles that states that genes for different traits can segregate independently during the formation of gametes

question

Inference

answer

a logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience

question

Interphase

answer

period of the cell cycle between cell divisions; includes G₁, S and G₂

question

Ion

answer

atom that has a positve or negative charge

question

Ionic Bond

answer

chemical bond formed when one or more electrons are transferred from one atom to another

question

Covalent Bond

answer

type of bond between atoms in which the electrons are shared; stronger bond

question

Hydrogen Bond

answer

weak attaction between a hydrogen atom and another atom

question

Karyotype

answer

micrograph of the complete diploid set of chromosomes grouped together in pairs, arranged in order of decreasing size

question

Limiting Factor

answer

factor that causes population growth to decrease

question

Law

answer

a statement describing a relationship observed to be invariable between or among phenomena for all cases in which the specific conditions are met

question

Pathogen

answer

disease causing agent

question

Reliability

answer

describes the consistency of producing the same observations or data

question

Telomere

answer

repetitive DNA at the end of a chromosome

question

Tumor

answer

mass of rapidly dividing cells that can damage surrounding tissue

Biology EOC Vocabulary Review – Flashcards

Unlock all answers in this set

Haven't found what you were looking for?

Search for samples, answers to your questions and flashcards