Bio Study Guide
Bio Study Guide
ABO blood types: The classification of human blood based on the presence or
absence of antigens A and B on the surface of red blood cells; includes types A, B, AB, and O.
3. Acids / H+: Substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water;
they have a pH below 7.
5. Adenine: A nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with thymine
(DNA) or uracil (RNA).
9. Allele: Variants of a gene that determine specific traits; each individual inherits
one allele from each parent.
10. Amino acid: Organic molecules that combine to form proteins; composed of an
amino group, carboxyl group, and R group.
11. Anaerobic: Processes or organisms that do not require oxygen for survival or
energy production.
14. Atom: The smallest unit of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
15. ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): A molecule that stores and releases energy for
cellular processes.
16. Autotroph: Organisms that produce their own food using light (photosynthesis) or
chemical energy (chemosynthesis).
17. Avery: Oswald Avery, a scientist who demonstrated that DNA is the molecule
responsible for heredity.
18. Bacterial transformation: The process by which bacteria take up foreign genetic
material from their environment.
19. Bases / OH-: Substances that release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution; they have
a pH above 7.
20. Biodiversity: The variety of life forms in an ecosystem or the entire Earth.
23. Biomass: The total mass of living organisms in a given area or ecosystem.
24. Biosphere: The part of Earth where life exists, including land, water, and air.
25. Biotic factor: Living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and
bacteria.
27. Cancer: A disease caused by the uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal
cells in the body.
30. Carrier: An individual who carries one copy of a recessive allele that causes a
genetic trait or disorder.
31. Carrying capacity: The maximum population size that an environment can
support indefinitely.
35. Cell plate: A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, eventually
becoming the cell wall.
36. Cell wall: A rigid layer outside the plasma membrane of plants, fungi, and
bacteria that provides structural support.
37. Cellular differentiation: The process by which cells become specialized for
specific functions.
38. Cellular respiration (equation): The process of converting glucose and oxygen
into ATP, carbon dioxide, and water:
39. Centrioles: Cylindrical organelles involved in cell division, helping in the formation
of the spindle fibers.
40. Centromere: The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are held
together and where spindle fibers attach.
41. Chargaff’s rules (base pairing): Rules stating that DNA has equal amounts of
adenine and thymine, and guanine and cytosine.
42. Chemical reaction: A process where substances (reactants) are transformed into
new substances (products).
46. Chromatin: The complex of DNA and proteins found in the nucleus that
condenses to form chromosomes.
48. Chromosome: A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic
information.
49. Classification: The organization of organisms into hierarchical categories based
on similarities and differences.
50. Climate: The long-term patterns of temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation
in a region.
51. Codominance: A form of inheritance where both alleles are fully expressed in the
phenotype of a heterozygous individual.
52. Codons: A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that codes for a specific
amino acid or stop signal during protein synthesis.
54. Community: All the interacting populations of different species living in the same
area.
55. Competitive exclusion: A principle stating that two species competing for the
same resources cannot coexist indefinitely; one will outcompete the other.
60. Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed when two atoms share one or more
pairs of electrons.
61. Cristae: The folds of the inner mitochondrial membrane, increasing the surface
area for cellular respiration.
63. Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance within a cell, excluding the nucleus, where
organelles and cellular processes occur.
64. Cytosine: A nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with guanine.
65. Cytoskeleton - microfilaments: Thin protein fibers that provide structural support
and aid in cell movement.
66. Cytoskeleton - microtubules: Hollow protein tubes that maintain cell shape, assist
in cell division, and form structures like cilia and flagella.
67. Data: Information gathered from observations or experiments, used for analysis
and conclusions.
68. Decomposer: Organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead
organisms and recycle nutrients back into the environment.
72. Denitrification: The conversion of nitrates into nitrogen gas by bacteria, returning
nitrogen to the atmosphere.
73. Density-dependent limiting factor: Factors that limit population size based on
density, such as disease or competition for resources.
74. Density-independent limiting factor: Factors that affect population size regardless
of density, such as natural disasters.
76. Dependent variable: The variable in an experiment that is measured and affected
by changes in the independent variable.
77. Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert due to overuse,
deforestation, or climate change.
78. Detritivore: Organisms that feed on dead organic matter, such as earthworms or
certain insects.
80. Diploid: Cells with two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent; typical of
somatic cells in humans (2n=46).
81. Disaccharide: A carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharides, such as
sucrose (glucose + fructose).
83. DNA replication: The process of copying DNA to ensure each new cell receives
an identical set of chromosomes.
84. Dominant: A trait or allele that is expressed in the phenotype, even when only
one copy is present.
87. Ecological succession: The natural process by which ecosystems change and
develop over time, either through primary or secondary succession.
88. Ecology: The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
92. Emigration: The movement of individuals out of a population, reducing its size.
94. Eukaryotic: Cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as
animal and plant cells.
95. Exons: The coding regions of a gene that are expressed and translated into
proteins.
99. Fat: A type of lipid used for energy storage, insulation, and protection; composed
of glycerol and fatty acids.
100. Food chain: A linear sequence of organisms showing energy transfer through
consumption.
102. G1 phase: The first stage of interphase in the cell cycle, where the cell grows and
carries out normal functions.
103. G2 phase: The second stage of interphase in the cell cycle, where the cell
prepares for mitosis by producing organelles and molecules required for cell division.
104. Gamete: A haploid reproductive cell, such as sperm or egg, that fuses with
another gamete during fertilization.
105. Gene mutation: A change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene, which may affect
protein function.
106. Genes: Segments of DNA that code for specific proteins and determine inherited
traits.
107. Genome: The complete set of an organism’s DNA, including all of its genes.
108. Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism, represented by its alleles (e.g.,
AA, Aa, or aa).
109. Glucose: A simple sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆) used by cells as a primary energy source.
110. Glycolysis (R→P): The first step of cellular respiration, where glucose is broken
down into pyruvate, yielding ATP and NADH.
111. Golgi apparatus: An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and
lipids for storage or transport out of the cell.
114. Guanine: A nitrogenous base found in DNA and RNA that pairs with cytosine.
115. Habitat: The natural environment where an organism lives and thrives.
116. Habitat fragmentation: The breaking up of a habitat into smaller, isolated patches,
often due to human activities.
117. Haploid: Cells containing one set of chromosomes (n), such as gametes.
118. Helicase: An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during DNA replication.
120. Herbivory: The act of eating plants, which can influence plant populations and
ecosystem dynamics.
121. Hershey and Chase: Scientists who confirmed that DNA is the genetic material
by using bacteriophages in their experiments.
123. Heterozygous: Having two different alleles for a particular gene (e.g., Aa).
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126. Homologous chromosomes: Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent, that
have the same genes but may carry different alleles.
127. Homozygous: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene (e.g., AA or aa).
128. Hydrogen bond: A weak bond between a hydrogen atom and another atom, such
as in water molecules or between base pairs in DNA.
130. Hypertonic: A solution with a higher solute concentration than the cell, causing
the cell to lose water.
133. Immigration: The movement of individuals into a population, increasing its size.
138. Interphase: The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, replicates its DNA,
and prepares for division.
139. Introns: Non-coding regions of a gene that are removed during RNA processing.
141. Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of
electrons.
142. Ionic bond: A chemical bond formed between oppositely charged ions.
143. Isotonic: A solution with the same solute concentration as the cell, resulting in no
net movement of water.
144. Isotope: Variants of an element with the same number of protons but a different
number of neutrons.
146. Keystone species: A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its
ecosystem relative to its abundance.
147. Kingdom: A high-level taxonomic category that groups organisms sharing basic
traits (e.g., Animalia, Plantae).
148. Krebs cycle (R→P): A series of chemical reactions in cellular respiration that
generate ATP, NADH, and FADH₂ by oxidizing acetyl-CoA.
149. Light-dependent reaction (R→P): The part of photosynthesis where sunlight is
used to produce ATP and NADPH.
150. Limiting factor: An environmental condition that restricts population growth, such
as food availability or space.
151. Limiting nutrient: A nutrient in short supply that limits the growth of organisms,
such as nitrogen or phosphorus.
152. Lipid: Organic molecules used for long-term energy storage, insulation, and cell
membranes; includes fats, oils, and phospholipids.
153. Logistic growth: Population growth that levels off as it approaches the carrying
capacity of the environment.
154. Lysosome: An organelle containing digestive enzymes that break down waste
materials and cellular debris.
155. M phase: The phase of the cell cycle that includes mitosis and cytokinesis, where
the cell divides.
156. Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half,
producing four haploid gametes.
157. Metaphase: A stage of mitosis or meiosis where chromosomes align at the cell’s
equatorial plane.
158. Mitochondria: Organelles known as the “powerhouses” of the cell, where ATP is
produced during cellular respiration.
159. Mitosis: A type of cell division that results in two identical diploid daughter cells.
161. Monomer: A small molecule that can bond with others to form a polymer.
163. mRNA/tRNA/rRNA:
• mRNA (messenger RNA): Carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome
for protein synthesis.
• tRNA (transfer RNA): Brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation.
• rRNA (ribosomal RNA): A component of ribosomes that aids in protein synthesis.
164. Multicellular: Organisms made of multiple cells that work together to perform life
functions.
167. Neutral pH: A pH of 7, indicating a substance that is neither acidic nor basic (e.g.,
pure water).
168. Neutron: A subatomic particle with no charge, found in the nucleus of an atom.
169. Niche: The role an organism plays in its ecosystem, including its use of resources
and interactions with other species.
170. Nitrogen fixation: The conversion of nitrogen gas (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by
bacteria, making it usable for plants.
174. Nucleotide: The building block of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), consisting of a
sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
176. Nucleus of an atom: The dense, positively charged center of an atom, containing
protons and neutrons.
179. Oncogenes: Mutated or overactive genes that can cause uncontrolled cell
growth, leading to cancer.
180. Orbital: A region around an atom’s nucleus where electrons are likely to be
found.
181. Organic: Molecules that contain carbon and are found in living organisms.
182. Osmosis: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane from
a region of low solute concentration to high solute concentration.
183. Parasitism: A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the
expense of the other.
184. Passive transport: The movement of substances across a cell membrane without
the use of energy.
185. Pedigree: A diagram that shows the inheritance of traits through generations in a
family.
186. pH: A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14
(basic).
187. Phenotype: The physical traits or characteristics of an organism, resulting from its
genotype.
189. Phospholipid: A lipid with a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, forming the
bilayer of cell membranes.
190. Photosynthesis (equation): The process by which plants convert sunlight, water,
and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen:
192. Pioneer species: The first species to colonize barren or disturbed environments,
starting ecological succession.
194. Polar: Molecules with unequal distribution of charges, resulting in positive and
negative poles (e.g., water).
195. Pollutant: A substance introduced into the environment that causes harm or
imbalance.
196. Polygenic: Traits controlled by multiple genes, such as skin color or height.
198. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): A technique used to amplify specific DNA
sequences.
200. Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
201. Population density: The number of individuals per unit area or volume.
202. Predation: An interaction where one organism (predator) kills and eats another
(prey).
203. Primary succession: Ecological succession that occurs in areas with no prior soil,
such as after a volcanic eruption.
204. Principle of independent assortment: Mendel’s law stating that genes for different
traits segregate independently during gamete formation.
205. Principle of segregation: Mendel’s law stating that each organism carries two
alleles for each gene, which segregate during gamete formation.
209. Prophase: The first stage of mitosis, where chromosomes condense, and the
nuclear envelope breaks down.
210. Protein: Polymers of amino acids that perform various functions, including
enzymatic, structural, and regulatory roles.
211. Protein channels: Membrane proteins that allow specific molecules to pass
through the cell membrane.
212. Proton: A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom.
213. Punnett square: A diagram used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of
offspring based on parental alleles.
217. Recessive: An allele that is expressed only when two copies are present
(homozygous recessive).
218. Recombinant DNA: DNA molecules formed by combining genetic material from
different sources.
219. Restriction enzyme: Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences, used in
genetic engineering.
222. RNA: Ribonucleic acid, involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.
223. RNA polymerase: An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during
transcription.
224. Rough ER: Endoplasmic reticulum studded with ribosomes, involved in protein
synthesis.
225. S phase: The phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.
228. Secondary succession: Succession that occurs in areas where soil remains after
a disturbance.
229. Selective permeability: The property of the plasma membrane that allows certain
substances to pass while blocking others.
230. Sex-linked gene: A gene located on a sex chromosome, often leading to traits
that differ between sexes.
232. Smooth ER: Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in lipid synthesis
and detoxification.
234. Solvent: The substance in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution (e.g.,
water).
237. Spindle fibers: Protein structures that separate chromosomes during cell division.
238. Steroids: Lipids with a structure of four fused rings, functioning in hormones and
membranes.
239. Stroma: The fluid inside the chloroplast where the Calvin cycle takes place.
240. Symbiosis: A close relationship between two species that benefits, harms, or
does not affect one or both.
241. Telophase: The final stage of mitosis, where the chromosomes de-condense, and
nuclear envelopes re-form.
245. Translation: The process where ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a
template.
248. Trophic level: The position an organism occupies in a food chain, such as
producer or consumer.
251. Uracil: A nitrogenous base in RNA that replaces thymine and pairs with adenine.
252. Vacuole: A storage organelle in cells, particularly large in plant cells for storing
water and nutrients.
253. Water: A polar molecule essential for life, involved in many biological processes.
254. Watson and Crick: Scientists who discovered the double-helix structure of DNA.
256. Wilkins and Franklin: Scientists who contributed to discovering DNA structure
through X-ray diffraction.