Biology Flashcards
1-97
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
a.k.a DNA, a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions
used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms.
Example Sentence: “DNA contains the instructions for building and maintaining an
organism.”
Biome
A large geographic biotic unit, a major community of plants and
animals with similar life forms and environmental conditions.-
Example Sentence: “The desert biome is characterized by low precipitation and high temperatures.”
Genotype
The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
Chromosome
A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and proteins found in the
nucleus, carrying genetic information.
Homogeneous
Of the same kind; alike
Heterogeneous
Diverse in character or content
Ion
An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss
or gain of one or more electrons.
Paleontology
The branch of science concerned with fossil animals and
plants
Zoology
The scientific study of animals.
Example Sentence: “Zoology encompasses the study of animal behavior,
physiology, and classification.”
Epigenetics
The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of
gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.
Example Sentence: “Epigenetics plays a role in determining how genes
are activated or silenced during development.”
Transcription
The process by which genetic information from DNA is copied
into RNA.
Example Sentence: “During transcription, RNA polymerase synthesizes a
complementary RNA strand from a DNA template.”
Quorum Sensing
The ability of bacteria to communicate and coordinate behaviour
based on population density.
Example Sentence: “Bacterial quorum sensing is involved in the regulation of virulence and biofilm formation.”
Glycolysis
The metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate,
producing ATP and NADH.
Example Sentence: “Glycolysis is the first stage of cellular respiration and
occurs in the cytoplasm.”
Polygenic Inheritance
The inheritance of traits that are controlled by multiple genes.
Example Sentence: “Human height is an example of a polygenic trait influenced by the interaction of multiple genes.”
Telomere
The repetitive DNA sequence at the end of a linear chromosome, therefore protecting it from deterioration.
Example Sentence: “Telomeres play a role in cellular ageing and the prevention of chromosomal fusion.”