Biology Keystone Vocab Flashcards
1
Q
A term that describes a nonliving factor in an ecosystem.
A
Abiotic
2
Q
The movement of particles from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration that uses energy
provided by ATP or a difference in electrical charges across a cell membrane.
A
Active Transport
3
Q
A molecule that provides energy for cellular reactions and processes. ATP releases energy when one of its
high‐energy bonds is broken to release a phosphate group.
A
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
4
Q
The intermolecular attraction between unlike molecules. Capillary action results from the adhesive properties of
water and the molecules that make up plant cells.
A
Adhesion
5
Q
The artificial cultivation of food, fiber, and other goods by the systematic growing and harvesting of various organisms.
A
Agriculture
6
Q
A variation of a gene’s nucleotide sequence (an alternative form of a gene).
A
Allele
7
Q
The measure of the relative frequency of an allele at a genetic locus in a population; expressed as a proportion or
percentage.
A
Allele Frequency
8
Q
A physical structure, present in multiple species, that is similar in function but different in form and inheritance.
A
Analogous Structure
9
Q
A term that describes an organism associated with a water environment.
A
Aquatic
10
Q
The smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical and physical properties of that element.
A
Atom
11
Q
The changing of organic matter into other chemical forms such as fuels.
A
Biochemical Conversion
12
Q
The study of energy flow (energy transformations) into and within living systems.
A
Bioenergetics
13
Q
The movement of abiotic factors between the living and nonliving components within ecosystems; also known as nutrient cycles (i.e., water cycle, carbon cycle, oxygen cycle, and nitrogen cycle).
A
Biogeochemical Cycles
14
Q
A group of biomacromolecules that interact with biological systems and their environments.
A
Biological Macromolecules
15
Q
The scientific study of life.
A
Biology
16
Q
A large area or geographical region with distinct plant and animal groups adapted to that environment.
A
Biome
17
Q
The zone of life on Earth; sum total of all ecosystems on Earth.
A
Biosphere
18
Q
Any procedure or methodology that uses biological systems or living organisms to develop or modify either products or
processes for specific use. This term is commonly associated with genetic engineering, which is one of many applications.
A
Biotechnology
19
Q
A term that describes a living or once‐living organism in an ecosystem.
A
Biotic
20
Q
A macromolecule that contains atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio and serves as a major source of
energy for living organisms (e.g., sugars, starches, and cellulose).
A
Carbohydrate
21
Q
Proteins embedded in the plasma membrane involved in the movement of ions, small molecules, and macromolecules
into and out of cells; also known as transport proteins.
A
Carrier (Transport) Proteins
22
Q
A substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions
(e.g., lower temperature) than otherwise possible without being changed by the reaction.
A
Catalyst
23
Q
The basic unit of structure and function for all living organisms. Cells have three common components: genetic material,
cytoplasm, and a cell membrane. Eukaryotic cells also contain specialized organelles.
A
Cell
24
Q
The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. The main phases of the cell cycle are
interphase, nuclear division, and cytokinesis.
A
Cell Cycle
25
A complex set of chemical reactions involving an energy transformation where potential chemical energy in the
bonds of “food” molecules is released and partially captured in the bonds of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules.
Cellular Respiration
26
An organelle found in plant cells and the cells of other eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms where photosynthesis
occurs.
Chloroplast
27
A change in the structure of a chromosome (e.g., deletion, the loss of a segment of a chromosome and thus the loss of
segment containing genes; duplication, when a segment of a chromosome is duplicated and thus displayed more than
once on the chromosome; inversion, when a segment of a chromosome breaks off and reattaches in reverse order; and
translocation, when a segment of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to a nonhomologous chromosome).
Chromosomal Mutation
28
A single piece of coiled DNA and associated proteins found in linear forms in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and
circular forms in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells; contains genes that encode traits. Each species has a characteristic
number of chromosomes.
Chromosomes
29
A process in which a cell, cell product, or organism is copied from an original source (e.g., DNA cloning, the transfer of a
DNA fragment from one organism to a self‐replicating genetic element such as a bacterial plasmid; reproductive cloning,
the transfer of genetic material from the nucleus of a donor adult cell to an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed for
the purpose of creating an embryo that can produce an exact genetic copy of the donor organism; or therapeutic
cloning, the process of taking undifferentiated embryonic cells [STEM cells] for use in medical research).
Cloning
30
A pattern of inheritance in which the phenotypic effect of two alleles in a heterozygous genotype express each
phenotype of each allele fully and equally; a phenotype which would not be expressed in any other genotypic
combination.
Co‐dominance
31
The intermolecular attraction between like molecules. Surface tension results from the cohesive properties of water.
Cohesion
32
Different populations of organisms interacting in a shared environment.
Community (Ecological)
33
When individuals or groups of organisms compete for similar resources such as territory, mates, water, and food in
the same environment.
Competition
34
The measure of the amount or proportion of a given substance when combined with another substance.
Concentration
35
The graduated difference in concentration of a solute per unit distance through a solution.
Concentration Gradient
36
An organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms or their remains.
Consumer (Ecological)
37
An exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during anaphase I of meiosis; contributes to
the genetic variability in gametes and ultimately in offspring.
Crossing‐over
38
The final phase of a cell cycle resulting in the division of the cytoplasm.
Cytokinesis
39
An organism that obtains nutrients by consuming dead and decaying organic matter which allows nutrients to be
accessible to other organisms.
Decomposer
40
A biological macromolecule that encodes the genetic information for living organisms and is capable of self‐replication
and the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA).
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
41
The movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration; a natural result of
kinetic molecular energy.
Diffusion
42
The process in which DNA makes a duplicate copy of itself.
DNA Replication
43
A pattern of inheritance in which the phenotypic effect of one allele is completely expressed within a homozygous and
heterozygous genotype.
Dominant Inheritance
44
The study of the relationships between organisms and their interactions with the environment.
Ecology
45
A system composed of organisms and nonliving components of an environment.
Ecosystem
46
The branch of zoology studying the early development of living things
Embryology
47
A species that is found in its originating location and is generally restricted to that geographic area.
Endemic Species
48
A process in which a cell engulfs extracellular material through an inward folding of its plasma membrane.
Endocytosis
49
An organelle, containing folded membranes and sacs, responsible for the production, processing, and transportation of
materials for use inside and outside a eukaryotic cell. There are two forms of this organelle: rough ER that has surface
ribosomes and participates in the synthesis of proteins mostly destined for export by the cell and smooth ER that has no
ribosomes and participates in the synthesis of lipids and steroids as well as the transport of synthesized macromolecules.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
50
A theorized process in which early eukaryotic cells were formed from simpler prokaryotes.
Endosymbiosis
51
A model that illustrates the biomass productivity at multiple trophic levels in a given ecosystem.
Energy Pyramid
52
A process in which energy changes from one form to another form while some of the energy is lost to the environment.
Energy Transformation
53
The total surroundings of an organism or a group of organisms.
Environment
54
A protein that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being changed by the reaction; an organic catalyst.
Enzyme
55
A type of organism composed of one or more cells containing a membrane‐bound nucleus, specialized organelles
in the cytoplasm, and a mitotic nuclear division cycle.
Eukaryote
56
A process in which new species develop from preexisting species (biological evolution or macroevolution);
a change in the allele frequencies of a population of organisms from generation to generation
(genetic evolution or microevolution).
Evolution
57
A process in which a cell releases substances to the extracellular environment by fusing a vesicular membrane with
the plasma membrane, separating the membrane at the point of fusion and allowing the substance to be released.
Exocytosis
58
term that typically describes a species that no longer has any known living individuals.
Extinction
59
Located outside a cell.
Extracellular
60
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A process in which substances are transported across a plasma membrane with the concentration gradient with the aid
of carrier (transport) proteins; does not require the use of energy
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Facilitated Diffusion
61
A simplified path illustrating the passing of potential chemical energy (food) from one organism to another organism.
Food Chain
62
A complex arrangement of interrelated food chains illustrating the flow of energy between interdependent organisms.
Food Web
63
The science of tests and techniques used during the investigation of crimes.
Forensics
64
The preserved remains or traces of organisms that once lived on Earth.
Fossils
65
A decrease in genetic variation caused by the formation of a new population by a small number of individuals from
a larger population.
Founder Effect
66
The addition (insertion mutation) or removal (deletion mutation) of one or more nucleotides that is not indivisible by
three, therefore resulting in a completely different amino acid sequence than would be normal. The earlier in the
sequence nucleotides are added or removed, the more altered the protein will be.
Frame‐shift Mutation
67
The temperature at which a liquid changes state to a solid.
Freezing Point
68
A specialized cell (egg or sperm) used in sexual reproduction containing half the normal number of chromosomes of a
somatic cell.
Gamete
69
A sequence of nucleotides composing a segment of DNA that provides a blueprint for a specific hereditary trait.
Gene
70
The process in which a nucleotide sequence of a gene is used to make a functional product such as protein or RNA.
Gene Expression
71
A natural process in which a nucleic acid molecule (usually DNA but can be RNA) is broken and then joined to
a different molecule; a result of crossing‐over.
Gene Recombination
72
A type of gene recombination in which the DNA is intentionally broken and recombined using laboratory techniques.
Gene Splicing
73
The intentional insertion, alteration, or deletion of genes within an individual’s cells and tissues for the purpose of
treating a disease
Gene Therapy
74
A change in the allele frequency of a population as a result of chance events rather than natural selection.
Genetic Drift
75
A technology that includes the process of manipulating or altering the genetic material of a cell resulting in
desirable functions or outcomes that would not occur naturally.
Genetic Engineering
76
An organism whose genetic material has been altered through some genetic engineering technology or technique.
Genetically Modified Organism
77
The scientific study of inheritance.
Genetics
78
The genetic composition of an organism with reference to a single trait, a set of traits, or the entire complement of traits
of an organism.
Genotype
79
An organelle found in eukaryotic cells responsible for the final stages of processing proteins for release by the cell.
Golgi Apparatus
80
A proposed explanation in evolutionary biology stating that new species arise from the result of slight modifications
(mutations and resulting phenotypic changes) over many generations.
Gradualism
81
An area that provides an organism with its basic needs for survival.
Habitat
82
The regulatory process in which an organism regulates its internal environment.
Homeostasis
83
A regulatory mechanism that contributes to maintaining a state of equilibrium (e.g., thermoregulation, water regulation,
and oxygen regulation).
Homeostatic Mechanism
84
A physical characteristic in different organisms that is similar because it was inherited from a common ancestor.
Homologous Structure
85
A proposed, scientifically testable explanation for an observed phenomenon.
Hypothesis
86
Not permitting passage of a substance or substances.
Impermeable
87
A pattern of inheritance in which two alleles, inherited from the parents, are neither dominant nor recessive.
The resulting offspring have a phenotype that is a blending of the parental traits.
Incomplete Dominance
88
The process in which genetic material is passed from parents to their offspring.
Inheritance
89
The longest‐lasting phase of the cell cycle in which a cell performs the majority of its functions, such as preparing for
nuclear division and cytokinesis.
Interphase
90
Located inside a cell.
Intracellular
91
Features of behaviors, morphology, or genetics which serve to prevent mating or breeding between two different
species (e.g., temporal isolation, in which individuals are active at different times of the day, seasons, or mating periods;
ecological isolation, in which individuals only mate in their specific habitat; behavioral isolation, when there are no
sexual cues between representatives of the species; mechanical isolation, when there is no sperm transfer during an
attempted mating; and gametic incompatibility, when there is sperm transfer without fertilization occurring).
If mating can take place, there are four factors that prevent hybrid viability: zygotic mortality (fertilization but no zygote),
hybrid inviability (embryo is not viable), hybrid sterility (resulting adult is sterile), and hybrid breakdown (first generation
is viable but future generations are not).
Isolating Mechanisms
92
A law that generalizes a body of observations. At the time it is made, no exceptions have been found to a law.
It explains things but does not describe them; serves as the basis of scientific principles.
Law (Scientific)
93
Chemical or physical factor that limits the existence, growth, abundance, or distribution of an individual organism
or a population.
Limiting Factor
94
A group of organic compounds composed mostly of carbon and hydrogen including a proportionately smaller amount of
oxygen; are insoluble in water, serve as a source of stored energy, and are a component of cell membranes.
Lipids
95
A polymer with a high molecular mass. Within organisms there are four main groups: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and
nucleic acids.
Macromolecule
96
The combination of components and processes that serve a common function.
Mechanism (Scientific)
97
A two‐phase nuclear division that results in the eventual production of gametes with half the normal number of
chromosomes.
Meiosis
98
The permanent movement of genes into or out of a population resulting in a change in allele frequencies.
Migration (Genetics)
99
A membrane‐bound organelle found in most eukaryotic cells; site of cellular respiration.
Mitochondrion
100
A nuclear division resulting in the production of two somatic cells having the same genetic complement as
the original cell.
Mitosis
101
The smallest particle of a substance that retains the chemical and physical properties of the substance and
is composed of two or more atoms held together by chemical forces.
Molecule
102
A molecule of any compound that can react with other molecules of the same or different compound to form a polymer.
Each biological macromolecule has characteristic monomers.
Monomer
103
Made up of more than one cell.
Multicellular
104
More than two forms of a gene controlling the expression of a trait.
Multiple Alleles
105
A permanent transmissible change of genetic material (e.g., chromosomal mutations and gene mutations).
Mutation
106
A process in nature in which organisms possessing certain inherited traits are better able to survive and reproduce
compared to others of their species.
Natural Selection
107
The process in which sister chromatids fail to separate during and after mitosis or meiosis.
Nondisjunction
108
A species normally living outside a distribution range that has been introduced through either deliberate or
accidental human activity; also can be known as introduced, invasive, alien, nonindigenous, or exotic.
Nonnative Species
109
A biological macromolecule (DNA or RNA) composed of the elements C, H, N, O, and P that carries genetic information.
Nucleic Acid
110
A membrane‐bound organelle in eukaryotic cells functioning to maintain the integrity of the genetic material and,
through the expression of that material, controlling and regulating cellular activities.
Nucleus
111
An anatomical unit composed of tissues serving a common function.
Organ
112
An anatomical system composed of a group of organs that work together to perform a specific function or task.
Organ System
113
A subunit within a cell that has a specialized function.
Organelle
114
A molecule containing carbon that is a part of or produced by living systems.
Organic Molecule
115
A form of life; an animal, plant, fungus, protist or bacterium.
Organism
116
The movement of water or another solvent through permeable membranes from an area of higher water concentration
(dilute) to an area of lower water concentration (concentrated).
Osmosis
117
The transportation of materials across a plasma membrane without using energy.
Passive Transport
118
The measure of acidity or alkalinity (basicity) of an aqueous solution scaling from 1 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline)
with a midpoint of 7 (neutral).
pH
119
The observable expression of a genotype.
Phenotype
120
A process in which solar radiation is chemically captured by chlorophyll molecules and through a set of
controlled chemical reactions resulting in the potential chemical energy in the bonds of carbohydrate molecules.
Photosynthesis
121
A thin, phospholipid and protein molecule bilayer that encapsulates a cell and controls the movement of materials
in and out of the cell through active or passive transport.
Plasma Membrane
122
A group of membrane‐bound organelles commonly found in photosynthetic organisms and mainly responsible for
the synthesis and storage of food.
Plastids
123
A single‐base substitution causing the replacement of a single‐base nucleotide with another nucleotide
(e.g., silent mutation, in which there is no change in an amino acid; missense mutation, in which there is
a different amino acid; and nonsense mutation, in which there is an insertion of a stop codon in the amino acid
which stops protein synthesis).
Point Mutation
124
A trait in which the phenotype is controlled by two or more genes at different loci on different chromosomes.
Polygenic Trait
125
A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific geographical area and reproducing.
Population
126
The study of short‐ and long‐term changes in the number of individuals for a given population, as affected by
birth, death, immigration, and emigration.
Population Dynamics
127
A concept based on scientific laws and axioms (rules assumed to be present, true, and valid) where
general agreement is present.
Principle (Scientific)
128
An organism that uses a primary energy source to conduct photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Producer (Ecological)
129
A single‐celled organism that lacks a membrane‐bound nucleus and specialized organelles.
Prokaryote
130
A macromolecule that contains the principal components of organisms: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen;
performs a variety of structural and regulatory functions for cells.
Protein
131
The process in which amino acids are arranged in a linear sequence through the processes of transcription of DNA and
to RNA and the translation of RNA to a polypeptide chain.
Protein Synthesis
132
Any of several molecular mechanisms in which ions or molecules are transported across a cellular membrane requiring
the use of an energy source (e.g., glucose, sodium [Na+], calcium [Ca+], and potassium [K+]).
Pumps (Ion or Molecular)
133
A proposed explanation in evolutionary biology stating that species are generally stable over long periods of time.
Occasionally there are rapid changes that affect some species which can quickly result in a new species.
Punctuated Equilibrium
134
A pattern of inheritance in which the phenotypic effect of one allele is only expressed within a homozygous genotype.
In a heterozygous condition with a dominant allele, it is not expressed in the phenotype.
Recessive Inheritance
135
A cellular structure composed of RNA and proteins that is the site of protein synthesis in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
Ribosome
136
A body of evidence‐based knowledge gained through observation and experimentation related to the natural world and
technology.
Science
137
The process of breeding organisms that results on offspring with desired genetic traits.
Selective Breeding
138
The process in which the DNA molecule uncoils and separates into two strands. Each original strand becomes a
template on which a new strand is constructed, resulting in two DNA molecules identical to the original DNA molecule.
Semiconservative Replication
139
A trait, associated with a gene that is carried by either the male or female parent (e.g., color blindness and
sickle‐cell anemia).
Sex‐linked Trait
140
A process typically caused by the genetic isolation from a main population resulting in a new genetically distinct species.
Speciation
141
The lowest taxonomic level of biological classification consisting of organisms capable of reproduction that results
in fertile offspring.
Species
142
The measure of the heat energy required to increase the temperature of a unit quantity of a substance by a
certain temperature interval.
Specific Heat
143
A series of predictable and orderly changes within an ecosystem over time
Succession
144
A relationship between two organisms (i.e., mutualism, in which both organisms benefit; parasitism, in which one
organism benefits and the other organism is harmed; and commensalism, in which one organism benefits and the other
organism does not benefit or is not harmed).
Symbiotic Relationship
145
A set of interacting or interdependent components, real or abstract, that form an integrated whole. An open system is
able to interact with its environment. A closed system is isolated from its environment.
System
146
A measure of the average kinetic energy (energy of motion) of particles in a sample of matter. This physical property can
determine the rate and extent to which chemical reactions can occur within living systems. It is commonly measured in
degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
Temperature
147
A term that describes an organism associated with a land environment.
Terrestrial
148
An explanation of observable phenomena based on available empirical data and guided by a system of logic that includes
scientific laws; provides a system of assumptions, accepted principles, and rules of procedure devised to analyze, predict,
or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a specific set of phenomena.
Theory (Scientific)
149
An anatomical unit composed of cells organized to perform a similar function.
Tissue
150
The process in which a strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized by using the genetic information found on a
strand DNA as a template.
Transcription
151
The process in which the messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule on a ribosome is decoded to produce a sequence of
amino acids for protein synthesis.
Translation
152
The process in which a segment of a chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.
Translocation
153
The position of an organism in relation to the flow of energy and inorganic nutrients through an ecosystem
(e.g., producer, consumer, and decomposer).
Trophic Level
154
Made up of a single cell.
Unicellular
155
A physical characteristic in organisms that appears to have lost its original function as a species has changed over time.
Vestigial Structure
