Download Biology EOC and Final Exam Vocabulary List Experimental Design

Biology EOC and Final Exam Vocabulary List
Experimental Design:
Validity: How accurate your results are. Validity is increased by taking careful measurement, controlling all
variables, and double-checking measurements.
Reliability: Getting consistent results over and over again. Reliability is increased by doing the experiment the same
way multiple times (at least 3 times). It is measured when you compare data across multiple trials and see the
same results each time.
Independent (Manipulated) Variable: The thing in the experiment that is affecting the dependent variable. It is
usually the thing you change.
Dependent (Responding) Variable: The thing in the experiment that is affected by the independent variable. It is
what you are measuring in your data table.
Controlled Variables: Things that you keep the same throughout your experiment. They are not the independent or
dependent variable. If they change during the experiment, they could decrease the accuracy of your results.
Experimental Question: The guiding question for your experiment. You must be able to test this question
scientifically. Usual format: What is the effect of ________ on ________?
Controlled Experiment: A scientific experiment with controlled variables.
Scientific Model: A tool used to show how something works. Models are useful in science to show or predict how
things that we can’t really touch or see work. Example: Some scientists make mini-atmospheres to figure out how
the carbon cycle works.
Hypothesis: A prediction based on some previous knowledge, that is able to be tested.
Scientific Theory: A well-accepted explanation of the way things work in the natural world. It is supported by a
great deal of evidence and by most scientists. Examples: Cell Theory, Evolution.
Cells Unit:
Atom: The smallest unit of one element (carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, etc).
Molecule: A group of 2 or more atoms that are held together by chemical bonds (H 2O, CO2)
Lipids: A type of organic macromolecule. Includes all fats, waxes, and oils. Used for long-term energy storage, and
protection.
Carbohydrates: A type of organic macromolecule. Includes all sugars. Used for short-term energy storage.
Proteins: A type of organic macromolecule. They make up much of the structure of our bodies (skin, liver, bone,
fingernails, etc). They also perform important functions (enzymes).
Nucleic Acids: A type of organic macromolecule. Most common examples are DNA, RNA, and ATP.
Organelles: The “organs” of the cell. They perform all of the specific functions that help keep the cell alive and
functioning. Examples: nucleus, cell wall, cell membrane, ribosome, chloroplast)
Nucleus: The organelle at the center of the cell. The nucleus is like the brain of the cell. It holds the DNA and
instructs the rest of the cell on what to do.
Cell Wall: Found in plant and bacteria cells only. It’s the hard outer wall of the cell that protects the cell from
damage.
Cell Membrane: Found in all types of cells. It is the outside membrane that holds the cell together and regulates
what comes in and out of the cell. In plant and bacteria cells, it is located just inside the cell wall.
Cytoplasm: The liquidy goo that makes up the inside of the cell. Imagine it like the air inside of the balloon. It’s what
all the organelles sit in.
Vacuole: An organelle that can store waste or food until the cell is ready to use it or get rid of it.
Bacteria/Bacterium: A single-celled organism that has no nucleus.
Phospholipid Bilayer: The structure of the cell membrane. Made up of 2 layers of phospholipids. The hydrophilic
head faces out, and the hydrophobic tail faces in on both sides. This structure helps the membrane keep out
dangerous substances.
Transport Proteins: Proteins that are embedded in the cell membrane and allow larger molecules to come in or out
of the cell.
Active Transport: When molecules cross the cell membrane and extra energy is required. This happens when
molecules go from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration.
Passive Transport: When molecules cross the cell membrane and no extra energy is required. This happens when
molecules go from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration. Diffusion and osmosis are
examples.
Osmosis: When water diffuses across a membrane.
Solutions: A combination of at least 2 types of molecules that are mixed together. Can be high, low, or even
concentration.
Facilitated Diffusion: A type of passive transport, when large molecules move passively through a transport protein.
Homeostasis: A state of balance within a system (such as the body or an ecosystem). Examples: body temperature,
hydration, pH levels).
Negative Feedback: When a system gets out of homeostasis, a signal is made to correct the problem and return the
system back to homeostasis. Example: When you get too hot, your brain sends a signal to your body to start
sweating until you cool down. When you’re back to a normal temperature, you stop sweating.
Positive Feedback: When a system gets out of homeostasis, a signal is made to increase the condition, causing the
system to get further out of balance, and eventually to spiral out of control. Example: When the ice caps melt they
turn to water. The water is darker than the white ice, so it absorbs more of the sun’s heat which causes more ice to
melt which makes more water, which absorbs more heat…and so on.
Energy Transformations Unit:
Photosynthesis: How plants make their food. They absorb CO2 from the air, water, and use energy from the Sun to
produce glucose (sugar) and oxygen. Equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O + Sun  C6H12O6 + 6O2
Cellular Respiration: How organisms convert food/carbs into energy. Organisms eat glucose and breathe in oxygen
to produce ATP (energy), CO2, and water. Equation: 6O2 + C6H12O6  6CO2 + 6H2O + 36ATP
Combustion: When a hydrocarbon (anything with hydrogen and carbon) is burned in the presence of oxygen to
produce energy and CO2. Equation: O2 + Hydrocarbon  Energy + CO2. Examples: cellular respiration, fire.
Fossil Fuels: An energy source that comes from the fossilized remains of ancient organisms that have been buried
deep under the Earth. Examples: coal, oil, gas.
Decomposition: When living matter dies and decays or rots. Other living things (decomposers) usually break down
bigger molecules into smaller and smaller pieces as they consume it.
ATP: A type of chemical energy used in our body. ATP is a big molecule and when our cells break apart its chemical
bonds, energy is released. This is the energy our cells use to do all of their functions.
Light Energy: A type of energy. We see it as light. Also called radiation or electromagnetic energy.
Chemical Energy: A type of energy. This energy is stored in the chemical bonds of molecules. Food is an example.
Glucose: C6H12O6. A simple sugar or carbohydrate. It is the product of photosynthesis and is used in cellular
respiration.
Chloroplast: The organelle in plant cells that carries out photosynthesis. It looks like a green sack and it’s filled with
little green “pancakes” that absorb energy from the Sun.
Chlorophyll: The green pigment found in chloroplasts that is actually responsible for absorbing energy from the
Sun.
Mitochondria: The organelle in all cells that carries out cellular respiration. It is like the power house of the cell
because it takes fuel (sugar) and turns it into usable energy (ATP).
The Carbon Cycle: The cycle of carbon throughout an ecosystem or throughout the whole Earth. CO 2 is absorbed by
plants, and breathed back out by organisms doing cellular respiration. Some CO2 is also released when organisms
die and decay, and when they poop. In a healthy ecosystem there is balance between the amount of carbon
absorbed, and the amount of carbon released. Humans have altered this balance by cutting down trees that absorb
CO2, and burning fossil fuels that release it.
Enzymes Unit:
Enzymes: A type of protein. Enzymes cause chemical reactions to happen and to happen quickly in the body.
Enzyme names typically end in “ase”. Examples: Digestive enzymes break down food particles into smaller
molecules, DNA Polymerase is responsible for creating an identical copy of DNA.
Amino Acids: The building blocks of proteins. Proteins are made of long chains of amino acids.
Fatty Acids: The building block of lipids. Lipids are made of long chains of fatty acids.
Nucleotides: The building blocks of nucleic acids. DNA and RNA are made of long chains of nucleotides, represented
by the letters C,G,A,T (or U in RNA). The order of these nucleotides determines the structure and function of the
proteins that they code for.
Cell Growth and Division Unit:
Chromosomes: Found in the nucleus and made up of a single molecule of DNA, wound up tightly into the shape of
an X. Different organisms have different numbers of chromosomes. Humans have 46.
Mitosis: The process in which a cell’s nucleus and DNA are separated into two identical daughter cells before they
split in half.
Interphase: Most of a cell’s life cycle is spent in interphase. It includes G 1 (Growth 1), S phase (Synthesis phase,
where the DNA gets copied), and G2 (Growth 2). It is not part of mitosis.
PMAT: The four phases of mitosis – Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (in that order).
Cytokinesis: When a cell that’s gone through mitosis actually splits in half. This happens right after mitosis.
Asexual Reproduction: When an organism produces offspring that is a copy of itself. It only involves one parent’s
genes.
Embryo: An unborn, or unhatched offspring still in development.
DNA and Protein Synthesis Unit:
DNA: The genetic material of all living things. A type of nucleic acid. It is the code for all of the proteins that cells
make and all of the functions of every cell.
mRNA: Messenger RNA. It’s job is to copy a chunk of DNA inside the nucleus, and then carry that message out of
the nucleus to the ribosome, where it’s used to produce a protein.
tRNA: Transfer RNA. It’s job is to read the mRNA strand in the ribosome, and bring the appropriate amino acid to
the site. Many tRNA’s in a row build a chain of their amino acids that eventually becomes the protein.
Protein Synthesis: The process of producing proteins based of the of the DNA code. DNA gets transcribed into
mRNA in the nucleus. The mRNA then goes to the ribosome where it is translated by tRNA into amino acids, and
then a whole protein.
Ribosome: The organelle in which protein synthesis happens.
Meiosis and Genetics Unit:
Meiosis: The process through which sex cells are created. One cell divides once into 2 identical daughter cells. These
cells each divide a second time, but without copying the DNA again. This produces 4 genetically different daughter
cells that each have half of the genetic information.
Sex Cells: Sperm and egg. Haploid cells that only have one set of each chromosome.
Genetic Recombination (Crossing Over): Happens during meiosis. The two sets of chromosomes line up in the
middle, and they intertwine. Small chunks of each chromosome break off and are swapped with the matching
chromosome. This process is totally random, and provides even more genetic diversity.
Independent Assortment: Happens during meiosis. The two sets of chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell,
but they line up independently, so long as there is one of each chromosome on both sides of the cell. This means
that when the cell splits, the daughter cells can have any combination of the two parents’ chromosomes (your sex
cells have random combinations of your 2 parents chromosomes).
Fertilization: When sperm and egg come together to form a zygote. Each sex cell has a half set of chromosomes.
After fertilization, the resulting zygote now has a full set, one of each from each parent.
Gene: A section of DNA that codes for a specific protein.
Genetic Cross/Punnett Square: A tool used to determine the possible genotypes of offspring produced by two
parents with known genotypes.
Alleles: Different versions of genes. Example: Everyone has the gene for ear lobes. Some people have an allele that
causes their ear lobe to be attached to their head, others have the allele that causes their ear lobe to hang free.
Inherited Traits: Characteristics that are the result of our genes. These traits were passed down from our parents
and we can pass them to our offspring.
Acquired (Learned) Characteristics: Characteristics that are not the result of our genes, we learned them or
acquired them after we were born. Examples: what language we speak, scars, etc.
Dominant and Recessive Alleles: When we have one dominant and one recessive allele for a gene, the dominant
allele is represented in our phenotype. The recessive allele is still in our DNA and can be passed to our offspring, but
it’s not a visible part of our bodies.
Heterozygous: When we have one dominant and one recessive allele for a gene.
Homozygous: When we have 2 of the same allele for a gene. We could be homozygous dominant or homozygous
recessive.
Genotype: The alleles that actually exist in our DNA, whether or not they’re represented in our bodies.
Phenotype: The alleles that are represented in our bodies – the way our bodies look and function.
Codominance: An inheritance pattern in which two or more alleles are both dominant. Individuals that are
heterozygous have both alleles represented in their phenotype. Example: Cows with red and white fur have a red
fur allele and a white fur allele.
Incomplete Dominance: An inheritance pattern in which there are multiple alleles but none is totally dominant over
the other. Individuals that are heterozygous have a blend of the two alleles in their phenotype. Example: Red
snapdragons mate with white snapdragons to produce pink snapdragons.
Evolution Unit:
Evolution: Change over time.
Mutation: A mistake made in the process of copying DNA. Most mutations just destroy the resulting protein but
sometimes they end up creating totally new alleles.
Insertions: A type of mutation in which an extra nucleotide (A,T,C,G) is added to the copied DNA strand. This is a
frameshift mutation because every codon after it will be off by one letter.
Deletions: A type of mutation in which a nucleotide (A,T,C,G) is deleted from the copied DNA strand. This is a
frameshift mutation because every codon after it will be off by one letter.
Substitutions: A type of mutation in which one nucleotide is replaced with a different one. This sometimes leads to
the formation of new alleles because the gene is still mostly intact, but with one small change.
Natural Selection: The process by which inherited traits become more or less common in a population depending on
whether or not they allow individuals to survive better in their environment.
Evolutionary Fitness: The ability to survive to adulthood and to produce healthy offspring.
Common Ancestor: A very distant but direct ancestor that two totally different species have in common. Common
ancestors are so distant, they are extinct, just like your great great great grandparents are probably no longer alive.
Evidence for Evolution: Examples: Fossil remains of different looking (possibly common) ancestors, DNA evidence
showing common genes, homologous traits that look similar and may have been inherited from a common
ancestor, vestigial traits that show that we still have genes for some traits that our ancestors needed but that we
don’t anymore (exp – whale’s leg bones).
Species: A group of closely related organisms that are genetically similar enough that they can reproduce together
and produce viable and fertile offspring. Examples: humans, orangutans, hobo spiders, etc).
Ecology Unit:
Ecosystem: All of the living and non-living things in a certain area that interact with and rely on each other.
Ecological Niche: Where a species fits within its ecosystem. For example, the niche of a species of mushroom would
be to grow on the forest floor and decompose dead leaf matter.
Non-native Species/Invasive Species: A species that has been introduced or spread to a new ecosystem. They are
sometimes harmful to that ecosystem if they have no predators and have many food sources. Then they can outcompete native species.
The Nitrogen Cycle: The cycle through which nitrogen moves through ecosystems. Nitrogen gas in the air gets
absorbed by bacteria and fungi in the soil, plants absorb it from the soil into their roots, animals eat those plants
and absorb it into their bodies. When animals die or urinate, the nitrogen in their bodies returns to the soil and the
atmosphere. The use of man-made fertilizers on farms can cause too much nitrogen to build up in the soil, making
the soil useless and polluting nearby waters.
Population Density: The number of individuals of a single species living in a specific area. It’s measured by counting
individuals and dividing by the amount of space. Large populations can be counted using random sampling.
Population Limiting Factors: Any factor that limits the size of a population. These can be density-dependent
(amount of resources available, predators, disease), or density-independent (natural disaster, climate).
Predator-Prey Graph: A population graph that shows the relationship between predator and prey populations. The
prey population is usually higher than the predator population. The population of the predators typically increases
and decreases in response to the population of its prey.
Carrying Capacity: The maximum number of individuals in a population that the environment can support. Once a
population hits carrying capacity, it either stays the same, or it drops rapidly.
Exponential Growth: When populations grow rapidly. Imagine if you had a pair of mice that reproduced. The
population would grow slowly at first, but as more and more mice are born, more and more mice reproduce and
pretty soon the population is growing out of control.
Biodiversity: The number of different species living within an ecosystem. Generally the higher the biodiversity, the
healthier the ecosystem. If some die from disease or attack, others may be able to adapt and survive.
Biomass: The total mass of all of the living things in an ecosystem.
Food Web: The interconnected web of a community of organisms that eat each other and compete for food
sources.
Sustainability: The long-term endurance of a system. Environmental sustainability is especially important because if
ecosystems get out of balance, many species can go extinct and it might be difficult to return that ecosystem to its
normal healthy balance.
Succession: After a major disaster in an ecosystem (such as a fire, flood, or volcano), the order by which new life
returns to the area. Typically small plants come in first and begin to provide healthier soil for other plants. When
there are enough plants, animals that eat those plants may migrate to the area and become a part of the
ecosystem, further improving the quality of the soil.
Renewable Resources: Food, water, and energy resources that can be used or recycled again and again. Renewable
energy resources include wind power, solar power, and hydroelectric power.
General Test Vocabulary: The following terms may be used on the EOC. They aren’t from any particular unit, and
may already be familiar to you. It is optional to make these terms into flashcards.
Constraint: A limitation or restriction. Example: “The availability of water is the main constraint to food
production.”
Unintended Consequence: A result of an action or solution that wasn’t planned for, and is often negative. Example:
“Bringing cane toads to Australia resulted in many unintended consequences, including the fact that the cane toads
ended up eating native species.”
Limitations: The extent to which something is useful. Example: “One limitation of our DNA model is that it isn’t long
enough to show how complex the DNA molecule actually is.”
Inputs/Outputs: In a chemical reaction or chemical equation, inputs go into the reaction, outputs are what comes
out of the reaction.
System: A group of related parts that work together. Example: “The circulatory system is made up of the heart and
all of the blood vessels in the body, which work together to pump blood throughout the body.”
Equilibrium: A state of balance. Example: “When the amount of carbon that’s released into the atmosphere is the
same as the amount of carbon that’s absorbed from the atmosphere, the cycle is said to be in equilibrium.”
Criteria/Criterion: Something that is used as a reason for making a judgment or decision. Example: “Mrs. Dignan
was grading student work based on 6 different criteria.”
Function: The special purpose of a person or thing. Example: “The function of the lungs is to absorb oxygen into the
body.”
Finite: Has limits, does not go on forever. Example: “All ecosystems have a finite supply of resources.”
Habitat: The place where an organism lives. Example: “The rapid increase of the human population is causing many
other species to lose their natural habitat.”
Impact: A powerful, often negative effect. Example: “The impacts of climate change include rising water levels,
powerful storms, and increased droughts.”
Organism: A living thing.
Regulate: To set or adjust the amount or rate of something. Example: “Our bodies are able to regulate their
temperature by sweating when we’re hot, or shivering when we’re cold.”
Toxin: A poisonous substance.
Trend: A general direction of change. Example: “The trend in the data was that when the amount of enzyme
increased, juice production decreased.”