Biology SOL Vocabulary Review

RNA

(biochemistry) a long linear polymer of nucleotides found in the nucleus but mainly in the cytoplasm of a cell where it is associated with microsomes; it transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm and controls certain chemical processes

Evolution

(biology) the sequence of events involved in the evolutionary development of a species or taxonomic group of organisms

Spindle

(biology) tiny fibers that are seen in cell division; the fibers radiate from two poles and meet at the equator in the middle

Succession

(ecology) the gradual and orderly process of change in an ecosystem brought about by the progressive replacement of one community by another until a stable climax is established

Inversion

(genetics) a kind of mutation in which the order of the genes in a section of a chromosome is reversed

Mutation

(genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism

Inheritance

(genetics) attributes acquired via biological heredity from the parents

Transcription

(genetics) the organic process whereby the DNA sequence in a gene is copied into mRNA; the process whereby a base sequence of messenger RNA is synthesized on a template of complementary DNA

Replication

(genetics) the process whereby DNA makes a copy of itself before cell division

Translation

(genetics) the process whereby genetic information coded in messenger RNA directs the formation of a specific protein at a ribosome in the cytoplasm

Cilia

: a minute short hairlike process often forming part of a fringe; especially : one on a cell that is capable of lashing movement and serves especially in free unicellular organisms to produce locomotion or in higher forms a current of fluid

Climax community

An ecological community in which populations of plants or animals remain stable and exist in balance with each other and their environment. A climax community is the final stage of succession, remaining relatively unchanged until destroyed by an event such as fire or human interference.

Paleontologist

One who studies of the forms of life existing in prehistoric or geologic times, as represented by the fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms

Cell culture

The maintenance or growth of dispersed cells in a medium after removal from the body

Larvae

The newly hatched, wingless, often wormlike form of many insects before metamorphosis.

Proton gradient

The product of the electron transport chain. A higher concentration of protons outside the inner membrane of the mitochondria than inside the membrane is the driving force behind ATP synthesis.

Binomial

a biological species name consisting of two terms

Fermentation

a chemical phenomenon in which an organic molecule splits into simpler substances

Antibiotic

a chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that kills microorganisms and cures infections

Fluid mosaic

a description of the membrane of a cell. The fluid part refers to the phospholipids of a cell membrane, which, like liquid, flow. The mosaic part refers to proteins embedded in the phospholipid bilayer that act as conduits through which molecules enter and exit the cell

Trait

a distinguishing feature of your personal nature

Test cross

a genetic test for heterozygosity in which an organism of dominant phenotype, but unknown genotype, is crossed to an organism recessive for all markers in question

Wet mount

a glass slide holding a specimen suspended in a drop of liquid (as water) for microscopic examination

Community

a group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other

Population

a group of organisms of the same species populating a given area

Solution

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

Dichotomous key

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

Eubacteria

a large group of bacteria having rigid cell walls; motile types have flagella

Imprinting

a learning process in early life whereby species specific patterns of behavior are established

Solvent

a liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances

Organism

a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently

Kingdom

a major category (as Plantae or Protista) in biological taxonomy that ranks above the phylum and below the domain

Class

a major category in biological taxonomy ranking above the order and below the phylum or division

Independent variable

a mathematical variable that is independent of the other variables in an expression or function and whose value determines one or more of the values of the other variables

Dependent variable

a mathematical variable whose value is determined by that of one or more other variables in a function

Gamete

a mature sexual reproductive cell having a single set of unpaired chromosomes

Scientific Method

a method of investigation involving observation and theory to test scientific hypotheses

Natural selection

a natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment

Polymer

a naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series of repeated simple monomers

Endoplasmic reticulum

a network of tubular membranes within the cytoplasm of the cell, occurring either with a smooth surface (smooth endoplasmic reticulum) or studded with ribosomes (rough endoplasmic reticulum), involved in the transport of materials

ATP

a nucleotide derived from adenosine that occurs in muscle tissue; the major source of energy for cellular reactions

Nucleus

a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction

Polypeptide

a peptide containing 10 to more than 100 amino acids

Albino

a person with congenital albinism: white hair and milky skin; eyes are usually pink

Nucleotide

a phosphoric ester of a nucleoside; the basic structural unit of nucleic acids (DNA or RNA)

Photoperiodism

a plant or animal's response or capacity to respond to photoperiod (a recurring cycle of light and dark periods of constant length)

Phylum

a primary category in biological taxonomy especially of animals that ranks above the class and below the kingdom

Conclusion

a reasoned judgment: the necessary consequence of two or more propositions taken as premises

Gene

a segment of DNA that is involved in producing a polypeptide chain; it can include regions preceding and following the coding DNA as well as introns between the exons; it is considered a unit of heredity; genes were formerly called factor

Monomer

a simple compound whose molecules can join together to form polymers

Plasmid

a small cellular inclusion consisting of a ring of DNA that is not in a chromosome but is capable of autonomous replication

Nucleolus

a small round body of protein in a cell nucleus; nucleoli contain RNA and are involved in protein synthesis

Compound

a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight

Catalyst

a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected

Monosaccharide

a sugar (like sucrose or fructose) that does not hydrolyse to give other sugars; the simplest group of carbohydrates

Ecosystem

a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment

Family

a taxonomic group containing one or more genera (sharks belong to the fish family)

Gradualism

a tenet in evolutionary theory maintaining that species evolve slowly and continuously over long periods of geological time

Hypothesis

a tentative theory about the natural world; a concept that is not yet verified but that if true would explain certain facts or phenomena

Punctuated equilibrium

a theory of evolution holding that evolutionary change in the fossil record came in fits and starts rather than in a steady process of slow change

Chromosome

a threadlike body in the cell nucleus that carries the genes in a linear order

Vacuole

a tiny cavity filled with fluid in the cytoplasm of a cell

Prokaryote

a unicellular organism having cells lacking membrane-bound nuclei; bacteria are the prime example but also included are blue-green algae and actinomycetes and mycoplasma

Theory

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

Fauna

all the animal life in a particular region

Flora

all the plant life in a particular region

Observation

an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence often involving measurement with instruments

Embryo

an animal organism in the early stages of growth and differentiation that in higher forms merge into fetal stages but in lower forms terminate in commencement of larval life

Omnivore

an animal that feeds on both animal and vegetable substances

Limiting Factor

an environmental variable that limits or slows the growth or activities of an organism; also, any environmental variable whose presence, absence, or abundance restricts the distribution, numbers, or condition of an organism

Carbohydrate

an essential structural component of living cells and source of energy for animals; includes simple sugars with small molecules as well as macromolecular substances; are classified according to the number of monosaccharide groups they contain

Genetic predisposition

an inherited genetic pattern that makes one susceptible to a certain disease

Pollinator

an insect that carries pollen from one flower to another

Analysis

an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole

Lipid

an oily organic compound insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents; essential structural component of living cells (along with proteins and carbohydrates)

Lysosome

an organelle found in the cytoplasm of most cells (especially in leukocytes and liver and kidney cells)

Ribosome

an organelle in the cytoplasm of a living cell; ribosomes attach to mRNA and move down it one codon at a time and stop until tRNA brings the required amino acid; when a ribosome reaches a stop codon it falls apart and releases the completed protein molecule

Golgi body

an organelle, consisting of layers of flattened sacs, that takes up and processes secretory and synthetic products from the endoplasmic reticulum and then either releases the finished products into various parts of the cell cytoplasm or secretes them to the outside of the cell.

Hydrocarbon

an organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen

Haploid

an organism or cell having only one complete set of chromosomes

Diploid

an organism or cell having two sets of chromosomes or twice the haploid number

Heterotroph

an organism that depends on complex organic substances for nutrition

Eukaryote

an organism with cells characteristic of all life forms except primitive microorganisms such as bacteria; i.e. an organism with `good' or membrane-bound nuclei in its cells

Phototropism

an orienting response to light

Taxa

animal or plant group having natural relations

Vertebrate

animals having a bony or cartilaginous skeleton with a segmented spinal column and a large brain enclosed in a skull or cranium

Invertebrate

any animal lacking a backbone or notochord; the term is not used as a scientific classification

Chordate

any animal of the phylum Chordata having a notochord or spinal column

Herbivore

any animal that feeds chiefly on grass and other plants

Carnivore

any animal that feeds on flesh

Pathogen

any disease-producing agent (especially a virus or bacterium or other microorganism)

Polysaccharide

any of a class of carbohydrates whose molecules contain chains of monosaccharide molecules

Protein

any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs

Protozoan

any of diverse minute acellular or unicellular organisms usually nonphotosynthetic

Enzyme

any of several complex proteins that are produced by cells and act as catalysts in specific biochemical reactions

Steroid

any of several fat-soluble organic compounds having as a basis 17 carbon atoms in four rings; many have important physiological effects

Phospholipid

any of various compounds composed of fatty acids and phosphoric acid and a nitrogenous base; an important constituent of membranes

Flagella

any of various elongated filiform appendages of plants or animals

Decomposer

any of various organisms (as many bacteria and fungi) that return constituents of organic substances to ecological cycles by feeding on and breaking down dead protoplasm

Mitochondria

any of various round or long cellular organelles of most eukaryotes that are found outside the nucleus, produce energy for the cell through cellular respiration, and are rich in fats, proteins, and enzymes

Plastid

any of various small particles in the cytoplasm of the cells of plants and some animals containing pigments or starch or oil or protein

Selective pressure

any phenomena which alters the behavior and fitness of living organisms within a given environment

Hibernate

be in an inactive or dormant state

Nocturnal

belonging to or active during the night; nocturnal animals are active at night; nocturnal plants have flowers that open at night and close by day

Mitosis

cell division in which the nucleus divides into nuclei containing the same number of chromosomes

Meiosis

cell division that produces reproductive cells in sexually reproducing organisms; the nucleus divides into four nuclei each containing half the chromosome number (leading to gametes in animals and spores in plants)

Tertiary

coming next after the second and just before the fourth in position

Quaternary

coming next after the third and just before the fifth in position or time or degree or magnitude; the quaternary period of geologic time extends from the end of the tertiary period to the present

Sex-linked

concerning characteristics that are determined by genes carried on the sex chromosomes (on the X chromosome in particular)

Archaebacteria

considered ancient life forms that evolved separately from bacteria and blue-green algae

Multicellular

consisting of many cells

Constant

continually occurring or recurring

Gene expression

conversion of the information encoded in a gene first into messenger RNA and then to a protein

Analogous

corresponding in function but not in evolutionary origin

Fertilization

creation by the physical union of male and female gametes; of sperm and ova in an animal or pollen and ovule in a plant

Aerobic

depending on free oxygen or air

Secondary

depending on or incidental to what is original or primary

Osmosis

diffusion of molecules through a semipermeable membrane from a place of higher concentration to a place of lower concentration until the concentration on both sides is equal

Protista

eukaryotic one-celled living organisms distinct from multicellular plants and animals; protozoa, slime molds, and eukaryotic algae

Quantitative

expressible as a quantity or relating to or susceptible of measurement

Triglyceride

glyceride occurring naturally in animal and vegetable tissues; it consists of three individual fatty acids bound together in a single large molecule; an important energy source forming much of the fat stored by the body

Heterozygous

having dissimilar alleles at corresponding chromosomal loci

Homozygous

having identical alleles at corresponding chromosomal loci

Unicellular

having or consisting of a single cell

Homologous

having the same evolutionary origin but serving different functions

Hypertonic

in a state of abnormally high tension

Instinct

inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli

Hypotonic

lacking normal tone or tension

Bioluminescence

luminescence produced by physiological processes (as in the firefly)

Homeostasis

metabolic equilibrium actively maintained by several complex biological mechanisms that operate via the autonomic nervous system to offset disrupting changes

Denature

modify (as a native protein) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so that all of the original properties are removed or diminished

Migrate

move from one country or region to another and settle there / move periodically or seasonal

Asexual

not having or involving sex; an asexual spore; asexual reproduction

Recessive

of genes; producing its characteristic phenotype only when its allele is identical

Dominant

of genes; producing the same phenotype whether its allele is identical or dissimilar

Isotonic

of or involving muscular contraction in which tension is constant while length changes

Toxic

of or relating to or caused by a toxin or poison

vascular

of or relating to or having vessels that conduct and circulate fluids

Recombinant

of or resulting from new combinations of genetic material

Allele

one of two alternate forms of a gene that can have the same locus on homologous chromosomes and are responsible for alternative traits

Chromatid

one of two identical strands into which a chromosome splits during mitosis

Centriole

one of two small cylindrical cell organelles composes of 9 triplet microtubules; form the asters during mitosis

Terrestrial

operating or living or growing on land

Amino acid

organic compounds containing an amino group and a carboxylic acid group; proteins are composed of various proportions of about 20 common amino acids

Primary

organic compounds containing an amino group and a carboxylic acid group; proteins are composed of various proportions of about 20 common amino acids

Cytokinesis

organic process consisting of the division of the cytoplasm of a cell following karyokinesis bringing about the separation into two daughter cells

pH

p(otential of) H(ydrogen); the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter; provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (where 7 is neutral)

Autotroph

plant capable of synthesizing its own food from simple organic substances

Angiosperm

plants having seeds in a closed ovary

Gymnosperm

plants of the class Gymnospermae having seeds not enclosed in an ovary

Chloroplast

plastid containing chlorophyll and other pigments; in plants that carry out photosynthesis

Monera

prokaryotic bacteria and blue-green algae and various primitive pathogens; because of lack of consensus on how to divide the organisms into phyla informal names are used for the major divisions

Aquatic

relating to or consisting of or being in water

Alkaline

relating to or containing an alkali; having a pH greater than 7

Qualitative

relating to or involving comparisons based on qualities

Deciduous

shedding foliage at the end of the growing season

Estivate

sleep during summer

Drosophila

small fruit fly used by Thomas Hunt Morgan in studying basic mechanisms of inheritance

Taxonomy

study of the general principles of scientific classification

Chemosynthesis

synthesis of carbohydrate from carbon dioxide and water; limited to certain bacteria and fungi

Photosynthesis

synthesis of compounds with the aid of radiant energy (especially in plants)

Order

taxonomic group containing one or more families

Genus

taxonomic group containing one or more species

Species

taxonomic group whose members can interbreed

Animalia

taxonomic kingdom comprising all living or extinct animals

Convergent

tending to come together from different directions

Divergent

tending to move apart in different directions

Camouflage

the act of concealing the identity of something by modifying its appearance

Inference

the act of passing from one proposition, statement, or judgment considered as true to another whose truth is believed to follow from that of the former

Extinction

the act or process of becoming extinct; a coming to an end or dying out

DNA

the appearance of the chromosomal makeup of a somatic cell in an individual or species (including the number and arrangement and size and structure of the chromosomes)

Karyotype

the appearance of the chromosomal makeup of a somatic cell in an individual or species (including the number and arrangement and size and structure of the chromosomes)

Nitrogen fixation

the assimilation of atmospheric nitrogen by soil bacteria and its release for plant use on the death of the bacteria

Classification

the basic cognitive process of arranging into classes or categories

Cell

the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; cells may exist as independent units of life (as in monads) or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals

Excretion

the bodily process of discharging waste matter

Zygote

the cell resulting from the union of an ovum and a spermatozoon (including the organism that develops from that cell)

Reproductive isolation

the conditions, as physiological or behavioral differences or geographical barriers, that prevent potentially interbreeding populations from cross-fertilization

Ocean trench

the deep depressions in the Earth's crust, and they comprise the deepest part of the ocean

Deduction

the deriving of a conclusion by reasoning

Pedigree

the descendants of one individual

Adaptive radiation

the development of many different forms from an originally homogeneous group of organisms as they fill different ecological niches

Interaction

the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another

Solute

the dissolved substance in a solution; the component of a solution that changes its state

Wavelength

the distance (measured in the direction of propagation) between two points in the same phase in consecutive cycles of a wave

Precipitation

the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)

Telophase

the final stage of meiosis when the chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the nuclear spindle

Prophase

the first stage of mitosis/meiosis

Concentration gradient

the gradual difference in concentration of a dissolved substance in a solution between a region of high density and one of lower density

Cohesion

the intermolecular force that holds together the molecules in a solid or liquid

Carrying capacity

the maximum, equilibrium number of organisms of a particular species that can be supported indefinitely in a given environment.

Respiration

the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic moelcules; processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood to be transported to the lungs

Electrophoresis

the motion of charged particles in a colloid under the influence of an electric field; particles with a positive charge go to the cathode and negative to the anode

Carbon cycle

the organic circulation of carbon from the atmosphere into organisms and back again

Metabolism

the organic processes (in a cell or organism) that are necessary for life

Nitrification

the oxidation of ammonium compounds in dead organic material into nitrates and nitrites by soil bacteria (making nitrogen available to plants)

Active site

the part of an enzyme that interacts with the substrate during catalysis

Genotype

the particular alleles at specified loci present in an organism

Interphase

the period of the cell cycle during which the nucleus is not undergoing division, typically occurring between mitotic or meiotic divisions

Migration

the periodic passage of groups of animals (especially birds or fishes) from one region to another for feeding or breeding

Conservation

the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources

Carbon fixation

the process by which plants turn inorganic carbon (carbon dioxide) into organic compounds such as carbohydrates

Adaptation

the process of adapting to something (such as environmental conditions)

Development

the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

Diffusion

the process of diffusing; the intermingling of molecules in gases and liquids as a result of random thermal agitation

Reproduction

the process of generating offspring

Transpiration

the process of giving off or exhaling water vapor through the skin or mucous membranes

Adhesion

the property of sticking together (as of glue and wood) or the joining of surfaces of different composition

Chromatin

the readily stainable substance of a cell nucleus consisting of DNA and RNA and various proteins; during mitotic division the chromatin condenses into chromosomes

Biosphere

the regions of the surface and atmosphere of the Earth (or other planet) where living organisms exist

Parasitism

the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it (usually not fatal damage)

Commensalism

the relation between two different kinds of organisms when one receives benefits from the other without damaging it

Mutualism

the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other

Symbiosis

the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other

Fossil

the remains (or an impression) of a plant or animal that existed in a past geological age and that has been excavated from the soil

Mimicry

the resemblance of an animal species to another species or to natural objects; provides concealment and protection from predators

Metaphase

the second stage of mitosis/meiosis

Hormone

the secretion of an endocrine gland that is transmitted by the blood to the tissue on which it has a specific effect

Cell membrane

the semipermeable membrane enclosing the cytoplasm of a cell.

Molecule

the simplest structural unit of an element or compound

Anaphase

the stage of meiosis or mitosis when chromosomes move toward opposite ends of the nuclear spindle

Fertility

the state of being fertile; capable of producing offspring

Niche

the status of an organism within its environment and community (affecting its survival as a species)

Substrate

the substance acted upon by an enzyme or ferment

Fungi

the taxonomic kingdom of lower plants

Habitat

the type of environment in which an organism or group normally lives or occurs

Estuary

the wide part of a river where it nears the sea; fresh and salt water mix

Control

to check, test, or verify by evidence or experiments

Phenotype

what an organism looks like as a consequence of its genotype; two organisms with the same phenotype can have different genotypes

Evidence

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief