Biology Study Flashcards
(15 cards)
What are the basic building blocks of life?
Cells
Cells are the smallest units of life that can replicate independently.
What are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions?
Enzymes
Enzymes lower the activation energy required for reactions.
What are specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions?
Organelles
Examples include mitochondria, ribosomes, and the nucleus.
What are infectious agents that can replicate only inside the living cells of an organism?
Viruses
Viruses consist of a core of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat.
What process do cells use to convert glucose and oxygen into energy?
Cellular respiration
This process produces ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
What process do plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy?
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis occurs mainly in chloroplasts and produces glucose and oxygen.
What is the process by which a cell divides to form two daughter cells?
Cell division
This includes processes such as mitosis and meiosis.
What is the structure that carries genetic information in living organisms?
DNA
DNA is composed of nucleotides and has a double-helix structure.
What molecule is responsible for protein synthesis and carries genetic information from DNA?
RNA
RNA is typically single-stranded and plays a key role in translating genetic information.
What is the genetic transmission of traits from parents to offspring?
Inheritance
Inheritance follows specific patterns, such as Mendelian inheritance.
What is a diagram that shows the occurrence of a genetic trait in several generations of a family?
Pedigree
Pedigrees help track inheritance patterns and genetic disorders.
What is the process by which species change over time through natural selection?
Evolution
Evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth.
What is the scientific classification of living organisms?
Taxonomy
Taxonomy organizes species into hierarchical categories, such as domain, kingdom, and species.
What is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment?
Ecology
Ecology examines relationships within ecosystems, including biotic and abiotic factors.
What is the complex system of organs and structures in the human body?
Human body
The human body consists of various systems, including circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems.
