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Bio Vocabulary
Intro to Bio and Scientific Method
Term | Definition |
---|---|
adaptation | Structures, physiological processes, or behaviors that aid in survival or reproduction in a particular environment |
atom | The smallest possible particle of an element, which consists of a central nucleus(has neutrons and protons) and electrons outside the nucleus |
autotroph | The process by which organisms make their own food from inorganic compounds. |
binomial system | A system for naming species. Each organism is assigned a genus and a species. The genus is always capitalized but the species name is not. |
biodiversity | The diversity of species and interactions that sustain them |
cell | The smallest unit of life that can live on its own, makes up all living organisms and the tissues of the body. |
cell theory | This theory states that the cell is the basic unit of life. |
chromosomes | A structure found inside the nucleus of a cell that contains DNA. |
community | Two or more populations of different species living and interacting in the same area. |
conclusion | A statement written at the end based on experimental measurements and observations. |
control | All the variables not being tested remain constant and are then compared with the experimental situation |
cytoplasm | The organelles and the fluid surrounding them in the cell. |
deductive reasoning | The process of generating hypotheses about how a specific experiment or observation will turn out based on a well supported generalization such as a new theory. |
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) | The hereditary information of all known forms of life is contained within the type of molecule called DNA. The cell's genetic blueprint or molecular instruction manual, a guide to the construction and the operation of its body. |
domain | Name for the different groups organisms can be put into. |
element | A substance that can neither be broken down nor converted to different substances by ordinary chemical means. |
energy | The ability to do work, such as carrying out chemical reactions, growing leaves, or contracting a muscle. |
eukaryotic | One of the two different types of cells, generally larger than prokaryotic cells, contains a variety of other organelles. |
evolution | Theory that states that modern organisms descended and were modified from preexisting life forms. |
experiment | A procedure carried out under controlled conditions to discover an unknown effect or law. |
gene | A unit of heredity which is transferred from parent to child and determines the physical characteristics of the offspring. |
heterotroph | Organisms that cannot photosynthesize such as humans or animals. They require energy that is “prepackaged” into the molecules of other bodies of other organisms (animals or plants). |
homeostasis | The maintaining of constant balance in the organism’s body. |
hypothesis | A testable theory about the possible answer based on previous knowledge. |
inductive reasoning | The process of creating a generalization as a result of making many observations that support it, and none that contradict it. |
kingdoms | The six major subdivisions of the domains. |
molecule | A group of atoms bonded together. |
multicellular | Having or consisting of many cells. |
mutation | Mistakes that occur when DNA is being copied or when damage is taken by the DNA. |
natural causality | Principle that implies that all events can be traced to natural causes that are potentially within our ability to comprehend. |
natural selection | Process by which organisms with specific traits that help them cope with the rigors of their environment reproduce more successfully than others that lack these traits. |
nucleus | A membrane-enclosed sac containing the cell’s genetic material and controls the activities of the cell. |
nutrient | Substances an organism needs for energy and building materials. |
observation | The act of knowing or recording something using your senses. |
organ | Cells that combine which become tissue in multicellular organisms. |
organelle | Small structures specialized to carry out specific functions such as moving the cell, obtaining energy or synthesizing large molecules. |
organic molecule | Complex models that have a framework of carbon that has some hydrogen bond |
organism | A living thing made up of one or more cells and able to carry on the activities of life. |
organ system | Organs united by an overall function |
photosynthesis | A process that plants and some unicellular organisms use to store energy by capturing the sunlight directly and storing it in energy-rich molecules. |
plasma membrane | A thin casing around the cytoplasm of the cell. |
population | A group of individuals of the same species living and interbreeding within a given area. |
prediction | Made from a hypothesis, typically expressed in an “If... then...” format. |
prokaryotic | Small cells made up that don’t have a nucleus. Usually only 1-2 micrometers and don’t have membrane bound organelles. |
question | Something you say or write in order to ask or wonder something. |
scientific method | A process of experimentation used to explore observations and answer questions. |
scientific theory | An explanation that is thought out and produced by using the scientific method. |
species | Organisms of the same type that are capable of breeding with one another. |
tissue | Structures made from the combination of similar cells in multicellular organism. |
unicellular | A single celled organism. Unlike a multicellular, they are only consisted of one singular cell. |
variable | The single factor that is changed in the experiment. |