biology
The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Natural selection
The segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or functional RNA molecule.
Gene
The trophic level that includes organisms responsible for converting light energy into chemical energy.
Producers
The primary energy-carrying molecule used to power cellular processes.
ATP
The technique used to amplify a specific segment of DNA, often for forensic analysis or genetic testing.
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
A diagram used to predict the genotypes and phenotypes of offspring from a genetic cross.
Punnett square
The body system responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.
Digestive system
The plant tissue responsible for transporting water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.
Xylem
The cellular machinery responsible for reading mRNA codons and assembling amino acids into a polypeptide chain.
Ribosome
The structure found in plant cells but not animal cells, providing structural support and protection.
Cell wall
The process where the genetic information from DNA is copied into an mRNA molecule.
Transcription
The body system that coordinates voluntary and involuntary actions and transmits signals between different parts of the body.
Nervous system
The type of cell division that results in two genetically identical diploid daughter cells.
Mitosis
The primary focus of studying interactions between living organisms and their non-living environment.
Ecology
The organelle responsible for synthesizing proteins that are destined for secretion or insertion into membranes.
Rough ER
A complex carbohydrate that serves as the primary structural component of plant cell walls.
Cellulose
The property of water that allows insects to walk on its surface due to the strong cohesive forces between molecules.
Surface tension
The primary function of the circulatory system in multicellular organisms.
Transporting substances
The process by which glucose is broken down into pyruvate, occurring in the cytoplasm of cells.
Glycolysis
A significant ecological problem caused by an excess of nutrients in aquatic environments, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
Eutrophication
The class of macromolecules primarily responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information in living organisms.
Nucleic acids
The cellular component that regulates the passage of substances into and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
Cell membrane
The process involving the fusion of a sperm cell and an egg cell to form a zygote.
Fertilization
The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell.
Anaphase
The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, determined by its genotype and environment.
Phenotype
The organelle responsible for detoxification and lipid synthesis.
smooth ER
An example of an abiotic factor in a terrestrial ecosystem.
sunlight
Describe one ethical concern related to genetic engineering.
Concerns exist about the potential for unintended consequences to human health or the environment, as well as societal implications of altering human germline cells.
The process of creating an RNA copy from a DNA template.
Transcription
The product of anaerobic respiration in human muscle cells.
lactic acid
The structure that gives plant cells their rigid shape.
A cell wall
State a primary reason why cells undergo mitosis.
Cells undergo mitosis for growth, repair of damaged tissues, and asexual reproduction in some organisms.
An organism's genetic makeup.
a genotype
The female gonad that produces eggs and hormones.
An ovary
Explain one negative impact of human activities on biodiversity.
Habitat destruction leads to the loss of species and reduced genetic diversity within ecosystems.
Organisms that consume producers for energy.
primary consumers
Explain the concept of incomplete dominance.
In incomplete dominance, the heterozygous phenotype is an intermediate blend of the two homozygous phenotypes, rather than one being completely dominant.
The body system responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
The digestive system
The technology used to amplify a specific segment of DNA.
PCR
The release of pollutants into the atmosphere, causing adverse effects on living organisms.
Air pollution
The process occurring in chloroplasts to convert light energy into glucose.
Photosynthesis
A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area.
A population
A macromolecule primarily responsible for energy storage and insulation.
a lipid
Explain the function of ribosomes.
Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA into amino acid sequences.
Which of the following is a characteristic of natural selection?
differential reproduction
The process by which organisms obtain energy by breaking down organic matter.
Cellular respiration
The specific stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
Metaphase
Describe the significance of water's polarity in biological systems.
Water's polarity allows it to dissolve many substances, making it an excellent solvent for biological reactions and nutrient transport.
Describe the role of decomposers in an ecosystem.
Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the environment.
The monomer of a nucleic acid.
A nucleotide