Nature of Science/Biochemistry
A student wants to test how the concentration of a specific enzyme affects the rate of a reaction. In this experiment, what is the independent variable?
The concentration of the enzyme
(the dependent variable is the rate of reaction)
This organelle is often called the "control center" of the cell because it houses the cell's genetic material (DNA)
Nucleus
During Meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange segments of DNA. What is the name of this process that increases genetic variation in offspring?
Crossing over
In the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis, which two molecules are the reactants (the "inputs")
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Water (H2O)
This term describes the maximum number of individuals of a particular species that an environment can support sustainably over time.
Carrying Capacity
Why is it essential for a scientific investigation to be reproducible by other scientists?
To ensure the results are reliable/consistent and not due to chance or experimental error.
These small structures are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and are the primary site of protein synthesis.
Ribosomes
If two parents are both heterozygous (Bb) for a recessive genetic disorder, what is the statistical probability (percentage) that their child will actually have the disorder?
25% or 1/4
During the light reactions, water molecules are split. What gas is released as a "waste product" that is essential for most other life on Earth?
O2 - oxygen
If a population of wolves (predators) is removed from an ecosystem, what is the most likely immediate effect on the population of deer (prey)?
The deer population will increase rapidly (exponentially)
These four categories of organic molecules—carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids—all share this "backbone" element because of its ability to form four stable covalent bonds.
Carbon
DNA is composed of three parts: a phosphate group, a nitrogenous base, and this specific 5-carbon sugar.
Deoxyribose.
According to the theory of Natural Selection, individuals with "fitness" are more likely to survive and do what?
Reproduce/passing on traits to offspring
Within the chloroplast, where exactly do the light-dependent reactions take place?
Thylakoid Membranes
Scientists use "Bioindicators" (like certain types of fish or insects) to monitor the health of an ecosystem. If these species suddenly disappear, what does it usually indicate about the environment?
It indicates a significant change in environmental quality, such as increased pollution or loss of habitat.
Water molecules "stick" to the sides of a plant's xylem tubes, allowing water to climb upward against gravity. What is the specific name for this property where water sticks to other surfaces?
Adhesion
This process occurs in the nucleus where a segment of DNA is "read" to create a complementary strand of Messenger RNA (mRNA).
Transcription
A human’s arm, a bat’s wing, and a whale’s flipper all have similar bone structures despite having different functions. What are these structures called?
Homologous Structures
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration are often called a "cycle." While photosynthesis releases oxygen, cellular respiration releases this gas used by plants
Carbon Dioxide - CO2
A "pioneer species," such as lichen or moss, is the first to colonize an area during this specific type of ecological succession that begins on bare rock.
Primary Succession.
Which biomolecule is composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base, and serves as the "instruction manual" for the cell?
Nucleic Acid (DNA or RNA).
Plant cells have two unique structures that provide support and allow them to capture energy from sunlight - one is the cell wall, name the other.
Chloroplasts
This tool uses branching diagrams to show the evolutionary relationships between species based on shared derived characteristics.
Cladogram (or Phylogenetic Tree)
What is the name of the green pigment found in chloroplasts that is responsible for absorbing the light energy needed to power the reaction?
Chlorophyll
In an energy pyramid, only about this percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
10%