Basic Science/Biology terms
Define "Biology"
The study of life
Define "Hypothesis" and explain the two ways of testing it
simple, testable statement that predicts the results expected from a research study
A hypothesis is tested with either a survey or an experiment
What is a catalyst?
substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction
Define "optimal range"
the range of environmental factors to which an organism is best adapted
What is an organelle?
Give an example of an organelle
a specialized structure that performs important cellular functions within a cell
What are organic compounds?
Compounds that contain carbon
Define "Controlled Experiment"
an experiment in which only one variable is changed
What is the first law of thermodynamics?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed
Define "optimal point" and "range of tolerance"
Optimal point, the precise conditions at which something functions best. Range of tolerance, the range in which an organism or cell can survive.
What is the nucleus in a cell?
The control center of the cell
What is a model, and why are they important in science?
What are the downsides of using models?
A model is a simplified depiction of a far more complex object or complex. They are useful because they simplify complex structures and processes that are too complicated to understand.
Because of their simplicity, they can be inadequate for explaining in depth. They are also subject to change
What is bias? How can you completely eliminate bias from your results?
Bias is what someone wants to believe. You can't eliminate bias completely
What is the favored number of electrons in an atom's outer shell?
8
Define "homeostasis"
Steady state
What is a contractile vacuole?
a saclike organelle that expands to collect excess water and contracts to squeeze the water out of the cell
Define "Science"
collection of observations, inferences, and models produced through a systematic study of nature, or the methods that yield those observations, inferences, and models
what is the "Scientific Method"
a logical, systematic approach to the solution of a scientific problem
Define Covalent and Ionic bonds
demonstrate each for the class on the board
A covalent bond is a chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons. An ionic bond is a chemical bond resulting from the attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Define "dynamic equilibrium"
a state of balance between continuing processes
What is the endoplasmic reticulum in a cell?
Draw both the Rough ER and the smooth ER and explain the difference
a cell structure that forms a maze of passageways in which proteins and other materials are carried from one part of the cell to another
Define "assimilation"
Give a common example of assimilation
assembling of component parts that make up living material
What is a dependent and an independent variable?
Independent variable - the experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied
Dependent variable - the outcome factor; the variable that may change in response to manipulations of the independent variable
What are the elements in Carbohydrates and Lipids?
C, H, O
Define "isotonic" and "hypotonic"
Isotonic, when the concentration of two solutions is the same. Hypotonic, when comparing two solutions, the solution with the lesser concentration of solutes.
What is the fluid mosaic model?
the currently accepted model of cell membrane structure, which envisions the membrane as a mosaic of individually inserted protein molecules drifting laterally in a fluid bilayer of phospholipids