Biology Review Guide:

Terms and Definitions

1. Cell- The basic unit of life consisting of a membrane-bound nucleus and cytoplasm.

2. Organelles- Compartments within a cell’s cytoplasm that have specialized functions.

3. DNA- Deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and function of all known living organisms.

4. RNA- Ribonucleic Acid is a molecule that is involved in the encoding, transmission, and expression of genetic information.

5. Photosynthesis- The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

6. Cell division- The process in which a cell splits into two daughter cells.

7. Enzyme- A biochemical agent that accelerates chemical reactions.

8. Protein- A molecule made of amino acids that is important in the structure and functioning of living cells.

9. DNA Replication- The process by which a cell copies its genetic material before division.

10. Mitosis- The process of cell division in which the nucleus divides into two equal parts.

11. Meiosis- A type of cell division in which the number of chromosomes is reduced by half.

12. Fermentation- The process by which living organisms convert carbohydrates into lactic acid or alcohol using anaerobic conditions.

13. Respiration- The process by which energy is released from organic compounds.

14. Gene Expression- The process of transcribing a gene into RNA and then translating the RNA into a protein.

15. Transcription- The process in which genetic information is encoded in the form of RNA.

16. Translation- The process by which information stored in mRNA is translated into proteins.

17. Genetic Variation- The differences that exist between living organisms due to the combination of different genes.

18. Homeostasis- The maintenance of a set of conditions (such as temperature, pH, and oxygen levels) that are constant and necessary for an organism’s survival.

19. Evolution- The process by which populations of organisms change over time as a result of adaptations to their environment.

20. Ecology- The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.

21. Biodiversity- The variety of species, genes, and ecosystems that characterize the living world.

22. Population- A group of individuals of a species living in the same area at the same time.

23. Community- An assemblage of populations of different species living in the same area.

24. Ecosystem- A biological community combined with its physical environment.

25. Habitat- The place where an organism normally lives.

Tips on remember things and study for Biology:

1. Pay attention in class. It is important to gain as much knowledge on a subject as you can before starting to study for an exam.

2. Make use of available resources such as textbooks, lecture notes, professor’s lecture slides, and lecture recordings.

3. Utilize the proper study materials. Finding a good review guide or practice exam can help a student master the material and make sure they understand important concepts.

4. Take regular study breaks. Studying for too long can lead to fatigue and lower concentration. Taking regular breaks can help keep focus and increase productivity.

5. Develop a study schedule. Breaking up studying into smaller, more manageable chunks can help a student stay organized and make sure that all topics have been covered.

6. Utilize Study Groups. Working in a group with other students can help create a better understanding of the material and provide different insights into the material.

7. Review the material. Going over the material after class can help reinforce the information in a student’s mind and help them retain the information.

8. Practice, practice, practice. Practicing with a variety of methods (such as practice exams, puzzles, and flashcards) can help a student become comfortable with the material and build confidence in their knowledge.

9. Get plenty of rest the night before the exam. A good night’s sleep can help a student remain focused and recall information better during the exam.

10. Stay positive and don’t panic. Remind yourself that you studied hard and believe in yourself!

Important Terms & Definitions (100 Terms and Definitions):

1. Organelle- A specialized component of a cell.

2. Nucleus- The organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material.

3. Mitochondria- The organelle where respiration occurs in eukaryotes.

4. Cytoplasm- The viscous material inside a cell’s plasma membrane that contains the organelles.

5. Cell Membrane- A thin layer of lipids and proteins that surrounds the cell.

6. Golgi Apparatus- An organelle that modifies, stores, and transports proteins and lipids.

7. Vacuole- A membrane-bound organelle that stores waste, food, and other substances in cells.

8. Energy- The capacity to do work.

9. Metabolism- The set of chemical reactions that occur in an organism to obtain and use energy from food.

10. Catabolism- The breakdown of molecules into simpler forms.

11. Anabolism- The building up of molecules into more complex forms.

12. Photosynthesis- The process by which plants use sunlight and water to produce energy-rich molecules such as glucose.

13. Cellular Respiration- The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy.

14. Enzymes- Proteins which act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

15. DNA- The genetic material found in eukaryotic cells.

16. Chromosomes- The structures that contain the genetic material in DNA.

17. Genes- The segments of DNA that code for specific proteins.

18. Protein Synthesis- The process by which proteins are made from the instructions encoded in the DNA.

19. Gene Expression- The process by which the genetic instructions are used to produce proteins.

20. Mutations- Changes in the base sequence or structure of a gene.

21. Heredity- The passing of genetic information from one generation to the next.

22. Natural Selection- The process by which the traits of individuals that are best adapted to the environment are passed o their offspring.

23. Species- A group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can breed to produce fertile offspring.

24. Ecology- The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.

25. Population- A group of individuals of a species living in the same area at the same time.

26. Community- An assemblage of populations of different species living in the same area.

27. Ecosystem- A biological community combined with its physical environment.

28. Biosphere- The part of the Earth that supports life.

29. Photosynthetic Organisms- Organisms that use light energy to produce food.

30. Consumers- Organisms that feed on other organisms for energy.

31. Decomposers- Organisms that break down dead and decaying material and release nutrients back into the environment.

32. Water Cycle- The transfer of water from the environment, to living organisms and back to the environment.

33. Carbon Cycle- The transfer of carbon from the environment to living organisms and back to the environment.

34. Nitrogen Cycle- The transfer of nitrogen from the environment to living organisms and back to the environment.

35. Organ System- A group of organs that have a common function.

36. Skeletal System- The system that provides structure and support to the body.

37. Nervous System- The system that carries signals around the body and enables the control of body functions.

38. Digestive System- The system that assists with the digestion of food.

39. Circulatory System- The system that transports nutrients and oxygen around the body.

40. Respiratory System- The system responsible for the intake and distribution of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide.

41. Excretory System- The system used to remove waste from the body.

42. Reproductive System- The system responsible for the production of offspring.

43. Endocrine System- The system of glands and hormones that control body functions.

44. Immune System- The system of organs and body parts that defend the body from disease-causing agents.

45. Muscular System- The system responsible for making body movements possible.

46. Animal Behavior- The study of how animals interact with each other and their environment.

47. Habitat- The area or environment in which an organism is normally found.

48. Stimulus- A change in the environment that can cause an organism to respond.

49. Response- The reaction of an organism to a stimulus.

50. Adaptation- A trait acquired by an organism to increase its chances of survival.

51. Genetic Drift- A type of evolution that occurs when random changes limited to the gene pool of a small population.

52. Mutation- A