This dedication page is for my biology class.

1. Scientific Theory- When repeated experimentation supports a hypothesis over a long period of time, it can become a scientific theory. Some people have a misconception that theories turn into laws after extensive research.  A theory is a well-supported explanation of why a phenomenon occurs

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

1. Scientific Method-a process used during a scientific investigation to answer a scientific question

1. Hypothesis-an explanation for a particular fact. The hypothesis needs to be verified or falsified based on collected evidence. All studies must have at least one hypothesis, but a researcher may come up with many hypotheses if more than one explanation could answer the question.

1. Data-the facts, statistics and calculations used in scientific analysis.

1. Independent Variable- are variables that scientists control to test the effects on the dependent variables. Ideally, there’s only one independent variable in each experiment. In the example, the amount of coffee becomes the independent variable.

Validity- the extent to which a measurement, test or study measures what it it is said to measure

1. Dependent Variable-are variables affected by the changes made to the independent variable. In the example, blood pressure and changes in the heart are dependent variables

Scientific Law- is a scientifically acknowledged principle that’s been confirmed by repeated experimental observations

Matter- anything that occupies space and possesses mass.

Atoms- The basic units of matter.

Proton- Positive part of an atom.

Electron- Negative part of an atom.

Neutron- Part of an atom that has no charge.

Elements- one of more that one hundred substances that cannot be chemically interconverted or broken down into simpler substances and are primary constituents of matter

Molecule - group of atoms bonded togehter representing the smallest fundmental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.

Compound- composed of two or more separate chemical elements.

Chemical reaction- an interaction between molecules that causes a chemical change , converting existing substance into a new substance.

Carbohydrates- starches and sugars that are the main energy source for living things

Lipids- fats , waxes, and steroids that are not solube in water.

Nucleic Acids - DNA found in the nucleus and RNA found in the cytoplasm.

Proteins- made up of one or more amino acids. have many different functions.

Amino Acids- the building blocks of proteins.

Homeostasis - The process where organisms maintain an internal balance.

Eukaryote- a cell that has a defined nucleus.

Nucleus - The command center of the cell. DNA is located here. it is enclosed by a membrane called the nuclear membrane.

Prokaryote - The oldest form of life on earth. lack a defined nucleus.

Cytoplasm - Mostly water and salt and it suspends the organelles within the cell.

Cytoskeleton - Support network of protein fibers that form a framework for the cell.

Cell Wall - Made of cellulose to provide structure and strength to the cell.

Chloroplasts - Contain chlorophyll for the process of photosynthesis.

Mitochondria - Rod shaped organelles throughout the cell that convert food into energy for the cell.

Vacuole - Storage centers to hold nutrients or wastes for the cell.

Ribosomes- Make proteins for the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum - Two types, Rough Er- has ribosomes and produces proteins and smooth ER - has no ribosomes and produces lipids.

Golgi apparatus- Receives proteins and lipids from the ER and packages, sorts and places in vesicles for the cell.

Lysosome - Digestion organelles of the cell. Break down big molecules into smaller molecules that the cell can use or excrete.

Centriole- Pair of cylindrical tubules that play an important role in cell division.

Cilia and Flagella - Hairlike structures that extend from the surface of the cell.

Plasma Membrane - Flexible boundary forming the outside of the cell. also called the cell membrane.

Passive Transport- Movement of molecules across a barrier without using energy.

Diffusion- The movement of one substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis- The movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane.

Solute- Substance in a solution that is dissolved.

Solvent- Substance in a solution that dissolves the other substance.

Hypertonic- Concentration of solutes is greater outside of the cell than inside. Water moves from inside the cell out.

Hypertonic-Concentration of solutes is lower outside the cell than inside . Water moves from the outside of the cell in.

Isotonic- The concentration of solute is the same inside the cell as outside. Water moves equally into and out of the cell.

Facilitated Diffusion- Diffusion that requires the help of proteins in the membrane to take molecules in and out of the cell.

Active Transport- requires the cell to use energy to move molecules from low concentration to high concentration.

Endocytosis- Takes place when the plasma membrane folds around or surrounds the molecule moving into the cell, forming a vacuole.

Exocytosis- Takes place when a golgi apparatus packs large molecules into transport vesicles that travel and fuse with the plasma membrane.

Mitosis- Division of the cell.

Cytokinesis- Division of the cytoplasm

Chromatid- One of two identical "sister" parts of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere- Area where the chromatids are attached.

Interphase- The period of growth between cell divisions.

Cell cycle- the series of events that cells go through as the grow and divide.

Prophase - first and longest phase of mitosis. the chromosomes become visible and the centrioles.

Centriole- two tiny structures located in the cytoplasm near the nuclear envelope

Spindle- A fanlike microtubule structure that helps separate the chromosomes.

Haploid- A cell that contains only a single set of chromosomes. Meaning one set.

Metaphase- second phase of mitosis. Chromosomes line up across the center of the cell.

Anaphase- the third phase of mitosis. the centromeres that join the sister chromatids split, allowing the sister chromatids to separate and become individual chromosomes. The continue to move until they have separated into two groups near the poles of the spindle.

Telophase- The fourth and final phase of mitosis. The chromosomes begin to disperse into a tangle of dense material.