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28 cards · 8 topics · by Quizcard team · 0 hearts · Updated 2026-11-03
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What are the steps of the scientific method, in order?
Answer: Ask a question → do background research → form a hypothesis → test with an experiment → analyze data → draw a conclusion → communicate results.
The hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable; experiments should be repeatable.
Independent variable vs. dependent variable?
Answer: Independent variable = the factor the researcher deliberately changes; dependent variable = the outcome that is measured and responds to the independent variable.
A control group receives no treatment/change and serves as a baseline to isolate the independent variable's true effect.
Carbohydrates: monomer and main function?
Answer: Monomer = monosaccharide (e.g., glucose); function = quick/short-term energy source and structural support (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls).
Lipids: main functions?
Answer: Long-term energy storage, insulation and cushioning of organs, and forming the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes.
Built from glycerol + fatty acids; insoluble in water (hydrophobic).
Proteins: monomer and main functions?
Answer: Monomer = amino acid; functions include enzymes, structural support, transport (e.g., hemoglobin), and immune defense (antibodies).
Amino acids link via peptide bonds; protein shape determines function.
Nucleic acids: monomer and function?
Answer: Monomer = nucleotide (sugar + phosphate + nitrogenous base); function = store and transmit genetic information (DNA and RNA).
Function of the nucleus?
Answer: The cell's control center; houses DNA and directs growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Function of mitochondria?
Answer: Produce ATP through cellular respiration — the "powerhouse of the cell."
Function of ribosomes?
Answer: Site of protein synthesis; translate mRNA into polypeptide chains.
Free ribosomes make proteins for cytoplasm use; ribosomes on rough ER make proteins for export/membranes. Smooth ER (no ribosomes) makes lipids and detoxifies.
Structure of the plasma (cell) membrane?
Answer: A phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins; selectively permeable, controlling what enters and exits the cell.
Basic structure of DNA?
Answer: A double helix of two nucleotide strands with a sugar-phosphate backbone; bases pair A-T and C-G via hydrogen bonds.
Genotype vs. phenotype?
Answer: Genotype = an organism's allele combination (e.g., Bb); phenotype = the observable trait that results (e.g., brown eyes).
Homozygous vs. heterozygous?
Answer: Homozygous = two identical alleles for a gene (BB or bb); heterozygous = two different alleles (Bb).
Punnett square: cross Bb × Bb — what are the ratios?
Answer: Genotype ratio 1 BB : 2 Bb : 1 bb; phenotype ratio 3 dominant : 1 recessive.
Example: if B = brown eyes (dominant) and b = blue eyes (recessive), offspring are 3/4 brown-eyed, 1/4 blue-eyed.
Mitosis vs. meiosis?
Answer: Mitosis produces 2 identical diploid cells for growth/repair; meiosis produces 4 genetically varied haploid gametes for reproduction.
Sagittal plane?
Answer: A vertical plane dividing the body into left and right sections (midsagittal = equal halves).
Frontal (coronal) plane?
Answer: A vertical plane dividing the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) sections.
Transverse plane?
Answer: A horizontal plane dividing the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) sections.
Proximal vs. distal?
Answer: Proximal = closer to the point of attachment or trunk; distal = farther from it.
Example: the elbow is proximal to the wrist.
Medial vs. lateral?
Answer: Medial = closer to the body's midline; lateral = farther from the midline.
Four chambers of the heart and their roles?
Answer: Right atrium/ventricle receive deoxygenated blood and pump it to the lungs; left atrium/ventricle receive oxygenated blood and pump it to the body.
Pulmonary vs. systemic circulation?
Answer: Pulmonary circulation moves blood between the heart and lungs for gas exchange; systemic circulation moves blood between the heart and the rest of the body.
Major components of blood?
Answer: Plasma (liquid), red blood cells (oxygen transport), white blood cells (immunity), and platelets (clotting).
Systole vs. diastole?
Answer: Systole = the heart's contraction phase, ejecting blood; diastole = the relaxation phase, when chambers fill with blood.
Pathway of air through the respiratory system?
Answer: Nose/mouth → pharynx → larynx → trachea → bronchi → bronchioles → alveoli.
Where does gas exchange occur in the lungs?
Answer: In the alveoli, where oxygen diffuses into capillaries and carbon dioxide diffuses out into the air.
Function of the diaphragm?
Answer: A dome-shaped muscle below the lungs that contracts and flattens to draw air in, and relaxes to push air out.
Pathway of food through the digestive tract?
Answer: Mouth → esophagus → stomach → small intestine → large intestine → rectum → anus.
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