Biology Review Flashcard

Front

What is the nucleus?

Back

The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA). It is not present in prokaryotic cells.

Front

What is the only characteristic shared by living cells and viruses?

Back

The presence of nucleic acid, which is essential for genetic information.

Front

What is the lytic cycle?

Back

The lytic cycle is a viral life cycle in which the virus infects a host cell, replicates, and then causes the host cell to lyse (explode), releasing new viral particles.

Front

What elements do all biomolecules have in common?

Back

All biomolecules (lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates) contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Front

What is active transport?

Back

Active transport is a cellular process that requires energy to move substances against their concentration gradient, maintaining homeostasis within the cell.

Front

What is osmosis?

Back

Osmosis is the passive movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is diffusion?

Back

Diffusion is the passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration until equilibrium is reached.

Front

What is homeostasis?

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions.

Front

What are biomolecules?

Back

Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Front

What is a prokaryotic cell?

Back

A prokaryotic cell is a simple, unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria.