Biology Study Guide – Core Concepts,
Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution &
Human Physiology (Complete Review
2026)
Diffusion
The passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low
concentration. This happens along a concentration gradient
Osmosis
A passive movement of water molecules through a semi permeable membrane. Water
moves from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration
Active Transport
An active movement where an input of energy is required. Particles move from low
concentration to high concentration
Facilitated Diffusion
A passive movement of particles from high to low concentration through a protein
channel in a cell.
Isotonic Solution
The same concentration of dissolved substances. Water in = water out.
Hypertonic Solution
Higher concentration of solutes outside cell than inside
Plasmolyse
When a cell has shrunk
Hypotonic Solution
A cell has more solute inside than outside.
Turgid
Cell may explode under pressure due to a hypotonic solution.
Exocytosis
Movement out of a cell
Endocytosis
Movement into a cell
Lysosome
A vesicle that contains destructive/digestive chemicals
Pinocytosis
A form of endocytosis where a cell engulfs liquid into the cell.
Phagocytosis
A form of endocytosis where a cell engulfs solids into a cell
Scientific question
Questions that can be answered by using experiments and factual reasoning.
Biology
The study of living organisms and how they function.
, Scientific Method
A method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century,
consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the
formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
Hypothesis
1st part of the scientific method
experimental design
Experimental design refers to how participants are allocated to the different conditions
(or IV groups) in an experiment.
variable
factors that are kept constant or unchanging.
observation
The process of studying of something to gain information.
inference
A conclusion made up of facts and inferring knowledge.
conclusion
The final ending or idea of a process
prediction
A statement about the hypothesis
qualitative observations
detailed examination with your senses only
quantitative observations
measuring something with numbers
homeostasis
Balancing human or any living organisms
metabolism
The chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for
the maintenance of life
heredity
The genetic transmission of characteristics from parent to offspring.
Golgi apparatus
packages proteins from the ER and materials and sends them to other parts of the cell
Smooth ER
network or tubular membranes within the cytoplasm of the cell with a smooth surface;
functions in a variety of different metabolic processes such as synthesis of lipids, oils,
phospholipid and steroids; process drugs, alcohol, and store calcium ions
Rough ER
network of tubular membanes within the cytoplasm of the cell with a rough surface
(ribosomes are attached to it); helps the ribosomes make proteins, such as insulin
Organelles
tiny structures within the cell that carry out specific functions
plasma membrane
forms a flexible boundary between the living cell and its surroundings; made if
phospholipids
nucleus
Cell Biology, Genetics, Evolution &
Human Physiology (Complete Review
2026)
Diffusion
The passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low
concentration. This happens along a concentration gradient
Osmosis
A passive movement of water molecules through a semi permeable membrane. Water
moves from an area of low solute concentration to high solute concentration
Active Transport
An active movement where an input of energy is required. Particles move from low
concentration to high concentration
Facilitated Diffusion
A passive movement of particles from high to low concentration through a protein
channel in a cell.
Isotonic Solution
The same concentration of dissolved substances. Water in = water out.
Hypertonic Solution
Higher concentration of solutes outside cell than inside
Plasmolyse
When a cell has shrunk
Hypotonic Solution
A cell has more solute inside than outside.
Turgid
Cell may explode under pressure due to a hypotonic solution.
Exocytosis
Movement out of a cell
Endocytosis
Movement into a cell
Lysosome
A vesicle that contains destructive/digestive chemicals
Pinocytosis
A form of endocytosis where a cell engulfs liquid into the cell.
Phagocytosis
A form of endocytosis where a cell engulfs solids into a cell
Scientific question
Questions that can be answered by using experiments and factual reasoning.
Biology
The study of living organisms and how they function.
, Scientific Method
A method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century,
consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the
formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.
Hypothesis
1st part of the scientific method
experimental design
Experimental design refers to how participants are allocated to the different conditions
(or IV groups) in an experiment.
variable
factors that are kept constant or unchanging.
observation
The process of studying of something to gain information.
inference
A conclusion made up of facts and inferring knowledge.
conclusion
The final ending or idea of a process
prediction
A statement about the hypothesis
qualitative observations
detailed examination with your senses only
quantitative observations
measuring something with numbers
homeostasis
Balancing human or any living organisms
metabolism
The chemical processes occurring within a living cell or organism that are necessary for
the maintenance of life
heredity
The genetic transmission of characteristics from parent to offspring.
Golgi apparatus
packages proteins from the ER and materials and sends them to other parts of the cell
Smooth ER
network or tubular membranes within the cytoplasm of the cell with a smooth surface;
functions in a variety of different metabolic processes such as synthesis of lipids, oils,
phospholipid and steroids; process drugs, alcohol, and store calcium ions
Rough ER
network of tubular membanes within the cytoplasm of the cell with a rough surface
(ribosomes are attached to it); helps the ribosomes make proteins, such as insulin
Organelles
tiny structures within the cell that carry out specific functions
plasma membrane
forms a flexible boundary between the living cell and its surroundings; made if
phospholipids
nucleus
