Biology Test 1 Study Guide – Life, Cells
& Chemical Foundations (Biomolecules,
Cell Structure, Water Chemistry & Core
Principles Review 2026)
Biology
The scientific study of life and living organisms.
Theory
General explanation supported by extensive evidence.
Experimental hypothesis
Testable statement explaining an observation.
Null hypothesis
Specifies expected observations if hypothesis is false.
Prediction
Observable result based on a specific hypothesis.
Experiment
Tool to test effects of a single factor.
Independent variable
Factor modified by the researcher in experiments.
Dependent variable
Factor measured by the researcher in experiments.
Control group
Group not receiving treatment, identical to experimental group.
Negative control
Group expected to show no response.
Positive control
Group expected to show a response.
Characteristics of life
Includes information, cells, replication, energy, evolution.
Cell theory
All organisms are composed of cells.
Chromosome theory of inheritance
Inheritance involves replication, information, and energy.
Theory of evolution
Explains the diversity of life through evolution.
Robert Hooke
First to observe cells using a crude microscope.
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
Enhanced microscope to 300X, discovered 'animalcules'.
Animalcules
Term for single-celled organisms observed by Leeuwenhoek.
Cell Theory
, Cells arise from preexisting cells.
Spontaneous Generation
Life arises under specific conditions.
Central Dogma
Information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins.
Adaptation
Process improving survival and reproduction.
Natural Selection
Environment selects for more fit organisms.
Evolution
Change in population characteristics over time.
Tree of Life
Depicts evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Prokaryotes
Cells without a membrane-bound nucleus.
Eukaryotes
Cells with a membrane-bound nucleus.
Valence Electrons
Electrons in the outermost shell.
Isotopes
Atoms with same protons, different neutrons.
Cation
Positively charged atom losing electrons.
Anion
Negatively charged atom gaining electrons.
Hydrogen Bond
Attraction between polar molecules.
Cohesion
Water molecules sticking to each other.
Adhesion
Water molecules sticking to other substances.
Specific Heat
Energy needed to raise temperature of 1g by 1°C.
Heat of Vaporization
Energy to convert liquid water to gas.
Acids
Substances increasing hydrogen concentration in water.
Bases
Substances decreasing hydrogen concentration in water.
pH
Measure of hydrogen ion concentration.
Kinetic Energy
Energy of motion, related to temperature.
Potential Energy
Stored energy available for work.
Chemical Reaction
& Chemical Foundations (Biomolecules,
Cell Structure, Water Chemistry & Core
Principles Review 2026)
Biology
The scientific study of life and living organisms.
Theory
General explanation supported by extensive evidence.
Experimental hypothesis
Testable statement explaining an observation.
Null hypothesis
Specifies expected observations if hypothesis is false.
Prediction
Observable result based on a specific hypothesis.
Experiment
Tool to test effects of a single factor.
Independent variable
Factor modified by the researcher in experiments.
Dependent variable
Factor measured by the researcher in experiments.
Control group
Group not receiving treatment, identical to experimental group.
Negative control
Group expected to show no response.
Positive control
Group expected to show a response.
Characteristics of life
Includes information, cells, replication, energy, evolution.
Cell theory
All organisms are composed of cells.
Chromosome theory of inheritance
Inheritance involves replication, information, and energy.
Theory of evolution
Explains the diversity of life through evolution.
Robert Hooke
First to observe cells using a crude microscope.
Anton van Leeuwenhoek
Enhanced microscope to 300X, discovered 'animalcules'.
Animalcules
Term for single-celled organisms observed by Leeuwenhoek.
Cell Theory
, Cells arise from preexisting cells.
Spontaneous Generation
Life arises under specific conditions.
Central Dogma
Information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins.
Adaptation
Process improving survival and reproduction.
Natural Selection
Environment selects for more fit organisms.
Evolution
Change in population characteristics over time.
Tree of Life
Depicts evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Prokaryotes
Cells without a membrane-bound nucleus.
Eukaryotes
Cells with a membrane-bound nucleus.
Valence Electrons
Electrons in the outermost shell.
Isotopes
Atoms with same protons, different neutrons.
Cation
Positively charged atom losing electrons.
Anion
Negatively charged atom gaining electrons.
Hydrogen Bond
Attraction between polar molecules.
Cohesion
Water molecules sticking to each other.
Adhesion
Water molecules sticking to other substances.
Specific Heat
Energy needed to raise temperature of 1g by 1°C.
Heat of Vaporization
Energy to convert liquid water to gas.
Acids
Substances increasing hydrogen concentration in water.
Bases
Substances decreasing hydrogen concentration in water.
pH
Measure of hydrogen ion concentration.
Kinetic Energy
Energy of motion, related to temperature.
Potential Energy
Stored energy available for work.
Chemical Reaction
