HONORS - Introduction to Biology Study Guide Flashcards

A complete practice flashcard set covering all major topics from the Honors Introduction to Biology study guide, including experimental design, characteristics of life, water properties, macromolecules, and enzymes.

What are the main types of variables in an experimental design?

Independent variable (manipulated by the experimenter), dependent variable (measured outcome), and constant variables (factors kept identical across all experimental trials).

What is the difference between a positive control group and a negative control group?

A positive control group receives a treatment known to produce an expected result to confirm the experimental design works, whereas a negative control group receives no treatment or a placebo to establish a baseline.

How do a hypothesis, a theory, and a law differ from one another?

A hypothesis is a testable proposed explanation; a theory is a broad, well-substantiated explanation supported by extensive experimental evidence; a law is a statement or mathematical equation describing an observed natural phenomenon under specific conditions.

What is the difference between quantitative data and qualitative data?

Quantitative data consists of numerical measurements or counts, while qualitative data consists of descriptive, non-numerical observations.

What are metabolism and homeostasis, and why are they important?

Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions in an organism, and homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment; both are vital for maintaining life and cellular function.

What are the levels of biological organization from smallest to largest?

Atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere.

What atoms make up water and what are their partial charges?

Water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom; oxygen carries a partial negative charge ($\delta^{-}$) and each hydrogen carries a partial positive charge ($\delta^{+}$).

Which bonds hold atoms together within a water molecule versus bonds between separate water molecules?

Polar covalent bonds hold the oxygen and hydrogen atoms together within a single water molecule, while hydrogen bonds form between separate water molecules.

What is the difference between cohesion, adhesion, and capillary action?

Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance (water to water), adhesion is the attraction between water and other surfaces, and capillary action is the upward movement of water in narrow spaces resulting from both cohesion and adhesion.

What is the difference between hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances?

Hydrophilic substances are water-loving (polar or charged) and dissolve easily in water, whereas hydrophobic substances are water-fearing (nonpolar) and do not dissolve in water.

What happens during dehydration synthesis versus hydrolysis?

Dehydration synthesis builds polymers from monomers by removing a water molecule, whereas hydrolysis breaks down polymers into monomers by adding a water molecule.

What are the elements, monomers, polymers, and functions of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates contain C, H, and O (typically in a $1:2:1$ ratio); monomers are monosaccharides (e.g., glucose); polymers are polysaccharides; functions include providing short-term energy and structural support.

What are the key features of lipids, including saturated vs. unsaturated fats and phospholipids?

Lipids contain C, H, and O with no true monomer. Saturated fats have single carbon bonds and are solid at room temperature; unsaturated fats have double carbon bonds and are liquid. Phospholipids feature a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails, forming the cell membrane structure.

What are the elements, monomers, polymers, and functions of proteins?

Proteins contain C, H, O, and N (and sometimes S); monomers are amino acids; polymers are polypeptides; functions include functioning as enzymes, structural components, transport, and defense.

What are the elements, monomers, polymers, and functions of nucleic acids?

Nucleic acids contain C, H, O, N, and P; monomers are nucleotides; polymers are DNA and RNA; their primary function is storing and transmitting genetic information.

What is an enzyme, and what are the reactant and binding site called?

An enzyme is a biological protein catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy; the reactant is called the substrate, which binds to the enzyme's active site.

What is the lock and key model of enzymes, and how does denaturation affect it?

The lock and key model states that the active site shape precisely fits a specific substrate. Denaturation, caused by extreme temperature or pH changes, alters the active site's shape so the substrate can no longer bind, inhibiting enzyme activity.