USABO2

What are the building blocks of matter?

Atoms are the building blocks of matter, made of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What unique properties of water are crucial for life?

Cohesion, adhesion, high heat capacity, and solvent abilities are unique properties of water.

What is the function of carbon in biological molecules?

Carbon forms the backbone of biological molecules.

What are functional groups in organic chemistry?

Functional groups (hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, phosphate) influence the chemical properties of molecules.

What are isomers?

Isomers are molecules with the same formula but different structures and functions.

What are the functions of carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates provide energy and structure (sugars, starch, cellulose).

What is the role of lipids?

Lipids are hydrophobic molecules used for energy storage, insulation, and membranes (fats, phospholipids, steroids).

What do proteins do in cells?

Proteins perform most cell functions, including enzymes, transport, and structure.

What do nucleic acids do?

Nucleic acids store genetic information (DNA, RNA).

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack nuclei and organelles, while eukaryotic cells have them.

What is the function of organelles?

Organelles like mitochondria, the nucleus, and ribosomes perform specialized functions.

What is passive transport?

Passive transport (diffusion, osmosis) doesn’t use energy.

How do cells communicate?

Cells communicate via chemical signals that bind to receptors and trigger responses.

What encompasses metabolism?

Metabolism includes all chemical reactions in cells.

What is the role of enzymes?

Enzymes speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.

What is ATP?

ATP is the energy currency of the cell, used in reactions requiring energy.

What are the three steps of cellular respiration?

Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation.

What is the difference between aerobic respiration and fermentation?

Oxygen is required for aerobic respiration, while fermentation happens without oxygen.

What do plants convert during photosynthesis?

Plants use sunlight to convert CO₂ and H₂O into glucose and oxygen.

What happens during the light reactions of photosynthesis?

The light reactions capture energy.

What is the function of the Calvin cycle?

The Calvin cycle makes sugar.

How do cells grow and divide?

Cells grow and divide through mitosis.

What regulates cell division?

Checkpoints regulate cell division.

What is the result of cell division checkpoint failure?

Cancer can result when cell division checkpoints fail.

What does meiosis produce?

Meiosis produces gametes with half the chromosome number.

What happens during fertilization?

Fertilization restores the full chromosome count.

What is Mendelian Genetics?

Traits follow predictable inheritance patterns based on dominant and recessive alleles.

What do Punnett squares do?

Punnett squares help predict offspring traits.

What happens during crossing over?

Crossing over increases genetic variation.

What can mistakes in chromosome number cause?

Mistakes like nondisjunction can cause disorders like Down syndrome.

What ensures genetic information is passed on?

DNA replication ensures genetic information is passed on.

What can errors in DNA replication lead to?

Errors can lead to mutations, some of which cause diseases.

What is gene expression?

Gene expression is the process where DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is translated into proteins.

What is biotechnology?

Biotechnology involves techniques like PCR, CRISPR, and cloning to study and modify DNA.

What does natural selection favor?

Natural selection favors traits that improve survival and reproduction.

What supports the theory of evolution?

Fossil evidence and comparative anatomy support evolution.

What drives evolution in populations?

Evolution happens when allele frequencies change in a population.

What contributes to genetic variation?

Mutations, genetic drift, and gene flow contribute to genetic variation.

What are biomes?

Biomes are large ecosystems with unique climates and species.

What flows through food chains?

Energy flows through food chains, with producers at the base.

What limits population growth?

Carrying capacity limits growth due to resource availability.

What roles do species play in ecosystems?

Species interact as predators, competitors, or mutualists.

Why are keystone species important?

Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem stability.

How do human activities affect biodiversity?

Human activities impact climate and ecosystems, leading to conservation efforts.