BIO-111 Exam 1 Review

Flashcards covering key concepts from the BIO-111 lecture notes for Exam 1.

Characteristics of Organisms

The traits that define living beings, including growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and metabolism.

Common Ingredients of an Organism

Four major components: nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

Core Genome

A shared set of genes common to all living organisms, indicating shared ancestry.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation for a phenomenon, which can be tested through experimentation.

Criteria for a Good Hypothesis

Should be testable, falsifiable, and based on existing knowledge.

Cell Theory

The scientific theory that all living organisms are composed of cells, and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles, including plants and animals.

Endomembrane System

A system of membranes involved in the synthesis, modification, and transport of proteins within a cell.

Endosymbiotic Theory

Theory explaining that certain organelles, like mitochondria, originated as free-living prokaryotes that were engulfed by a host cell.

Components of Cell Cytoskeleton

Includes microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

Types of Chemical Bonds

The various ways atoms can bond: ionic, covalent (single and double), and hydrogen bonds.

Isotope

Atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons.

Cation

A positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion, formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.

Properties of Water

Water's unique properties, such as cohesion, adhesion, and high specific heat, make it essential for life.

Acid

A substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.

Strong Acid

An acid that completely dissociates in solution, donating all of its hydrogen ions.

Base

A substance that decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.

Strong Base

A base that completely dissociates in solution, accepting all of the hydrogen ions.