Biological Science Exam Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key biological concepts to aid in exam preparation.

What are the steps in the scientific process?

Question, hypothesis, experiment, data/analysis, conclusion.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative data?

Qualitative data is based on qualities and characteristics without using numbers; quantitative data is numerical and based on measurement and counts.

What is a hypothesis?

An educated guess that uses the if, then, because format.

What is the role of a control group in an experiment?

A control group serves as a baseline for comparison against independent variables in the experiment.

How does a scientific theory differ from a theory in casual conversation?

A scientific theory is a well-tested, well-supported explanation based on evidence, whereas a casual theory is often an untested idea or opinion.

Where do independent and dependent variables go on a graph?

The independent variable goes on the x-axis and the dependent variable goes on the y-axis.

When would you use a line graph instead of a bar graph?

A line graph is used to show change over time; a bar graph is used for comparing groups or categories.

Why is carbon considered unique among living elements?

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, allowing it to form strong covalent bonds and create complex molecules.

What makes water a polar molecule?

Water is polar due to unequal sharing of electrons and its bent shape, creating a positive and negative end.

How do hydrogen ions influence the pH of a solution?

More hydrogen ions result in a lower pH (acidic), while fewer hydrogen ions result in a higher pH (basic).

What is a buffer?

A substance that helps maintain stable pH in a solution, preventing large changes.

What are the monomers of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids?

Proteins: amino acids; Carbohydrates: monosaccharides; Lipids: glycerol and fatty acids; Nucleic acids: nucleotides.

What is dehydration synthesis?

A reaction that removes a water molecule to join monomers together into polymers.

What is hydrolysis?

A reaction that adds water to break a bond between monomers.

What are the functions of starch, glycogen, and cellulose?

Starch stores energy in plants, glycogen stores energy in animals, and cellulose provides structural support in plant cell walls.

What is a reactant in a chemical reaction?

The starting substances that undergo a chemical change to form new substances.

What is a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

A substance that speeds up the reaction without being consumed, often having low activation energy.

What are the three principles of cell theory?

All living things are made up of cells; cells are the basic unit of life; all cells come from pre-existing cells.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and organelles; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles.

What organelles are involved in protein synthesis?

Nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, and vesicles.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

To make food using sunlight through photosynthesis.

What is the balance equation for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

What roles do xylem and phloem play in plants?

Xylem transports water and minerals upwards; phloem transports sugars and nutrients throughout the plant.

What is osmosis?

The movement of water across a membrane from an area of high concentration to low concentration.

What is active transport?

The process of moving molecules against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

What is the difference between haploid and diploid cells?

Diploid cells have two complete sets of chromosomes (2N), while haploid cells have one set (N).

What is crossing over in meiosis?

The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic variation.

What are Mendel's laws of inheritance?

Law of segregation and law of independent assortment describe how alleles distribute into gametes.

What is the function of histone proteins in DNA packaging?

Histone proteins help package DNA into chromatin, ensuring it fits in the nucleus and can be accessed when needed.

What is a pedigree?

A family tree that shows how traits are passed from one generation to the next.