BIO EXAM CARDS

Science

The study of the natural world using problem-solving tools like tests and experiments to gather factual information.

Limitations of Science

Science has limitations, particularly when technology and ethical considerations challenge past theories or beliefs.

Scientific Method

A process for testing ideas and hypotheses, ensuring accountability in experiments.

Placebo

A false treatment given to minimize bias by suggestion during experiments.

Hypothesis vs. Theory

A well-tested hypothesis becomes a theory after extensive testing; a theory explains broader phenomena.

Biology

The science of life involving the study of living organisms and their processes.

Characteristics of Life

Key characteristics include order, evolutionary adaptation, response to environment, reproduction, growth, energy processing, and regulation.

Levels of Biological Organization

Ranges from atoms and molecules to the biosphere, including cells, tissues, organs, and ecosystems.

Taxonomy

The branch of biology that names and classifies species into groups of increasing breadth.

Three Domains of Life

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

Biological Classification

Structured as Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Importance of Chemistry in Biology

Chemistry is fundamental as organisms are composed of matter, and biological processes depend on chemical reactions.

Elements

Substances that cannot be broken down by chemical reactions; vital for life including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

Atoms Composition

Atoms consist of protons (positive charge), neutrons (no charge), and electrons (negative charge).

Atomic Number and Mass

Atomic number is the number of protons in an atom; atomic mass is the combined mass of protons and neutrons.

Electron Configuration

Describes the arrangement of electrons in an atom’s orbitals.

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed when two atoms share electrons to complete their valence shells.

Ionic Bonds

Bonds formed when one atom transfers electrons to another, resulting in charged ions.

Hydrogen Bonds

Weak attractions between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom.

Importance of Water for Life

Water is essential as it makes up 70-95% of cells and supports stable chemical environments.

Key Properties of Water

Cohesion, ability to moderate temperature, expansion upon freezing, and versatility as a solvent.

Cohesion and Adhesion

Cohesion is attraction between water molecules; adhesion is attraction between water and other surfaces.

Water's High Specific Heat

Water can absorb or release heat with minor temperature changes, stabilizing temperatures.

Evaporative Cooling

Occurs when water absorbs heat as it evaporates, regulating temperatures in organisms.

Expansion Upon Freezing

Water expands as it freezes due to hydrogen bonds forming structured arrangements.

Water's Role as a Solvent

Water can dissolve ionic compounds and polar molecules by forming hydration shells.

Osmosis

Movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from higher to lower concentration.

Tonicity in Osmosis

Describes the relative concentration of solutes in solutions: isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic.

pH Scale

Measures hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, ranging from 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic).

Buffers

Substances that maintain pH stability by absorbing or releasing H+ ions.