Biology Lecture Review - Life Processes and Ecology

Practice flashcards covering life processes, cell biology, nutrition, transport, ecology, and human biology based on the lecture transcript.

What are the seven characteristics of living organisms?

Movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, and nutrition.

Identify the structures present in a bacterial cell but not necessarily in plant or animal cells as per the notes.

Circular DNA and plasmids.

Arrange the following in order of complexity: organ, cell, organism, tissue, organ system.

Cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.

What is the formula for calculating magnification?

$$\text{magnification} = \frac{\text{image size}}{\text{actual size}}$$

How many micrometres ($\mu m$) are in one millimetre ($mm$)?

$$1000\, \mu m$$

What is the specific function of palisade mesophyll cells?

Photosynthesis

Define diffusion.

The movement of substances into and out of cells through the cell membrane.

Define osmosis.

The diffusion of water through partially permeable membranes from a region of high water potential to a region of low water potential.

What term describes a plant cell that is swollen and firm due to water uptake and high turgor pressure?

Turgid

Define active transport.

The movement of particles through a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration (against a concentration gradient), using energy from respiration.

List the chemical elements that make up carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Carbohydrates and fats: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Proteins: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

What are the smaller molecules that make up fats and oils?

Fatty acids and glycerol.

Which test uses Benedict’s solution and what does it detect?

It is used to test for reducing sugars.

What color change identifies a positive test for starch using iodine solution?

From orange/brown to blue-black.

Define enzymes.

Proteins that function as biological catalysts involved in all metabolic reactions.

In enzyme action, what is the 'complementary shape' relationship referred to?

The fit between the active site of the enzyme and the substrate.

Define photosynthesis.

The process by which plants manufacture carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light.

What is the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

What are the four factors that influence the rate of transpiration?

Temperature, humidity, light intensity, and air movement (though the transcript specifically emphasizes investigating temperature and humidity).

Define ingestion.

The taking of substances, such as food and drink, into the body.

Define egestion.

The removal of undigested food from the body as faeces.

Identify the function of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice.

Killing bacteria in food and providing an acidic pH for optimum enzyme activity of proteases in the stomach.

Which enzyme breaks down starch into simpler sugars?

Amylase

What are the functions of xylem and phloem?

Xylem transports water and mineral ions and provide support; phloem transports sucrose and amino acids.

Define transpiration.

Loss of water vapour from plant leaves by evaporation of water at the surfaces of the mesophyll cells followed by diffusion of water vapour through the stomata.

What is the principal source of energy input to biological systems?

The Sun

Define a producer.

An organism that makes its own organic nutrients, usually using energy from sunlight through photosynthesis.

What is the difference between a herbivore and a carnivore?

A herbivore gets energy by eating plants, while a carnivore gets energy by eating other animals.

List four undesirable effects of deforestation.

Reducing biodiversity, extinction, loss of soil, flooding, and increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Define biodiversity.

The number of different species that live in an area.

What structure in the heart ensures the one-way flow of blood?

Valves

What are the components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

What is the role of white blood cells?

Phagocytosis and antibody production.

Define a pathogen.

A disease-causing organism.

What are the features of a virus?

A protein coat and genetic material.

List the features of gas exchange surfaces in humans.

Large surface area, thin surface, good blood supply, and good ventilation with air.

State the word equation for aerobic respiration.

$$\text{glucose} + \text{oxygen} \rightarrow \text{carbon dioxide} + \text{water}$$

What is the primary use of antibiotics?

Treatment of bacterial infections.

Define pollination.

The transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a stigma.

What conditions are required for the germination of seeds?

Water, oxygen, and a suitable temperature.