Exam 1

what is the scientific method?

a method of research with defined steps that include observation, formulation of a hypothesis, testing, and confirming or falsifying the hypothesis

what are the steps in the scientific method?

observation, hypothesis, prediction, experiment, & conclusion

what is an observation?

hoping to find a solution to something you cannot explain. can be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (qualities)

what is a hypothesis?

a proposed solution to a scientific problem or an untested explanation. must be testable

what is a prediction?

a hypothesis written in the if… then… format

what is an experiment?

a procedure carried out to support or refute a hypothesis

what are the factors of experimental design?

variables, sample size, replication, control group vs. experimental group, blind or double-blind

elaborate about variables

you must only test one variable at a time

elaborate about sample size

it is represented by (n) and must be random

elaborate about replication

results must be repeatable

elaborate about control group vs. experimental group

the control group does not receive the new treatment being studied and is used to compare to the experimental group.
the experimental group receives the new treatment being studied.

elaborate about blind or double-blind

blind studies - subjects do not know what group they are in (they do not know if they are receiving a placebo or the treatment)
double-blind studies - both the subjects and administrator do not know

what is a conclusion?

look at the evidence collected to determine if it supports or refutes the hypothesis

if your hypothesis was incorrect, is the experiment a failure?

no, because you can remove that variable and reform a hypothesis

what is a theory?

a system of statements and ideas that explains a group of facts. most logical explanation of events that occur in nature

how does a theory differ from a hypothesis?

a theory is much broader in scope than a hypothesis.

a theory is a well-established framework build upon extensive evidence, whereas a hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation that is formulated as part of research or experimentation.

what is scientific literacy?

the ability to understand, evaluate, and use scientific information in daily life

what are the characteristics of life?

cells - are composed of cells

homeostasis - maintain homeostasis (steady state)

evolve - are capable of evolving

metabolism - require energy and raw materials

grow - can grow

reproduce - can reproduce

respond to the environment

what is the five-kingdom classification?

1. monera: single-celled prokaryotes (bacteria)

2. protista: eukaryotic protozoa, algae, amoeba, paramecium

3. plantae: eukaryotic, photosynthetic plants

4. fungi: eukaryotic, decomposers (fungi, yeast, mushrooms)

5. animalia: eukaryotic animals, heterotrophs

what is a virus?

it is a protein coat with some DNA or RNA inside.

can you see a virus?

only with a microscope.

is a virus alive? can you kill a virus? is a virus made out of a cell?

can a virus grow and reproduce? does a virus need food/energy?

no, a virus is not considered a living thing. you cannot “kill” a virus since they are not considered alive but you can destroy or inactivate them. a virus is not made up of cells but rather a protein coat with some dna/rna inside. viruses cannot grow and can only replicate by hijacking a host cell. viruses do not need food or use energy on their own.

how does a virus attacks a cell

attaches to the host cell, injects its genetic material (dna or rna), and hijacks the cell to make copies

how do you protect yourself from a virus?

vaccines - injecting dead viruses or weakened virus into body so that the immune system recognizes the virus and builds protection against that virus

immune system: white blood cells

how do you protect yourself from bacteria?

antibiotics

why do we have dna?

it tells us how to make proteins

what are the levels of biological organization?

1. atom

2. molecule

3. cell

4. tissue

5. organ

6. organ system

7. organism

what is an atom?

an atom is the smallest function unit

what does an atom consist of?

protons: positive charge, have mass

neutrons: no charge, have mass

electrons: negative charge, no discernible mass, make bonds

NEVER CHANGE THE….

PROTONS