Feeney Bio Midtterm

Biology CP Midterm review Feeney

What is the function of the eye piece in a microscope?

To look through, typically providing 10x or 15x magnification.

What are objective lenses used for in a microscope?

They provide varying levels of magnification, often labeled as 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x.

What does the stage of a microscope do?

It is the flat platform where the slide is placed for observation.

What is the purpose of the light source in a microscope?

To illuminate the specimen.

What does the coarse focus knob do on a microscope?

It is used for making large adjustments to the focus.

What is the role of the fine focus knob on a microscope?

It is used for making small adjustments to achieve clearer images.

What are the characteristics of life?

All living things are made of cells, reproduce, grow and develop, obtain and use energy, respond to their environment, maintain homeostasis, and evolve over time.

What examples illustrate unicellular organisms?

Yeast and paramecium.

What is the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction involves two cells from different parents, while asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring from one parent.

What is metabolism?

The process by which organisms obtain and use energy for chemical reactions.

What is homeostasis?

The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment.

Who observed cells for the first time, and in what year?

Robert Hooke in 1665.

What did Matthias Schleiden contribute to cell theory in 1838?

He stated that all plants are made of cells.

Who declared that all animals are made of cells in 1839?

Theodore Schwann.

What did Rudolph Virchow assert about cells in 1853?

All cells come from existing cells.

What is the biosphere?

The whole world including all biotic and abiotic factors.

What constitutes an ecosystem?

All biotic and abiotic things in a particular area.

Define community in biological terms.

All organisms living in a specific area.

What is a population in ecology?

A group of organisms of the same species living in a specific area.

What is the basic unit of life?

The cell.

What are the components of the scientific method?

Define the problem, conduct background research, form a hypothesis, design a controlled experiment, observe and analyze data, draw conclusions, communicate results.

What is the cell membrane?

A thin, flexible barrier that contains the cytoplasm.

What is the function of the cell wall?

To provide support and structure outside the cell membrane.

What is contained within the nucleus of a cell?

Genetic material and control of cell activities.

Define cytoplasm.

The material inside the cell membrane excluding the nucleus.

What is the role of the nucleolus?

To assemble ribosomes within the nucleus.

What is the nuclear envelope?

A double membrane with nuclear pores surrounding the nucleus.

What comprises the cytoskeleton?

Microtubules and microfilaments that support the cell.

What do ribosomes do?

They make proteins and respond to coded messages; produced in the nucleus.

What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

Rough ER synthesizes proteins, while smooth ER lacks ribosomes.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.

What are lysosomes?

Organelles that enclose enzymes for breaking down particles.

What is the function of vacuoles in cells?

To store salts, proteins, and carbohydrates; helping to support plant structures.

What process do chloroplasts perform?

Photosynthesis, converting sunlight into glucose.

What is the powerhouse of the cell?

Mitochondria.

What does the fluid mosaic model describe?

The flexible nature of cell membranes and the ability of proteins/lipids to move.

Define diffusion in cellular terms.

The movement of molecules from high concentration to low concentration.

What occurs in a hypotonic solution?

Water moves into the cell because solute concentration outside is lower.

What happens in a hypertonic solution?

Water moves out of the cell because solute concentration outside is higher.

Define isotonic solution.

Solute concentration is equal inside and outside the cell, resulting in balanced water movement.

What is endocytosis?

The process of moving large molecules and fluids into the cell.

What is exocytosis?

The process of releasing contents out of the cell.

What does pH measure?

The potential of hydrogen in a solution.

What are the pH ranges for acids, neutral, and bases?

0-6 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and 8-14 is basic.

What is an atom?

The basic unit of matter.

Define an element.

A pure substance consisting of one type of atom.

What are isotopes?

Atoms of the same element with different neutron numbers.

What are molecules?

The smallest units of covalently bonded compounds.

What is a covalent bond?

A bond where atoms share electrons.

What is an ionic bond?

A bond resulting from the transfer of electrons between atoms.

What is the function of carbohydrates?

They provide energy and structure.

What are the monomers of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides.

What is the polymer form of proteins?

Polypeptides.

What type of macromolecule includes DNA and RNA?

Nucleic acids.

What are lipids primarily used for?

To store energy and form biological membranes.

What process occurs during cell division?

A cell divides into two daughter cells.

What are chromosomes?

Structures that contain the cell's genetic material (DNA).

What occurs during interphase?

The cell performs its normal functions.

List the phases of mitosis.

Prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, followed by cytokinesis.

What is meiosis?

A type of cell division that produces four genetically diverse gametes.

What happens during prophase I of meiosis?

Homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material (crossing over).

What is the outcome of meiosis II?

Four haploid gametes are formed.

What are the nitrogenous bases found in DNA?

Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine.

What differs in RNA compared to DNA?

RNA contains ribose instead of deoxyribose and Uracil instead of Thymine.

What does mRNA do?

Carries the genetic message to ribosomes.

What is the function of tRNA?

Transfers amino acids to ribosomes.

What is rRNA's role in cells?

Makes up ribosomes alongside proteins.

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids.