Honors Biology Final Exam Flashcards

Flashcards for Honors Biology Final Exam review covering a range of topics including basic biology, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

What are the 4 organic compounds?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

What elements do all organic compounds contain?

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (usually)

What type of bonds hold a single water molecule together?

Covalent bonds

What type of bonds hold water to other water molecules?

Hydrogen bonds

What is the pH for an acidic substance?

Less than 7

What is the pH for a basic substance?

Greater than 7

What is the pH for a neutral substance?

7

What are enzymes/catalysts?

Proteins that speed up chemical reactions

What does denature mean?

To lose its shape and function

What are the general characteristics of a typical prokaryotic cell?

No nucleus, simple structure

What are the general characteristics of a typical eukaryotic cell?

Has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, complex structure

What 3 cell structures are found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes

What are the functions of the cell membrane?

Controls what enters and leaves the cell

What are the functions of the nucleus?

Controls cell activities, contains DNA

What are the functions of the ribosomes?

Makes proteins

What are the functions of the mitochondria?

Produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration

What are the functions of the chloroplasts?

Carries out photosynthesis

Define Equilibrium

When a substance is evenly distributed.

Define Diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration

Define Osmosis

Diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane

What is Cytolysis?

The bursting of a cell

What is the difference between active and passive transport?

Active transport requires energy (ATP), while passive transport does not

What is the difference between endocytosis and exocytosis?

Endocytosis brings substances into the cell, while exocytosis releases substances out of the cell

What is the equation for photosynthesis (in symbols)?

6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2

What is the green pigment found in plants?

Chlorophyll

What types of organisms carry out photosynthesis?

Autotrophs (plants, algae, some bacteria)

What products are created from photosynthesis?

Glucose and oxygen

Give the equation for cellular respiration (in symbols).

C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O

What types of organisms carry out cellular respiration?

All living organisms (autotrophs and heterotrophs)

What is the byproduct (waste product) given off in cellular respiration?

Carbon dioxide

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen, while anaerobic respiration does not

What is the MAIN energy molecule used by cells?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

How do cellular respiration and photosynthesis affect the carbon cycle?

Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide

What process causes variation in the genetic information of offspring in meiosis?

Crossing over

What are the male and female gametes?

Sperm and egg

Are gametes haploid or diploid?

Haploid

What is Fertilization?

The fusion of egg and sperm.

What is a Zygote?

The product of a fertilized egg and sperm.

What is a Embryo?

The early development of an organism.

Humans have 23 pairs of what?

Autosomes

Humans have 1 pair of what?

Sex Chromosomes

What sex chromosomes are found in a female?

XX

What sex chromosomes are found in a male?

XY

What are the two types of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA

Where is DNA found in the cell?

Nucleus

DNA gives instructions to produce what?

Proteins

What is the monomer (building block) that makes up DNA and RNA?

Nucleotide

What are the three parts of a nucleotide?

Sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base

What are Chargaff’s base pairing rules for DNA?

A pairs with T, and C pairs with G

In RNA the nitrogen base ___ is replaced by ___.

Thymine (T); Uracil (U)

What are the 3 types of RNA, and what are their roles?

mRNA (messenger RNA) carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, tRNA (transfer RNA) brings amino acids to the ribosomes, rRNA (ribosomal RNA) is a component of ribosomes

Define Evolution

Change in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations.

Describe Charles Darwin’s theory on natural selection.

Organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce at a higher rate.

Define Adaptation.

A trait that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.

Define ecology.

The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

What is symbiosis?

A close and long-term interaction between different biological species.

What is always found at the first trophic level of a typical food chain?

Producers (autotrophs)

Define Apex Predators

A predator residing at the top of a food chain or web, upon which no other creatures prey.

Define Keystone Species.

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

What is a pioneer species?

The first species to colonize barren areas in ecological succession.

Define carrying capacity.

The maximum population size of a biological species in a given environment.