BIOLOGY EOC REVIEW (semester 1.)

What are the unique properties of water?

Cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat, high heat of vaporization, universal solvent, and density of ice.

Define cohesion in terms of water properties.

Cohesion is the attraction between molecules of the same substance, which in water leads to surface tension.

Define adhesion in terms of water properties.

Adhesion is the attraction between molecules of different substances, causing water to climb up a thin tube, like in capillary action.

What is specific heat capacity of water?

Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb a lot of heat before changing temperature, which helps regulate climate.

Why is water known as a universal solvent?

Water is known as a universal solvent because it can dissolve a wide range of substances due to its polar nature.

Describe the significance of density of ice.

Ice is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float; this insulates water below and is vital for aquatic life.

What are macromolecules?

Macromolecules are large molecules essential for life, including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

What are the building blocks of proteins?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.

What are the four main types of macromolecules?

The main types of macromolecules are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Define carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily used for energy.

What are lipids?

Lipids are hydrophobic macromolecules, including fats, oils, and phospholipids, that store energy and form cell membranes.

What is the role of nucleic acids?

Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information.

Define enzymes.

Enzymes are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions in living organisms.

How do enzymes work?

Enzymes lower the activation energy of a reaction, speeding up the process without being consumed.

What is the active site of an enzyme?

The active site is the region on the enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Explain how temperature affects enzyme activity.

Increased temperature generally increases enzyme activity, up to a point, after which the enzyme may denature and lose function.

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?

The overall equation is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

What are light-dependent reactions?

Light-dependent reactions are the first stage of photosynthesis, occurring in the thylakoid membranes, converting light energy into chemical energy.

What occurs during the Calvin cycle?

The Calvin cycle uses ATP and NADPH from light-dependent reactions to convert CO₂ into glucose.

Define cellular respiration.

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

What is the equation for cellular respiration?

The equation is C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy (ATP).

What are the stages of cellular respiration?

The stages of cellular respiration are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

Describe glycolysis.

Glycolysis is the first step of cellular respiration, breaking down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

What happens during the Krebs cycle?

The Krebs cycle processes pyruvate to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH₂, releasing CO₂ as a byproduct.

What is the function of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration?

The electron transport chain generates ATP by transferring electrons and pumping protons across the mitochondrial membrane.

Define mitosis.

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

What are the stages of mitosis?

The stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Define meiosis.

Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes by half, producing four genetically diverse gametes.

What is the importance of meiosis?

Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction and genetic diversity, producing gametes for fertilization.

What is sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parents to produce genetically diverse offspring.

What is asexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction is a reproductive process that involves one parent and results in genetically identical offspring.

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and organelles.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

The cell membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell and maintains homeostasis.

What is the structure of the cell wall?

The cell wall is a rigid outer support structure found in plant cells, bacteria, fungi, and algae, composed mainly of cellulose or peptidoglycan.

What are ribosomes?

Ribosomes are cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating mRNA into polypeptides.

Define osmosis.

Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

What is a selectively permeable membrane?

A selectively permeable membrane allows certain substances to pass while blocking others.

What is the role of the nucleus?

The nucleus houses the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.

Define the term 'metabolism.'

Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions that occur within a cell, including catabolism and anabolism.

What are the roles of carbohydrates in the body?

Carbohydrates provide energy, serve as structural components, and are involved in cell recognition.

What is the structure of a phospholipid?

A phospholipid has a hydrophilic (water-attracting) phosphate head and two hydrophobic (water-repelling) fatty acid tails.

What is a genetic mutation?

A genetic mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can result in altered function or trait.

What is the significance of protein structure?

Protein structure determines function, including enzyme activity, signaling, and cellular structure.

Define chloroplasts.

Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

What is the role of mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, providing energy through the process of cellular respiration.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

What is the function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in protein and lipid synthesis, with rough ER studded with ribosomes and smooth ER without them.

Define meiosis I.

Meiosis I is the first division in meiosis, reducing the chromosome number by half by separating homologous chromosomes.

Define meiosis II.

Meiosis II is the second division in meiosis, similar to mitosis, where the sister chromatids are separated into gametes.

What is fertilization?

Fertilization is the process wherein the male and female gametes combine to form a zygote.

Describe genetic diversity.

Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

What are gametes?

Gametes are reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that carry half the genetic material of an organism.

What is the significance of crossing over in meiosis?

Crossing over increases genetic variation by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

Explain the concept of a life cycle.

A life cycle encompasses all stages of an organism's development from birth to reproduction to death.

Define progenitor cells.

Progenitor cells are early descendants of stem cells that can differentiate into other types of cells.

What is a zygote?

A zygote is the initial cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg, marking the beginning of a new organism.

What is binary fission?

Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction seen in prokaryotic organisms, where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

What is the difference between somatic cells and gametes?

Somatic cells are non-reproductive cells (diploid) while gametes are reproductive cells (haploid) involved in sexual reproduction.

What role do histones play in DNA packaging?

Histones are proteins that help package DNA into a compact structure, forming nucleosomes within chromatin.

What is a mutation?

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein function and potentially lead to diseases.

What is gene expression?

Gene expression is the process through which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, usually proteins.

What is the function of telomeres?

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration during cell division.

Define organelles.

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct functions necessary for cellular life.

What is the role of cytoplasm?

Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance within the cell membrane that contains organelles and is the site of metabolic processes.

Describe the role of the plasma membrane.

The plasma membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell and participates in signal transduction.

What is a infection?

An infection is the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues that can lead to disease.

Define homeostatic mechanisms.

Homeostatic mechanisms are processes that maintain the stability of the body's internal environment.