Comprehensive Biology: Scientific Method, Cell Structure, Genetics, Evolution, Ecology

Define hypothesis, theory, & fact

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence. A fact is an observation that has been repeatedly confirmed and accepted as true.

What are the parts of an experiment?

The parts of an experiment include the hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, control group, experimental group, and constants.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

The steps of the scientific method include making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

What are characteristics of living things?

Characteristics of living things include the ability to grow and develop, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, and adapt to their environment.

Why is it important to be scientifically literate?

Being scientifically literate allows individuals to understand and evaluate scientific information, make informed decisions, and engage in discussions about scientific issues.

What are the subatomic particles?

The subatomic particles include protons, neutrons, and electrons.

Define isotope, ion, & atomic mass

An isotope is a variant of a chemical element that has the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. An ion is an atom or molecule that has a net electrical charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. Atomic mass is the weighted average mass of an element's isotopes.

What are the different types of chemical bonds?

The different types of chemical bonds include ionic bonds, covalent bonds, and metallic bonds.

How does the pH scale work?

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

What are the 4 major classes of organic molecules?

The four major classes of organic molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Name the parts of the cell cycle and describe what happens in each of them.

The cell cycle consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) where the cell grows and DNA is replicated, and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis) where the cell divides into two daughter cells.

What are the similarities and differences between mitosis and meiosis?

Both mitosis and meiosis are processes of cell division. Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells for growth and repair, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse gametes for sexual reproduction.

What are the 3 main reactions of cellular respiration?

The three main reactions of cellular respiration are glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.

Aerobic vs anaerobic reactions

Aerobic reactions require oxygen to produce energy, while anaerobic reactions occur without oxygen and produce less energy.

How is a chromosome structured?

A chromosome is structured as a long DNA molecule wrapped around proteins called histones, forming a compact structure that carries genetic information.

Define diploid & haploid

Diploid refers to cells that contain two complete sets of chromosomes (one from each parent), while haploid refers to cells that contain only one set of chromosomes.

Define Mendel's laws

Mendel's laws include the Law of Segregation, which states that allele pairs separate during gamete formation, and the Law of Independent Assortment, which states that genes for different traits are inherited independently.

Perform a Punnett square

A Punnett square is a diagram used to predict the outcome of a genetic cross by showing the possible allele combinations from the parents.

What are the inheritance patterns other than simple dominance?

Inheritance patterns other than simple dominance include incomplete dominance, codominance, and polygenic inheritance.

How is DNA structured?

DNA is structured as a double helix formed by two strands of nucleotides, with complementary base pairing between adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine.

Describe and perform DNA replication, transcription, & translation.

DNA replication is the process of copying DNA before cell division. Transcription is the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template. Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA at the ribosome.

What is PCR?

PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, is a technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, making millions of copies of a particular segment.

How did humans evolve to walk upright?

Humans evolved to walk upright due to adaptations in the pelvis, spine, and lower limbs, allowing for bipedal locomotion which provided advantages in mobility and energy efficiency.

What are the characteristics of primates?

Characteristics of primates include flexible limbs, forward-facing eyes, highly developed brains, and social behaviors.

What are hominins?

Hominins are a group of species that includes modern humans and our closest extinct relatives, characterized by bipedalism and larger brain sizes.

Differentiate artificial vs natural selection

Artificial selection is the process by which humans breed plants and animals for specific traits, while natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce.

Differentiate homologous vs analogous traits.

Homologous traits are similar due to shared ancestry, while analogous traits are similar due to convergent evolution, serving similar functions but not arising from a common ancestor.

How does speciation occur?

Speciation occurs when populations of a species become isolated and evolve independently, leading to the development of new species.

What factors affect allele frequencies within a population?

Factors affecting allele frequencies include natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, migration, and non-random mating.

What is causing the current mass extinction?

The current mass extinction is primarily caused by human activities such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of species.

Name the different levels of an ecosystem.

The different levels of an ecosystem include individual, population, community, ecosystem, biome, and biosphere.

How is the climate changing and what can we do about it?

The climate is changing due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming. We can mitigate this by reducing emissions, conserving energy, and promoting renewable energy sources.

How does a population's numbers change throughout time?

A population's numbers change over time due to factors such as birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.

What is a keystone species?

A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, playing a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community.

Characterize different relationships between species.

Different relationships between species include mutualism (both benefit), commensalism (one benefits, the other is unaffected), parasitism (one benefits at the expense of the other), and competition (both are harmed).