General Biology Review Sheet

Flashcards covering key concepts, definitions, and processes related to general biology.

What are the levels of complexity into which living things are typically divided?

They are divided into levels such as cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body.

How does the human body maintain homeostasis?

The human body maintains homeostasis through feedback mechanisms, primarily negative feedback loops.

What are the components of a negative feedback loop?

Components include sensors, control center, and effectors.

What does the 'negative' in negative feedback mean?

It refers to the response that counteracts a change, returning the system to its set point.

What are the basic characteristics of life?

Basic characteristics include organization, metabolism, growth, adaptation, response to stimuli, and reproduction.

What is matter?

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space.

Define an element.

An element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are ions in solution that conduct electricity.

What are trace elements? Name two important ones.

Trace elements are elements required in minute amounts; examples include iron and iodine.

What is the difference between a covalent bond and an ionic bond?

A covalent bond involves the sharing of electron pairs, while an ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons.

Which type of bond is more stable in a fluid environment?

Covalent bonds are generally more stable in a fluid environment.

What is a chemical reaction?

A chemical reaction is a process that leads to the transformation of one set of chemical substances to another.

What are reactants in a chemical reaction?

Reactants are the starting materials in a chemical reaction.

What are products in a chemical reaction?

Products are the substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

How do you represent a chemical reaction symbolically?

A chemical reaction is symbolically represented by writing reactants on the left and products on the right, separated by an arrow.

What is meant by an anabolic reaction?

An anabolic reaction is a metabolic process that builds larger molecules from smaller ones.

What is meant by a catabolic reaction?

A catabolic reaction is a metabolic process that breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones.

Which type of reaction produces energy?

Catabolic reactions typically produce energy.

Which type of reaction requires energy?

Anabolic reactions require energy.

What does it mean to say anabolic and catabolic reactions are usually paired?

It means that the energy released from catabolic reactions is used to drive anabolic reactions.

What is work in biological systems?

Work refers to the energy used to move or change the structure of molecules and cells.

What does 'organic' mean in biochemistry?

Organic refers to compounds containing carbon, typically associated with living organisms.

What does 'inorganic' mean in biochemistry?

Inorganic refers to compounds that do not primarily consist of carbon-hydrogen bonds.

What is the universal energy source for the body?

The universal energy source for the body is adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

What are the characteristics of water that make it conducive to life?

Water has a high specific heat, cohesion and adhesion properties, and is a solvent for many substances.

What does it mean that water is a polar covalent molecule?

It means that there is an uneven distribution of electron density, resulting in a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other.

What is dissociation in the context of water?

Dissociation is the process of a compound separating into smaller molecules or ions when dissolved.

What is a hydration shell?

A hydration shell is a cluster of water molecules that surround a solute ion or molecule.

Are substances with ionic or covalent bonds more likely to dissociate in water? Why?

Ionic compounds are more likely to dissociate in water due to their ability to interact with water's polar molecules.

What does the pH scale measure?

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution.

What is the normal range of values for pH?

The normal range of pH values is typically between 0 to 14.

What does one unit of change on the pH scale represent?

One unit of change represents a tenfold change in the concentration of hydrogen ions.

What is an acid in terms of pH?

An acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, typically holding a pH value less than 7.

What is a base in terms of pH?

A base is a substance that decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, typically holding a pH value greater than 7.

What is a solvent?

A solvent is a substance that dissolves another substance, forming a solution.

What is a solute?

A solute is the substance that is dissolved in a solvent.

What is a solution?

A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.