bio 101

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Prediction, Experiment/Test, Data Collection, Conclusion, Peer Review.

What is an independent variable?

The variable that is changed in the experiment.

What is a dependent variable?

The variable that is measured or observed.

What is a controlled variable?

A factor kept constant throughout the experiment.

What is a control group?

A group used for comparison that doesn’t receive the experimental treatment.

What is natural selection?

Individuals with favorable traits survive and reproduce more successfully.

What does “variation” mean in evolution?

Differences in traits among individuals of a population.

What is “descent with modification”?

Offspring inherit traits that may change over time.

Who influenced Darwin’s idea of competition for resources?

Thomas Malthus.

What’s the difference between Darwin’s and Gould’s views of evolution?

Darwin: gradual change; Gould: rapid bursts followed by stability (punctuated equilibrium).

What is cohesion in water?

Water molecules stick to each other.

What is adhesion in water?

Water molecules stick to other substances.

Why does water have high heat capacity?

It takes a lot of energy to change its temperature.

Why does ice float on water?

Ice is less dense than liquid water.

Why is water a good solvent?

It dissolves polar and charged (hydrophilic) substances.

What is an acid in Bronsted-Lowry terms?

A substance that donates H⁺ ions.

What is a base in Bronsted-Lowry terms?

A substance that accepts or attracts H⁺ ions.

What is the pH of pure water?

pH 7 (neutral).

What is the formula to calculate pH?

pH = –log[H⁺].

What is the monomer of carbohydrates?

Monosaccharides like glucose or fructose.

What are examples of carbohydrate polymers?

Starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin.

What are the monomers of lipids?

Glycerol and fatty acids.

What are the main functions of lipids?

Long-term energy storage, insulation, protection, membranes, hormones.

What are examples of lipids?

Fats, oils, steroids, waxes, phospholipids.

What are the monomers of proteins?

Amino acids.

What are the main functions of proteins?

Build/repair tissues, enzymes, transport, defense, hormones.

What are the 4 levels of protein structure?

Primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary.

What do molecular chaperones do?

Help proteins fold correctly.

What are the monomers of nucleic acids?

Nucleotides (sugar + phosphate + base).

What are the main functions of nucleic acids?

Store and transmit genetic information (DNA), protein synthesis (RNA).

What are examples of nucleic acids?

DNA and RNA.

What are the three parts of the cell theory?

All living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, cells come from pre-existing cells.

What are the 3 main parts of all cells?

Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA.

What are two types of cells?

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

Do prokaryotic cells have a nucleus?

No, they have a nucleoid region instead.

What structures do prokaryotic cells have?

Plasma membrane, ribosomes, cytoplasm, nucleoid, cell wall, capsule, flagella, pili.

Do eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles?

Yes.

What does the nucleus do?

Stores DNA and controls cell activities.

What do ribosomes do?

Make proteins.

What does the rough ER do?

Makes and processes proteins.

What does the Golgi apparatus do?

Packages and ships proteins.

What does the mitochondrion do?

Produces energy (ATP).

What does the lysosome do?

Breaks down waste and cell debris.

What does the peroxisome do?

Breaks down fatty acids and toxins.

What is the function of a vacuole?

Stores nutrients, waste, and water.

What do chloroplasts do (in plant cells)?

Perform photosynthesis.

What is the cytoskeleton?

A network of proteins that provides shape and helps movement.

What is the plasma membrane made of?

Phospholipid bilayer with proteins.

What does “selectively permeable” mean?

Only certain substances can pass through.

What is the cell wall?

A rigid layer that provides structure and protection (plants, fungi).

What is the extracellular matrix?

A support system outside of animal cells for structure and communication.

What are the functions of carbohydrates?

Quick energy, energy storage, structural support (cellulose), cell recognition and signaling.

What are the functions of lipids?

Long-term energy storage, cell membranes, hormone production, insulation, waterproof coatings.

What are the functions of proteins?

Build and repair tissues, act as enzymes, transport molecules, fight infections, send signals, provide structure.

What are the functions of nucleic acids?

Store genetic information (DNA), help build proteins (RNA), transfer genetic material to offspring.

What is the function of the nucleus?

Stores DNA and controls cell activities.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Make proteins.

What is the function of the rough ER?

Synthesizes and processes proteins.

What is the function of the smooth ER?

Makes lipids and detoxifies harmful substances.

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

Modifies, sorts, and ships proteins.

What is the function of mitochondria?

Produces energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

What is the function of lysosomes?

Breaks down waste and damaged cell parts.

What is the function of peroxisomes?

Breaks down fatty acids and detoxifies toxins.

What is the function of vacuoles (in plant cells)?

Stores water, nutrients, and waste.

What is the function of chloroplasts (in plant cells)?

Performs photosynthesis.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton?

Provides cell structure and helps with movement.

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

Controls what enters and exits the cell.

What is the function of the cell wall?

Provides extra structure and protection.

What is the function of the extracellular matrix (in animal cells)?

Supports the cell and helps it communicate with other cells.