Bio 110 Study Guide

This study guide is a comprehensive review of the key topics covered in BIO 110. It includes foundational concepts in biology, detailed explanations of cellular processes, evolution, genomics, and more. Use it to prepare effectively for exams and to solidify your understanding of the course material.

What are redox reactions in cellular respiration?

Redox reactions involve oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons), allowing controlled release of energy.

Where does glycolysis occur and what is its primary function?

Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm and breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

What are the products of glycolysis?

The products are 2 ATP, 2 NADH, and 2 pyruvate.

What is the purpose of pyruvate oxidation?

Pyruvate oxidation converts pyruvate into Acetyl-CoA, linking glycolysis to the Citric Acid Cycle.

What are the products of the Citric Acid Cycle per Acetyl-CoA?

The products are 3 NADH, 1 FADH2, 1 ATP, and 2 CO2.

What is the role of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) in cellular respiration?

The ETC uses electrons from NADH and FADH2 to create a proton gradient for ATP production.

Describe the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more ATP, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and yields less ATP.

What is the significance of fermentation?

Fermentation allows glycolysis to continue by regenerating NAD+ under anaerobic conditions.

What is the overall equation for cellular respiration?

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP.

What is the basic purpose of photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

The light reactions and the Calvin cycle.

Where do the light reactions of photosynthesis occur?

The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

What is the function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, primarily in blue and red wavelengths.

How do C4 and CAM plants adapt to dry environments?

C4 plants separate carbon fixation and the Calvin cycle in different cells, while CAM plants open stomata at night to fix CO2.

What is the role of receptors in cell signaling?

Receptors bind to signaling molecules, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.

What does the term apoptosis refer to?

Apoptosis is programmed cell death essential for development and removing damaged cells.

What are the main stages of mitosis?

The stages are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.

What is the difference between mitosis and binary fission?

Mitosis is for eukaryotic cell division, producing identical daughter cells, while binary fission is simpler and occurs in prokaryotes.

What is the significance of crossing-over in meiosis?

Crossing-over increases genetic diversity by exchanging genetic material between homologous chromosomes.

What is Mendel’s Law of Segregation?

Each organism carries two alleles for each gene, which separate during gamete formation.

What is the purpose of gene linkage maps?

Gene linkage maps illustrate the relative positions of genes based on recombination frequencies.

How do prions cause disease?

Prions cause diseases by catalyzing the misfolding of normal proteins.

What is PCR and why is it important?

PCR amplifies specific DNA sequences, making it crucial for genetic testing, research, and forensics.

What are the key steps in Sanger sequencing?

Sanger sequencing involves amplifying DNA, using fluorescently labeled nucleotides, and analyzing the resulting fragments.