Principles of Biology Lecture Exam 1 Study Guide

A set of flashcards designed to review key concepts and terms from the Principles of Biology Lecture Exam 1.

What are the 7 basic characteristics of life?

1. Organization, 2. Energy use, 3. Homeostasis, 4. Growth and development, 5. Reproduction, 6. Response to stimuli, 7. Evolution.

What is the relationship between natural selection and adaptation?

Natural selection drives adaptation, allowing organisms to better fit their environment.

What distinguishes the three domains of life?

The three domains include Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya, differing in cell structure and genetic makeup.

What is the difference between science and technology?

Science seeks to understand the natural world, while technology applies scientific knowledge for practical purposes.

What are the strengths of science?

1. Empirical evidence, 2. Reproducibility, 3. Predictive power, 4. Self-correcting mechanism.

What is the difference between experimental and observational science?

Experimental science manipulates variables to test hypotheses, while observational science observes phenomena without manipulation.

What is the definition of a hypothesis in scientific research?

A testable prediction about the relationship between variables.

What is an ion?

An atom or molecule that has gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electric charge.

What are the basic parts of lipid molecules?

Lipids typically consist of glycerol and fatty acid chains.

What are the four levels of protein structure?

1. Primary structure, 2. Secondary structure, 3. Tertiary structure, 4. Quaternary structure.

What is the role of ATP in cells?

ATP serves as the primary energy currency in cells, powering various biological processes.

What are the two laws of thermodynamics?

1. Energy cannot be created or destroyed (First law). 2. Entropy of an isolated system always increases (Second law).

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

It acts as a protective barrier and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Describe the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure.

The plasma membrane is described as a mosaic of various proteins embedded in a flexible lipid bilayer.

What is the purpose of metabolic pathways?

Metabolic pathways convert substrates into products using enzymes to regulate the reaction sequence.

What is the significance of coenzymes and cofactors?

Coenzymes and cofactors are vital for enzyme activity, assisting in the catalysis of biochemical reactions.

What is an anabolic reaction?

An anabolic reaction involves the synthesis of larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.

Explain how enzymes affect the energy of activation.

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to proceed, thereby increasing the reaction rate.

What are the characteristics of water that are important for life?

High specific heat, polarity, solvent properties, cohesive and adhesive properties.