Bio midterm new

What is a model in biology?

A representation used to describe and explain phenomena in the natural and designed world.

Define useful scientific evidence.

Empirical, reproducible, and supports or refutes hypotheses based on observations and experiments.

How is scientific knowledge constructed?

Through systematic investigation, data collection, and analysis, leading to theories and laws.

What is the scientific method?

A process involving steps: Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Collection → Conclusion.

Independent Variable

The factor that is manipulated by the researcher.

Dependent Variable

The measured response that is affected by the independent variable.

What do we use to ensure accurate measurements?

Tools like microscopes, rulers, and thermometers.

What are the characteristics of living things?

Made of cells, use energy, grow and develop, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, adapt and evolve.

What is the structure-function relationship in biology?

Structure relates to function as different structures serve specific roles from cells to organisms.

What is an atom composed of?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What are ionic bonds?

The transfer of electrons between two unstable atoms.

What do covalent bonds involve?

The sharing of electrons between unstable atoms.

Define pH.

A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

What are monomers?

Single units that serve as building blocks for polymers.

What is a carbohydrate?

A macromolecule that includes sugars; made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

What are the building blocks of proteins?

Amino acids.

What is the primary function of lipids?

To store energy and form cell membranes.

What is the role of enzymes?

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.

What does photosynthesis produce?

Glucose and oxygen.

Define homeostasis.

The maintenance of optimal internal conditions in an organism.

What is diffusion?

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

What is osmosis?

The diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane.

Define biodiversity.

The variety of life in an ecosystem, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

What is the difference between abiotic and biotic factors?

Abiotic factors are non-living (e.g. sunlight, temperature) and biotic factors are living components (e.g. plants, animals).

What is competition in ecology?

The struggle between organisms for the same limited resources.

What is mutualism?

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Define population density.

The number of individuals per unit area.

What is a climax community?

A stable and mature ecological community that has reached a steady state.

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The cycle in which nitrogen is fixed, transformed, and recycled in the ecosystem.

What is genetic information stored in?

DNA, which carries the instructions for development and functioning of living organisms.

What are models in biology used for?

Models help describe and explain phenomena, like the process of photosynthesis or the structure of DNA.

What is useful scientific evidence?

Useful scientific evidence is empirical, reproducible, and supports or refutes hypotheses based on observations and experiments.

How is scientific knowledge constructed?

Scientific knowledge is constructed through systematic investigation, data collection, and analysis, leading to theories and laws.

Why is sharing ideas important in science?

Sharing and debating findings enhances the depth and reliability of scientific understanding through peer-reviewed journals and collaborations.

What is the primary function of enzymes?

Enzymes lower the activation energy needed for a reaction, allowing it to proceed faster.

What is the difference between ionic bonds and covalent bonds?

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons between atoms, while covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons.

What is the role of the cell membrane?

The cell membrane regulates what enters and exits the cell, maintains shape, and facilitates communication.

What are the two types of cells?

Prokaryotic cells are smaller with no nucleus, while eukaryotic cells are larger and contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

What is biodiversity?

The variety of life on Earth including genetic diversity within species and the variety of ecosystems.

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The nitrogen cycle involves the fixation of nitrogen by bacteria, conversion into usable forms for plants, and recycling through decomposition.

What are the characteristics of living things?

Living things are made of cells, use energy, grow and develop, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, adapt and evolve.

What is an example of population growth patterns?

Exponential growth occurs when there are no limits to a population's growth, leading to a J-shaped curve.

What is primary succession?

Primary succession occurs in an area with no soil or remnants of an older community, such as after a volcanic eruption.

What role do proteins play in cells?

Proteins function as enzymes, structural components, and play vital roles in cell signaling and transport.

How is energy transferred within ecosystems?

Energy is transferred through food webs as organisms consume one another, with only about 10% of energy passed to the next trophic level.

What is the purpose of lab safety protocols?

Lab safety protocols ensure the responsible handling of chemicals and equipment to prevent accidents and ensure safety during experiments.

What is dehydration synthesis?

Dehydration synthesis is a reaction in which smaller molecules join to form a larger molecule, releasing water as a by-product.

What is hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is the process of breaking down macromolecules into monomers by adding a water molecule.

What are the characteristics of enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up reactions, are highly specific, and their activity can be affected by factors like temperature and pH.

What is the primary function of the mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the center of cellular respiration, converting energy stored in carbohydrates into ATP.

What is the role of ribosomes in cells?

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis where new polypeptide chains are constructed.

What is a climax community?

A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a steady state after ecological succession.

What is the difference between a niche and habitat?

A niche is the role of an organism within its environment, while a habitat is the specific location where an organism lives.

What is photosynthesis' role in energy transfer?

Photosynthesis converts sunlight into chemical energy stored in glucose, which is then utilized by organisms for energy.

How do limiting factors affect population growth?

Limiting factors control the growth of a population; density-dependent factors vary with population size, while density-independent factors affect all populations equally.

What are the steps of the scientific method?

Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Collection → Conclusion.

Define independent variable.

The factor that is manipulated by the researcher.

Define dependent variable.

The measured response that is affected by the independent variable.

What is the role of peer-reviewed journals in science?

They enhance the depth and reliability of scientific understanding through sharing and debating findings.

What are the main characteristics of living things?

Made of cells, use energy, grow and develop, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, adapt and evolve.

Describe a monosaccharide.

A single unit sugar, like glucose, that serves as a building block for complex sugars.

What are enzymes?

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions within cells.

What is saturation in fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds, maximizing hydrogen bonds, and are typically solid at room temperature.

Define hydrolysis.

The process of breaking down macromolecules into monomers by adding a water molecule.

What is the purpose of the mitochondria?

To perform cellular respiration, converting carbohydrates into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are smaller with no membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Define primary succession.

Ecological succession that occurs in an area with no soil, such as after a volcanic eruption.

What is the nitrogen cycle?

The cycle involving nitrogen fixation, transformation, and recycling within ecosystems.

What is diffusion?

The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Define biodiversity.

The variety of life on Earth, including genetic diversity within species, variety of species, and variety of ecosystems.

What is a niche?

An organism's role in its environment, including its use of resources and interactions with other species.

What is the purpose of cell membranes?

To regulate what enters and exits the cell, maintain its shape, and facilitate communication.

What is the difference between biotic and abiotic factors?

Biotic factors are living components (like plants and animals), while abiotic factors are non-living components (like sunlight and water).

Describe cellular respiration.

The process by which cells convert glucose into ATP, utilizing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

Define metabolism.

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring in an organism, including catabolism and anabolism.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis where polypeptide chains are constructed.

What happens during endocytosis?

Cells engulf materials from the external environment by forming vesicles.

What is the role of chloroplasts?

They capture sunlight energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

What are the roles of diagrams in biology models?

Diagrams help represent processes like photosynthesis or DNA structure, enhancing understanding of complex concepts.

How does sharing scientific findings benefit research?

Sharing enhances the reliability of scientific understanding through peer review and collaboration.

What is included in an experimental design?

An experimental design includes an independent variable, dependent variable, and constants.

What is the purpose of lab safety protocols?

Lab safety protocols ensure responsible handling of chemicals and equipment to prevent accidents and ensure safe operations.

What are the key steps of the scientific method?

The steps include observation, hypothesis, experiment, data collection, and conclusion.

Define cohesion and adhesion in water properties.

Cohesion is the attraction between water molecules, while adhesion is the attraction between water molecules and other substances.

What distinguishes saturated from unsaturated fatty acids?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds and are solid at room temperature, while unsaturated fatty acids have at least one double bond and are liquid at room temperature.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis where polypeptide chains are constructed from amino acids.

What components make up a nucleotide?

A nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a phosphate group, and a five-carbon sugar.

What is the difference between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis?

Dehydration synthesis joins monomers to form polymers, releasing water, while hydrolysis breaks polymers into monomers by adding water.

What is the role of enzymes in chemical reactions?

Enzymes act as biological catalysts that lower the activation energy needed for reactions, speeding up the process.

How does the cell membrane structure relate to its function?

The phospholipid bilayer includes hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails, allowing selective permeability and communication with the environment.

What is the significance of biodiversity in ecosystems?

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem stability and resilience, contributing to efficient nutrient cycling and resistance to disturbances.

Differentiate between abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem.

Abiotic factors are non-living components (e.g., sunlight, water), while biotic factors are living components (e.g., plants, animals).

What is primary succession?

Primary succession occurs in environments with no soil, where life begins after events like volcanic eruptions.

What is an example of a density-dependent factor affecting populations?

Competition for resources is a density-dependent factor, intensifying as population density increases.

Explain the concept of homeostasis in organisms.

Homeostasis is the maintenance of optimal internal conditions, regulated by various mechanisms like temperature and pH control.

What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Chloroplasts capture sunlight energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

What is the purpose of scientific models in biology?

Scientific models help describe and explain phenomena, aiding in understanding complex processes like photosynthesis and DNA structure.

What is empirical evidence?

Empirical evidence is information acquired by observation or experimentation that supports or refutes scientific hypotheses.

What are the key steps of the scientific method?

Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Collection → Conclusion.

What are independent variables in experiments?

Independent variables are factors that are manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe their effects.