Biology Exam review

Fact

objective, verifiable observation

Principle

statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes an aspect of the world

Law

broad concept or principle that describes how something occurs in nature

Theory

explanation of an observed phenomenon based on research

Qualitative

describes qualities using the senses

Quantitative

uses numbers and measurements to quantify something

Independent Variable

what is deliberately changed or manipulated in an investigation

Dependent Variable

what changes in response to the IV; what is measured

Constants

Controlled Variables= aspects of an experiment that are kept constant/consistent

Experimental Group

group(s) being tested

Control Group

Standard/"normal" group used for comparison

Technology

application of scientific discoveries to meet human needs and goals through the development of products and processes

Engineering

applies scientific and mathematic principles to solve problems

Science

study of the natural world based in experimentation and thus, supported by evidence

Example of a hypothesis

If a sunflower is exposed to sunlight for 8 hours a day, then it will grow taller than sunflowers exposed to less light.

Explain the relationship between independent and dependent variables within a hypothesis

The independent variable is the cause and the dependent variable is the effect

If this happens (the IV= the cause) then this will happen (the DV = the effect)

List the general steps in designing and conducting an experiment

1. Make observations --> ask questions

2. Conduct background research to see what has already been found --> define purpose for the experiment

3. Construct a hypothesis

4. Test the hypothesis in an experiment

5. Analyze the data collected

6. Draw conclusions and communicate them to others

Differentiate between an observation and an inference

An observation is objective. It is not an opinion and is based on the five senses.

An inference is subjective. It is a guess based on what is observed.

Explain the difference between accuracy and precision

Precise data is specific and consistent among trials

Accurate data is correct, meaning close to the accepted value.

Explain the general steps of the technological design process and the criteria that must be considered when designing a solution

1. Define/Identify the problem or need

2. Design a solution for the problem

3. Implement the design by building the solution and testing it out

4. Evaluate the end result

Matter

anything that has mass and occupies space

Atom

the smallest part of an element that still has the properties of that element

Cell

most basic unit of life

Surface Tension

A measure of how difficult it is to stretch or break the surface of a liquid/resist an external force

Solution

uniform homogenous mixture of 2 or more substances

Solute

What gets dissolved in a solution

Solvent

what does the dissolving in a solution

Hydrophilic

"Water Loving", a substance that has an affinity for water

Hydrophobic

"Water Fearing", a substance that does not have an affinity for water

Six elements necessary:

C,H,O,N,P,S

Levels of organization that make up an organism

Atom->Molecule->Organelle->Cell->Tissue->Organ->Organ System->Organism

Polar

unequal distribution of charges; polar molecules typically dissolve in water because water is also polar

Nonpolar

no separation of charge

Cohesion

makes water molecules stick to each other, creating a high surface a high surface tension in water

Adhesion

makes water molecules stick to other types of molecules, allowing for capillary action in plants

High Specific Heat

takes a lot of energy to change the temperature of water, and thus its temperature doesn't fluctuate much and acts as a buffer to climate changes

Properties of Water

Water is less dense as a solid so ice floats on liquid water, making it possible for life to exist under frozen surfaces

Water is universal solvent because it dissolves more substances than any other liquid

Macromolecules

large organic molecules that make up all living things

Monomer

small basic sub-unit that makes up polymers

Polymer

larger more complex structure made of monomers

Monosaccharide

single sugar molecule; the monomer of carbohydrates

Polysaccharide

larger sugar molecule; the polymer of carbohydrates

Carbs

Energy storage molecule; (short term) as well as structure signaling, transport

Monomer: Monosaccharide

Polymer: Polysaccharide

Examples: sugars (like glucose) and starches

Energy Storage: 4 cal/g

Lipids

Energy storage molecule (long term) as well as insulation, cushioning, structure and protection

Monomer: Fatty acids (but no true monomer)

Polymer: Triglycerides

Examples: fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids

Energy Storage: 9 cal/g

Proteins

run your body and pretty much do everything else: enzymes, hormones, transport, muscles, movement, antibodies, receptors

Monomer: Amino acids

Polymer: Polypeptide

Examples: Hemoglobin, insulin, collagen

Energy Storage: 4 cal/g

Nucleic Acids

informational molecule; the instructions for making proteins; store, transmit, and express your genetic information; they make you "YOU"

Monomer: Nucleotides

Polymer: Nucleic Acids

Examples: DNA and RNA

Energy Storage: 0 gal/g

What is the order in which the body will consume carbs, lipids, and proteins for energy

Carbs-> Lipids-> Proteins

- Carbs first because they are the easiest to access for energy

- Proteins as a last resort because they are used for so much besides energy

- Nucleic Acids NEVER because they don't even store any energy

Explain what makes proteins the most diverse macromolecule

They are the most diverse in function because they are the most diverse in shape --> form dictates function

Theere are 4 levels to their structures giving them a great variety

List which macromolecule is not obtained from our food and where we do get it from

Nucleic Acids are NOT obtained from our food but are instead inherited from our biological parents

Unicellular

composed of one cell

Multicellular

composed of many cells that may organize into tissues -> organs-> organ systems

Organelle

specialized structure within the cell that works with other organelles to help the cell funtion

List the 3 principles of the cell theory

1. All living things are made of cells

2. Cells are the basic unit of life

3. All cells come from other cells

Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

PROKARYOTIC CELLS:

- no nucleus

- no membrane- bound organelles

- unicellular

- divide by binary fission

- EX: Bacteria

EUKARYOTIC CELLS:

- nucleus

- membrane- bound organelles

- uni- or multicellular

- divide by mitosis

- EX: Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists

BOTH: