Biol 104 Final Exam Topics Sections 1 & 2, Spring 2025

Key concepts and terms for Biol 104 Final Exam review.

What is the Cell Theory?

The Cell Theory states that all living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

What is the structure of the Plasma membrane?

The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer consisting of hydrophilic (water-attracting) heads and hydrophobic (water-repelling) tails.

What is the role of the Rough endoplasmic reticulum?

The Rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with ribosomes and is involved in the synthesis of proteins for secretion from the cell.

What is the function of Mitochondria?

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration.

What is the difference between Haploid and Diploid cells?

Haploid cells contain one set of chromosomes (n), whereas diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (2n).

What happens during Anaphase?

During Anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.

What are Homologous chromosomes?

Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content.

What is DNA Replication?

DNA Replication is the process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule.

What are the base pairing rules for DNA and RNA?

In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C); in RNA, adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C).

What is Transcription?

Transcription is the process of creating a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template in the nucleus.

What is Translation?

Translation is the process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA transcript, forming a chain of amino acids.

What are Introns and Exons?

Introns are non-coding sequences removed from mRNA during processing, while exons are coding sequences that remain.

Define Dominant and Recessive alleles.

Dominant alleles express their traits in the phenotype regardless of the other allele's presence, while recessive alleles express their traits only when both alleles are recessive.

What is the Law of Independent Assortment?

The Law of Independent Assortment states that alleles for different traits are passed independently of one another from parents to offspring.

What is Codominance?

Codominance is a genetic situation in which both alleles in a heterozygote are fully expressed, resulting in a phenotype that is neither dominant nor recessive.

What is a Zygote?

A zygote is a fertilized egg that is formed from the union of a sperm cell and an egg cell.

What is Natural Selection?

Natural Selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and reproduce more than those that are less well adapted.

What is the Biological species concept?

The Biological species concept defines a species as a group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring.

What are Prezygotic barriers?

Prezygotic barriers are reproductive barriers that occur before fertilization, preventing mating or fertilization between species.

What is Allopatric speciation?

Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is geographically isolated, leading to the formation of new species.

What is ATP and its role in cell work?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells, providing energy for processes like metabolism and active transport.

What is the function of Enzymes?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells.

What is Active transport?

Active transport is the movement of substances across cell membranes against their concentration gradient, requiring energy.

What is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll, primarily producing glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water.