Comprehensive Biology Study Guide: Scientific Method, Cell Structure, and Biochemistry

What is Biology?

The scientific study of life.

What are the parts of a scientific study?

Observation, question, hypothesis, controlled experiment, independent variable, dependent variable, controlled variable, prediction, conclusion.

What is a randomized controlled trial?

An experiment where subjects are randomly assigned to different groups to test the effects of a variable, often used in double-blind experiments.

What is a scientific theory?

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world that can change over time with new evidence.

What types of questions can be addressed using the scientific method?

Questions that can be tested through observation and experimentation.

Define matter.

Anything that has mass and takes up space.

What is an atom?

The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What are the four most common elements found in the human body?

Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Describe the three types of chemical bonds.

Ionic bonds (transfer of electrons), covalent bonds (sharing of electrons), and hydrogen bonds (weak attractions between molecules).

What is radioactive decay?

The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation, used in radiometric dating to determine the age of materials.

How many covalent bonds can a Carbon atom form?

Four covalent bonds.

What are the monomers and polymers of carbohydrates?

Monomers: monosaccharides; Polymers: polysaccharides.

What are the differences between dehydration and hydrolysis reactions?

Dehydration reactions build polymers by removing water, while hydrolysis reactions break down polymers by adding water.

Describe saturated vs unsaturated fats.

Saturated fats have no double bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

What is the basic structure of a nucleotide?

Sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What are the differences between DNA and RNA?

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine, while RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.

What are the basic tenets of the cell theory?

All living organisms are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.

What are the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both.

What is the fluid mosaic model of a membrane?

A model describing the structure of cell membranes as a mosaic of diverse protein molecules embedded in a fluid bilayer of phospholipids.

What is the function of the cytoskeleton?

To provide structural support and facilitate cell movement.