General Science: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Review

Comprehensive review flashcards covering cell division, genetics, basic chemistry concepts, chemical reactions, and Newton's laws of motion.

What is a key similarity and what are three differences between mitosis and meiosis?

Similarity: Both are cell division processes. Differences: 1. Mitosis makes body cells, while meiosis makes sex cells. 2. Mitosis divides once, while meiosis divides twice. 3. Mitosis makes identical copies, while meiosis makes unique cells.

How many cells are produced in mitosis compared to meiosis?

Mitosis produces 2 cells, and meiosis produces 4 cells.

What is the difference between a gene, DNA, and a genome?

A gene is a specific piece of code that codes for a trait. DNA is the molecule holding genetic instructions. A genome is the complete set of your DNA.

What is a mutation?

A change in the DNA code that can alter a living thing's genetics or cause an error.

What are the three types of mutations, and what occurs in each?

1. Substitution: A DNA letter (base) gets replaced. 2. Deletion: A DNA letter (base) is deleted. 3. Insertion: A DNA letter (base) is added.

What is DNA and what is it made up of?

DNA is a molecule that carries genetic instructions. It is made up of long chains of building blocks called nucleotides.

What is karyotyping and how is it helpful?

It is a picture of a person's full set of chromosomes. It helps doctors notice genetic disorders, abnormalities, or mutations.

What is IVF and how does it differ from natural pregnancy?

IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body in a lab, then placed into the uterus. Natural pregnancy occurs inside the body, while IVF occurs outside.

What are stem cells, and what is the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells?

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can turn into many types of cells in the body. Embryonic stem cells can turn into any type of cell in the body, whereas adult stem cells can only turn into specific types of cells.

What is the difference between mass and weight, and how do they differ on the Moon compared to Earth?

Mass is the unchanging amount of matter in an object, while weight is gravity's pull on it. On the Moon, an astronaut's mass stays the same, but their weight is much less.

What are the definitions of a mixture, molecule, compound, and element?
Made up of different substances physically combined.

Made up of two or more atoms chemically joined together.

Made up of two or more elements chemically joined together.

Made up of only one type of atom.

mixture

molecule

compound

element

What are isotopes, and what is an example?

Isotopes are atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons. An example is Carbon-12 and Carbon-14.

What is an ionic bond, what elements does it form between, and what is an example?

Electrons are transferred from a metal to a non-metal, forming attracting ions. It is formed between a metal and a non-metal. An example is Salt / $NaCl$.

What is a metallic bond, what elements does it form between, and what is an example?

Metal atoms sharing a "sea" of free electrons. It is formed between a metal and a metal. An example is Copper.

What is a covalent bond, what elements does it form between, and what is an example?

Non-metal atoms sharing electron pairs. It is formed between a non-metal and a non-metal. An example is Water ($H_2O$).

What is rate of a reaction, and what five factors affect it?

Rate of a reaction is how fast a chemical reaction occurs (reactants turning into products). The five factors are temperature, concentration, surface area, catalyst, and pressure.

Why does the rate of reaction increase with an increase in surface area?

More exposed surface lets more particles collide at the same time, speeding up the reaction.

Why does the rate of reaction increase with an increase in temperature?

Higher heat gives particles more energy, so they move faster and collide more frequently.

What is a catalyst, and what is an example of one?

A substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up. An example is Platinum.

How are enzymes a type of catalyst?

They are natural biological catalysts made up of protein in living things that speed up body reactions.

What is activation energy?

The minimum amount of energy needed to start a chemical reaction.

What are Newton's three laws of motion?

1. First Law: Objects stay still or keep at a constant speed unless a force acts on them. 2. Second Law: Force equals mass times acceleration ($F = ma$); more mass requires more force. 3. Third Law: Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is how fast something is moving, with no direction specified. Velocity is how fast something is moving and its direction.