Living Environment Quarter 1 Review Notes

Living Environment Quarter 1 Review

Unit 1: Introduction to the Living Environment

Inference: A conclusion based on observations.
Hypothesis: A prediction guiding data collection in an experiment.
Control Group: Doesn't receive the independent variable.
Theory: Explanation of the natural world, repeatedly confirmed.
Dependent Variable: Measured in an experiment.
Observation: Using the five senses or scientific tools.
Validity: Reliability/accuracy of an experiment.
Independent Variable: Changes between experimental/control groups.
Experimental Group: Receives the independent variable.
Volume: Liters (L), Graduated Cylinder
Length: Meter (m), Ruler
Mass: Gram (g), Triple beam balance
Temperature: Celsius (°C), Thermometer

Unit 2: Biochemistry and Enzymes

Organic Molecules: Starch, Fat, Protein, DNA
Inorganic Molecules: Water, Oxygen gas, Carbon dioxide
Carbohydrates: Building blocks are simple sugars/monosaccharides, used for short term energy (e.g., cellulose).
Lipids: Building blocks are glycerol and fatty acids, used for long term energy storage and make up the cell membrane (e.g., oils, animal fats).
Proteins: Building blocks are amino acids, used for hormones, cell receptors, enzymes, antibodies, and cell maintenance.
Nucleic Acids: Building blocks are nucleotides, used for genetic info and memory storage (e.g., DNA/RNA).
Digestion Reaction: A substrate being broken down into smaller subunits.
Enzymes work best at their optimal pH.
When the temperature goes past the optimal range the enzyme denatures until it unfolds and becomes non functional.

Unit 2: DNA and Protein Synthesis

Adenine pairs with thymine in DNA.
Guanine pairs with cytosine in DNA.
A nucleotide consists of a phosphate, sugar, and nitrogenous base.
DNA replication and transcription occur in the nucleus.
Translation occurs in a ribosome.
DNA controls protein production.
Every three mRNA bases form a codon and correspond to an amino acid.
RNA contains uracil instead of thymine.