Midterm Study Guide

Unit 1 - Characteristics of Life

Bellringer

• Question: What is the difference between a theory and a hypothesis?

Experimental Design

• Theory:

  • Statement based on multiple pieces of evidence.

• Hypothesis:

  • Testable question or statement predicting an outcome.

• Variables:

  • Independent, dependent, control.

• Data, Results, Conclusion, Support, Refute:

  • Key components of experimental design.

Characteristics of Life

• Multicellular vs. Unicellular:

  • Definitions and examples.

• Response to Stimuli, Adaptation, Metabolism, Respiration, Transport, Regulation, Excretion, Growth, Synthesis, Reproduction, Nutrition:

  • Definitions and explanations.

• Cell Hierarchy:

  • Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organisms.

Plant vs. Animal Cells

• Differences:

  • Centrioles, Cell Wall, Chloroplasts, Large Central Vacuole.

What are Viruses

• Definition:

  • Non-living particles made up of genetic material.

• Characteristics:

  • Need a host to reproduce, lack cellular machinery.

Unit 2 - Macromolecules

Monomer/Polymer Bellringer

• Question: What is the difference between a monomer and a polymer?

Compounds

• Types:

  • Inorganic vs. Organic compounds.

• The 4 Macromolecules:

  • Nucleic Acids, Lipids, Proteins, Carbohydrates.

Nucleic Acids

• DNA and RNA:

  • Definitions, structure, and functions.

• Lipids:

  • Functions and structure.

Proteins

• Functions and Structure:

  • Storage, transport, strength, regulation, structure.

• Amino Acids and Enzymes:

  • Structure, types, and functions.

Carbohydrates

• Types:

  • Monosaccharide, Disaccharide, Polysaccharide.

• Dehydration Synthesis, Hydrolysis:

  • Definitions and processes.

Unit 3 - Cell Transport

Cell Membrane Structure

• Phospholipid Bilayer:

  • Function and structure.

• Proteins:

  • Peripheral vs. Integral.

Passive Transport

• Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion, Osmosis:

  • Definitions and processes.

• Types of Solutions:

  • Hypertonic, Hypotonic, Isotonic.

Active Transport

• Types:

  • Carrier protein pumps, Endocytosis, Exocytosis.

Unit 4 - Cell Division

Cell Division Overview

• Cell Cycle:

  • Interphase (G1, S, G2) and Mitosis (PMAT).

• Asexual Reproduction, Chromosomes:

  • Definitions and characteristics.

Cell Regulation and Cancer

• Factors:

  • Chemical signals, Cyclins, Internal regulators.

• Cancer:

  • Causes, types, features.

Unit 5 - Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis Introduction

• Process Overview:

  • Reactants, products.

• ROYGBIV and Photosynthesis:

  • Light spectrum and plant growth.

Photosynthesis Process

• Light-Dependent and Light-Independent Reactions:

  • Processes, locations, and products.

• Factors Affecting Photosynthesis:

  • Water, temperature, light.

Unit 6 - Cellular Respiration

Cellular Respiration Overview

• Energy and Cellular Respiration:

  • Sources and processes.

• Types:

  • Aerobic and Anaerobic.

Aerobic Respiration

• Steps:

  • Glycolysis, Kreb's Cycle, Electron Transport Chain.

• Summary:

  • ATP production and basic formula.

Anaerobic Respiration

• Types:

  • Alcoholic and Lactic Acid.

• Products and Comparisons:

  • ATP production and differences.

Unit 7 - DNA Structure and Replication

DNA Introduction

• Structure and Components:

  • Nucleotides, nitrogen bases, backbone.

DNA Replication

• Process Steps:

  • Helicase, DNA polymerase, Ligase.

• Editing:

  • Cap, tail, splicing.

Unit 8 - Protein Synthesis

RNA Types

• mRNA, tRNA, rRNA:

  • Functions and structures.

Transcription

• Process Steps:

  • Initiation, elongation, termination.

• Editing:

  • Cap, tail, splicing.

Translation

• Role of tRNA:

  • Amino acid transport and anticodons.

• Process Steps:

  • mRNA attachment, amino acid binding, polypeptide chain formation.

Mutations

• Definition and Types:

  • Point mutations, mutagens.

• Point Mutation Types:

  • Substitution, insertion, deletion.