BIO 111 FINAL EXAM REVIEW
Atoms and Elements
Atom vs. Element- Atom: Smallest unit of matter retaining element properties; made of protons, neutrons, electrons.
Element: Pure substance of one atom type; cannot be chemically simplified.
Essential Elements- Definition: Elements needed in large amounts for survival, growth, reproduction (e.g., C, H, O, N, P, S, Ca, K, Na, Cl, Mg, Fe).
Periodic‐Table Location: First four periods; Groups 1–3 (metals: Na, K, Ca, Mg) and Groups 14–17 (non-metals: C, N, O, P, S, Cl).
Elements Making Up Most Living Matter- Four primary atoms contribute
of mass in most organisms: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N).
Subatomic Particles
Proton (p⁺)
• Charge:
• Mass: (atomic mass unit).
• Location: Atomic nucleus.
Neutron (n⁰)
• Charge:
• Mass: (slightly heavier than a proton).
• Location: Nucleus.
Electron (e⁻)
• Charge:
• Mass: (negligible).
• Location: Orbitals/electron cloud surrounding nucleus.
• Chemical-reaction role: Electrons—especially those in the valence shell—are directly involved in bond formation and breaking.
Atomic Number, Mass, & Particle Count
Atomic Number (Z): Number of protons. Defines the element.
Mass Number (A): Protons + neutrons.
Determining Particles
-Ze^-e^-e^-). Altered charge affects electrical, osmotic, chemical properties.
Electron Shells & Reactivity
Electron Shell (Energy Level): Region where electrons with similar energy are found.
Filling Order (first 3 shells) 1. 1st shell: Max 2 e^-e^-e^-e^-8e^-2 for H & He).
Atoms ‘Seek’: Minimization of potential energy by achieving full/empty valence shells through bonding.
Electronegativity & Polarity
Electronegativity (EN): Atom’s tendency to attract shared electrons in a covalent bond.
Approximate Trend (Pauling scale): O (3.5) > N (3.0) > C (2.5)
\approxe^-e^- pair(s). Non-polar: Equal sharing (ΔEN < 0.4) e.g., \text{C–H}\text{O}2\text{H–O}H2O. Strongest biological bonds.Hydrogen Bonds (H-bonds)
• Electrostatic attraction between δ⁺ H (bonded to O, N, F) and δ⁻ EN atom of another molecule. Individually weak but numerous → major stabilizing force (DNA, proteins, water).
Valence Electrons, Vacancies, & Bonding Capacity
Atom | Valence e^-C6H{12}O_62H2 + O2 \rightarrow 2H_2O). Reactants: Consumed substances. Products: Formed substances. Solutions & Solubility
Water: Molecular & Intermolecular Bonds
Density Anomaly of Ice
pH and Hydrogen Ions
Organic vs Inorganic Molecules
Carbon and Functional Groups
Macromolecules
Biological Macromolecule Classification
Distinguishing Macromolecules
Key Molecule Recognition for Exam
1) Cell Theory
2) Prokaryotic Cell Structures and Functions
3) Size and Age Differences: Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells
4) Eukaryotic Cell Structures and Functions
5) Additional Eukaryotic Cell Structures
6) Plasma Membrane Structure and Functions
7) Components of the Plasma Membrane
8) Motor Proteins
9) Endomembrane System
10) Evidence for the Endosymbiotic Theory
11) Evidence for the Invagination Theory
Energy
ATP
Enzymes
Membrane Function
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Gene Expression: The process from DNA to functional product.
Transcription: DNA to RNA (in nucleus for eukaryotes, cytoplasm for prokaryotes) via RNA polymerase. Involves Initiation, Elongation, Termination, and Post-transcriptional modifications (e.g., G-cap, poly-A tail, splicing of introns/exons).
Translation: mRNA to Protein (in cytoplasm on ribosomes). mRNA codons are read by tRNA to assemble amino acids. Starts at AUG (Methionine) and stops at specific stop codons.
Mutations: Changes in DNA sequence.
Point Mutations: Single nucleotide changes.
Substitution: One base replaced. Can be Silent (no amino acid change), Missense (different amino acid), or Nonsense (premature stop codon).
Frameshift Mutations: Insertion or deletion of nucleotides, altering the reading frame.
Gene Regulation: Controls when and how genes are expressed.
Epigenetics: Heritable changes in gene expression without DNA sequence alteration (e.g., chromatin packing: Heterochromatin-tight/silenced, Euchromatin-loose/active; Methylation-silences genes).
Prokaryotic Operons: Promoter + Operator + genes transcribed as one mRNA (e.g., lac operon).
Monomers/Polymers: DNA/RNA are nucleotide polymers; Proteins are amino acid polymers.
Key Definitions: Gene: Specific DNA sequence encoding a product. Chromosome: Highly condensed DNA molecule carrying many genes. Genome: Complete set of genetic material in an organism.
Chapter 8: Cell Cycle & Mitosis
Eukaryotic Cell Cycle: Ordered sequence of phases: G1 $\rightarrow$ S $\rightarrow$ G2 $\rightarrow$ M (Mitosis + Cytokinesis).
Interphase (G1, S, G2): G1 (growth), S (DNA replication, centrosome duplication), G2 (growth, error repair).
M Phase: Mitosis (nuclear division), Cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division) producing two genetically identical daughter cells.
DNA Replication (S Phase): Semi-conservative process.
Key Enzymes/Components: Helicase (unzips), Primase (synthesizes RNA primers), DNA Polymerase (adds bases), Leading strand (continuous), Lagging strand (Okazaki fragments), Ligase (seals fragments).
Mitosis Phases (IPPMAT): Asexual process leading to two diploid (2n \rightarrow 2n), identical cells.
Prophase: Chromatin condenses, spindle forms.
Prometaphase: Nuclear envelope fragments, spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.
Metaphase: Sister chromatids align at the equator (metaphase plate).
Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
Telophase: Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes re-form.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints: Crucial for proper division.
G1 Checkpoint: Assesses growth factors, nutrients, DNA integrity.
S Checkpoint: Verifies DNA replication accuracy.
G2 Checkpoint: Inspects for replicated DNA errors.
M (Metaphase) Checkpoint: Ensures proper spindle attachment; releases Separase to cleave cohesin.
Regulation: Chemical (Growth Factors, Cyclins, CDKs, Nutrients) and Physical (Density-dependent inhibition, Anchorage dependence).
Cancer Terminology:
Proto-oncogenes: Normal genes promoting growth. Oncogenes: Mutated proto-oncogenes causing excessive growth signals.
Tumor Suppressor Genes: Genes encoding STOP signals. Mutations remove cell division brakes.
Proofreader Genes: Repair replication errors.
Angiogenesis Inhibition: Blocking new blood vessel formation to starve tumors.
Telomeres: Protective ends of chromosomes that shorten (limits cell division); cancer cells often reactivate telomerase.
Apoptosis: Programmed cell death. Cancer cells often disable this.
Immune System Relation: Cancer cells evade recognition and suppression by the immune system.
Chapter 9: Meiosis & Genetic Diversity
Meiosis Overview: Sexual reproduction process reducing chromosome number (2n \rightarrow n4n4n2n+12n-13n21472n+1 \rightarrow 472n-1 \rightarrow 453n \rightarrow 691n \rightarrow 23.
Cell Types & Genetics: Diploid (2nn2n1-2223AaAaAAAaaa).
Test Cross: Crosses an unknown dominant phenotype with homozygous recessive to determine genotype (2:2 ratio for heterozygous unknown, 4:0 for homozygous dominant unknown).
Punnett Squares & Ratios:
Monohybrid Cross: F2 genotype 1 ext{ }AA : 2 ext{ }Aa : 1 ext{ }aa3: 19:3:3:1P(A\;and\;B) = P(A) \times P(B)2/3AaaaAB blood type).
Linked Traits: Genes physically close on the same chromosome; inherited together unless separated by crossing-over.
Sex-Linked Traits: Genes on sex chromosomes (usually X), e.g., color blindness.
Multiple Alleles: More than two allele forms at a single locus (e.g., ABO blood system), resulting in several discrete phenotypes.
Polygenic Inheritance: Multiple genes contribute to a single trait, creating a continuous range of phenotypes (e.g., height).
Environmental Effects: Non-genetic factors influencing phenotype (e.g., hydrangea color by soil pH).
X-Inactivation: In female mammals, one X chromosome is inactivated (Barr body), leading to dosage compensation (e.g., calico cats).
Pleiotropy: Single gene affects multiple traits (e.g., sickle-cell).
Epistasis: One gene masks or modifies another's expression (e.g., Labrador coat color).
Pedigree Interpretation
Symbols: Male (square), Female (circle), Affected (shaded), Carrier (half-shaded/dot).
Foundational & Real-World Connections
Mendel’s work established modern genetics, impacting agriculture and medicine. Understanding these patterns is crucial for genetic counseling and gene-editing technologies.
Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology & Foundational Vocabulary
Genetic Engineering (GE): Direct DNA manipulation, often via recombinant-DNA (rDNA).
Biotechnology: Broader field using organisms/bioprocesses; GE is a sub-discipline.
Recombinant DNA (rDNA): DNA from 2+\to\to DNA).
Vectors & Plasmids
Plasmid: Small, circular bacterial DNA, used as cloning vectors to carry foreign DNA.
Restriction Enzymes & DNA Ligation
Restriction Enzyme: Cuts DNA at specific restriction sites, creating sticky or blunt ends.
DNA Ligase: Connects DNA fragments permanently.
Recombinant Human Insulin Example
Human insulin gene cloned into bacterial plasmid, allowing bacterial production.
Sanger (Chain-Termination) Gene Sequencing
Uses primer, normal dNTPs, and fluorescently labeled terminator ddNTPs with DNA Polymerase to sequence DNA fragments.
Coding vs. Non-Coding DNA
Coding DNA (Exons): Translated into protein (1 ext{–}2\%$$ of human genome).
Non-Coding DNA: Regulatory or no known function (e.g., introns, promoters).
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Definition: In-vitro technique to exponentially amplify specific DNA regions (2^n copies).
Enzyme: Taq polymerase (thermostable).
DNA Profiling (DNA Fingerprinting)
STRs (Short Tandem Repeats): Highly polymorphic units in non-coding regions, used as individual markers.
Gel Electrophoresis
Purpose: Separates DNA by size; smaller fragments move farther/faster towards the positive electrode.
Stem Cells
General Definition: Undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation.
Types: Totipotent (all embryonic + extra-embryonic), Pluripotent (all body cells), Adult (Multipotent) (restricted lineages).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) & Dolly
Process: Nuclear transfer from somatic cell into denucleated egg, creating a clone with nuclear DNA from donor and mitochondrial DNA from egg donor.
Tissue Cloning (Therapeutic Cloning)
Creates genetically matched tissues/organs to avoid immune rejection.
DNA Probes
Labeled single-stranded DNA/RNA fragments that hybridize to complementary targets.
Genetic Testing Time-Points
Stages: Preconception, Preimplantation, Post-Implantation (Prenatal), Post-Delivery (Newborn).
Context terms: In vivo (within organism), In vitro (outside organism), In utero (within uterus).
Gene Therapy & Genome Editing
Goal: Treat/cure disease by modifying genes.
Gene Silencing: Reduces/eliminates gene expression (e.g., siRNA, CRISPRi).
Gene Editing: Physically alters DNA sequence (insert, delete, substitute).
CRISPR/Cas9: Uses guide RNA to target Cas9 nuclease for DNA double-strand breaks.
Prime Editor: Introduces precise edits without double-strand breaks.
Vaccines—Traditional vs. mRNA
Traditional: Delivers whole/weakened virus or antigen for immune stimulation.
mRNA Vaccines: mRNA encoding viral protein (e.g., spike) is delivered, host cells translate it to trigger an immune response.
mRNA Advantages: Rapid design, no live pathogen, strong immunity. Disadvantages: Ultra-cold storage, less stable.