Biology
What is homeostasis?
The process by which living organisms maintain relatively stable internal conditions.
What is a molecule?
A molecule is composed of 2 or more atoms bonded together in a particular number and arrangement.
What are polymers?
Polymers consist of multiple monomers linked together.
What are the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and nuclear membrane; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus with a nuclear membrane.
Can you give examples of monomers?
simple sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleotides.
Name some examples of organelles.
Cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts.
How can you identify hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances?
Hydrophilic substances are ionic or polar molecules that dissolve easily in water. Hydrophobic substances are non-polar molecules that do not dissolve well in water and tend to repel it.
Why are waxes firm and water repellent?
Because their molecules pack tightly together.
What is a disadvantage of using an electron microscope?
The disadvantage is that it views only dead cells.
How do plants use waxes?
Plants secrete waxes to restrict water loss and keep out parasites and other pests.
What are the four kingdoms within Domain Eukarya?
Protista, Plantae, Fungi, Animalia.
What happens to an atom when it has vacancies?
It can participate in a chemical bond with another atom to get rid of vacancies.
What is the solubility of lipids in water?
Lipids are non-polar and very insoluble in water
Do chloroplasts have their own DNA?
Yes, chloroplasts contain their own DNA.
Why is water considered a universal solvent?
Because its polarity allows it to dissolve many substances easily
How do producers like cyanobacteria and plants obtain energy?
From sunlight!
What is surface tension, and how does it relate to sweating?
Surface tension is the elastic-like behavior of water’s surface due to unbalanced forces. It helps cool the skin as sweat (99% water) evaporates.
How do denaturing agents affect proteins at a molecular level?
Denaturing agents break hydrogen bonds in proteins.
What is the purpose for the Cytoskeleton?
The Cytoskeleton provides cell shape to determine cell shape.
Why do organisms require regulatory mechanisms?
Organisms are complex and need multiple regulatory mechanisms to function properly!
What are the steps of the Scientific Method?
Observation -> Problem -> hypothesis -> Prediction -> experimentation -> Data analysis -> conclusion -> report
Why are buffers important for organisms?
Buffers help to keep the fluids inside cells within a consistent pH range.
(the reason for this is because organisms can only tolerate small changes in pH!)
What are the components of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)?
DNA: Composed of deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and the nitrogen bases A, C, G, and T.
RNA: Composed of ribose sugar, a phosphate group, and the nitrogen bases A, C, G, and U.
What are the three main functions of the Golgi apparatus?
The Golgi apparatus receives, processes/sorts, and packs materials from the ER using vesicles.
What factors can denature (unravel) a protein?
Heat (temperature), shifts in pH, some salts, or detergents can denature a protein.