Intro to Biology
"Bio-" means...
Life
What is an element? What element is the MOST important to life on Earth?
A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.
CARBON
What does it mean to be a polar substance?
The molecules of the substance have an uneven distribution of charge (one side is +, one side is -).
What important elements are required to be considered an organic molecule?
All organic molecules contain CH bonds (carbon bonded to hydrogen)
Asexually (one parent --> clone) and/or sexually (two parents --> genetic mix)
What are the six steps of the scientific method?
O Q H E A C
Describe the structure of an atom: What is the nucleus/orbitals? What particles are found here? What are their charges?
Atoms have a central Nucleus containing protons (+) and neutrons (no charge). Outside the nucleus, electrons (-) fly around the atom in orbitals.
What is water's nickname? (NOT H2O)
Universal Solvent
What is the difference between monomers and polymers?
monomers = single molecules (single chainlink)
polymers = chains of monomers (chain)
What is the difference between adaptation and evolution?
Evolution is the overall process of genetic change in a population over generations. An adaptation is a specific trait that helps a single organism survive in its environment.
Put these levels of organization in order (Largest to smallest): Cells, Molecules, Atoms, Tissues, Organelle, Organisms, Organ
Largest to Smallest : Organism, Organ, Tissue, Cell, Organelle, Molecule, Atom
What are valence electrons? Why are they important?
Valence electrons are in the outermost orbital and determine how likely an atom is to bond with another atom.
What is cohesion / adhesion?
Cohesion is water's attraction to itself, Adhesion is the attractive force between water and a different substance.
Is carbon dioxide an organic compound? Why or why not?
It is NOT because an organic compound must contain a CH bond.
What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions inside a living cell or organism that convert food into energy and building blocks.
What are the three themes of biology?
1. Interdependence
2. Diversity
3. Evolution
What is the difference between a covalent bond and ionic bond?
Covalent bonds share valence electrons, ionic bonds transfer electrons.
What kind of bonds are responsible for waters many unique properties?
Hydrogen Bonds (h-bonds)
What are the four main classes of organic compounds that allow life to maintain important metabolic processes?
Carbohydrates, Lipids (Fats), Proteins, and Nucleic Acids
What is homeostasis? Give an example.
Homeostasis is a process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to changing external conditions.
Sweating/Shivering to cool or heat the body.
Breath rate changes according to demand (more movement = need for more O2 )
What is a difference between a scientific law and scientific theory?
Laws are statements, Theories are explanations (with extensive evidence)
What is the Law of Conservation of Mass/Energy?
What properties make water important to our environment when it comes to temperature? (TWO ANSWERS)
1. Water absorbs LOTS of heat and energy and helps regulate global temperatures. It also cools surfaces through evaporation.
2. Water becomes LESS DENSE in its solid form, allowing ice to float.
What does ATP stand for? How is it used?
Adenosine Triphosphate stores and releases energy in the cell.
What are the 7 (8) characteristics of life?
Growth/Development, Metabolism, Homeostasis, Evolution, Reproduction (and Heredity), Cellular Organization, and Response to Stimuli