Scientific Method
The five basic steps of the scientific method.
What are Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analyze Data, Conclusion
What is a microbiome?
A community of microorganisms living in a specific environment such as the human body.
What is the major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
What is the function of the nucleus?
Stores DNA and controls cell activities.
How many chromosomes do most humans have?
46 chromosomes (23 pairs)
What is a cell?
The smallest unit of life.
The purpose of a control group in an experiment.
It provides a baseline for comparison and does not receive the experimental treatment.
Where is the human microbiome found?
On and in the body, especially in the gut, skin, mouth, and respiratory tract.
What are the three domains of life?
Eukarya, Bacteria, and Archaea
What is the difference between the rough and smooth ER?
Rough: has ribosomes and makes proteins; smooth: lacks ribosomes and makes lipids.
Mitosis produces identical body cells; meiosis produces genetically unique gametes.
What characteristics are shared by all living organisms? (name 3)
Made of cells, use energy, grow, reproduce, respond to stimuli, maintain homeostasis, and evolve.
Why are variables important in experimental design?
They allow for testing one factor at a time. IV is changed, the DV is measured, and the controls are the same.
What is the difference between an antibiotic, a probiotic, and a prebiotic?
Antibiotics kill or inhibit bacteria; probiotics are beneficial live microorganisms; prebiotics are substances that feed beneficial bacteria.
What organelles are found only in eukaryotic cells? (Name 2)
Nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi, cholorplasts, nucleolus
What is the function of the golgi apparatus?
Modifies, sorts, packages, and customizes (pick your adjective) proteins and lipids.
How many cells are formed in mitosis vs. meiosis?
2 in mitosis, 4 in meiosis.
What is evolution and how is it different from adaptation?
Evolution is a change in populations over time; adaptation is an inherited trait that improves survival or reproduction. Long term vs. short term.
What do error bars on a graph typically represent?
Variation in the data, may be standard deviation or standard error.
When might taking a probiotic be helpful?
After antibiotic use, during digestive issues, or to help restore gut microbial balance.
What organelles or structures are found in ALL cells? (4)
Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and DNA.
How do ribosomes and mRNA work together?
Where do mitosis and meiosis occur in humans?
Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells throughout life; meiosis occurs in reproductive organs to produce gametes.
What is the difference between a population, community, and ecosystem?
Populations are focused on a single group of the same species in the same place. Communities look at a group of multiple species in the same place. Ecosystems then include abiotic (nonliving) factors aswell.
How does a scientific theory differ from a scientific law?
Law describes what happens, its a garaunteed fact; a theory explains why it happens and is supported by extensive evidence but can never be proven 100%
How can antibiotics negatively affect the microbiome?
They can kill beneficial bacteria, disrupt balance, and reduce diversity.
What are the common shapes of prokaryotic cells?
Cocci (sphere), Bacilli (rod or pill), and Spirilla (spiral)
How are choloplasts and mitochondria similar and different?
Both are energy-related organelles; mitochondria perform cellular respiration, while chloroplasts perform photosynthesis.
What is the difference between a gene and a chromosome?
A chromosome is a DNA structure containing many genes; a gene is a segment of DNA that codes for a certain protein.
What is the classification hierarchy from largest to smallest?
Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
If two treatments have overlapping error bars on a graph, what might this suggest?
The difference between treatments may not be statistically significant.
How do prebiotics and probiotics work together?
Probiotics add beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics feed those bacteria to help them grow and function.
What is the difference between a nucleus and a nucleoid?
Nucleus is membrane-bound and found in eukaryotes; a nucleoid is the region where the prokaryotic chromosome is found.
What is the role of the endomembrane system in insulin production? (use 2 different organelles in your answer)
Insulin is made at the ribosomes on the rough ER, modified in the ER and Golgi, packaged into vesicles, and secreted from the cell.
How are DNA, genes, and proteins related?
DNA contains genes; genes provide instructions to make proteins, and proteins perform cell functions and determine traits.
Why are model systems used in research?
They are easier, cheaper, faster, and share biological similarities with other organisms, allowing scientists to study broader biological principles.