Nature of Science/Big Ideas of Biology
Define science.
Science is the study of the natural and physical world.
What is a beaker used for?
To hold liquids and solids, to heat, and to conduct chemical reactions.
What is a substance that is made up of only one atom and cannot be broken down into simpler substances?
What is it called when water molecules bind to other water molecules?
Cohesion
Who is sometimes referred to as the father of the periodic table?
Mendeleev
Define biology. What does "bio-" and "-logy" mean?
Biology is the scientific study of living specimens. "Bio" means life and "-logy" means the study of life.
What is the machine that contains a spinning center to separate liquids based on density and to separate liquids from solids?
Centrifuge.
Why are elements considered pure substances?
Elements are considered pure substances because every sample of an element has the same properties. An element has a fixed or unchanging composition or makeup.
What is pH? If something has a pH of 3, is it acidic or basic?
pH = potential of hydrogen; determines if a substance is acidic or basic.
pH of 3 is acidic
What is a column of elements in the periodic table called?
A group.
List the following biological systems in order from the smallest level to the greatest level:
organ, cell, population, tissue, organ system, biochemical system
Biochemical system
Cell
Tissue
Organ
Organ System
Population
Name 3 common pieces of glassware in a biology lab.
Beakers, burets, flasks, graduated cylinders, stir rods, and test tubes.
What is an atom? List the 3 subatomic particles found in an atom with their charges.
An atom is the smallest unit of matter.
Protons - positive
Neutrons - neutral
Electrons - negative
Normal human blood pH must remain between a pH of ____.
pH of 7.35 - 7.45
What are atoms of the same element with same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons called? Give an example with Carbon-12.
Isotopes
Carbon-12 has 6 neutrons and the isotope Carbon-13 has 7 neutrons.
What is it called when organisms work to maintain constant and balanced internal operations that are compatible with their environmental conditions? Give an example.
Homeostasis
Ex) When an animal is startled or afraid, it experiences homeostasis. Its heartbeat elevates, adrenalin is secreted in its brain, and it may begin to perspire or shake. This is part of a very interesting response called fight or flight.
What is a SDS? Why are they important?
Safety Data Sheets - provide detailed information about a chemical, including its usage, handling procedures, safety requirements, and proper disposal, as well as many other important properties.
What is a mixture?
What is the chemical formula for a mixture of salt water?
A mixture is made up of different compounds and/or elements that are mixed but are not chemically bonded to each other.
H2O + NaCl
Name the four main ways blood pH can change.
Metabolic acidosis - increased acid levels in blood.
Respiratory acidosis - increased CO2 in lungs.
Metabolic alkalosis - reduced acid levels in blood.
Respiratory Alkalosis - reduced CO2 in lungs.
Carbon and hydrogen form what type of bonds? Define this type of bond.
Covalent bonds - valence electrons are shared between the elements.
List the scientific method.
Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analysis, Conclusion
Is it possible to tell that a piece of glassware is hot or cold? Why or why not?
It is impossible to tell. A hot glass and a cold glass look exactly the same. Some people think that a hot glass would be foggy because of steam, but that is only true if there is water inside the glass. If an empty glass is heated, there will be no evidence that it is hot. This is extremely important because scientists heat glassware very frequently. It is important to follow the proper lab safety techniques so that injuries do not occur in the lab.
How many elements occur naturally in Earth's land and water? Of them, about how many are found in living organisms, and what are the 6 essentials ones needed for life?
92 elements
25 are found in living organisms
Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur
How many total protons, neutrons and electrons does Carbon have? What is its atomic number and number of valence electrons?
6 protons
6 neutrons
6 electrons
atomic number = 6
4 valence electrons
When is an ion formed? Name and describe the chemical formula OH-.
Ions are formed when atoms gain or lose electrons.
OH- is the chemical formula for hydroxide. It has a negative charge of 1, meaning it has gained one electron.