Chapter 1
Why are models/modeling used in science?
Organize thoughts, break complex process into simplified parts, Show how parts fit together, Suggest possible experiments
Describe the structure of an atom.
Protons and Neutrons present in a nucleous, electrons found in orbitals surrounding the nucleous
What is a word or two that you can generally associate with carbohydrates?
Starch, monosaccharides, glucose, fructose, galactose, polysaccharides, disaccharides
Which scientist first described cells?
Robert Hooke
List and describe the hierarchical levels of the organization of life.
How is natural selection related to evolution?
Natural selection theroizes that individuals less fit for their environment die off. Those who are more fit for their environment breed and produce offspring, which changes a species overtime as new adaptations develop.
What are the FOUR major elements found in organic molecules?
(+ 50 points if you can name the fifth)
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen
+50, Phosphorus
What atom forms the “backbone” of organic molecules (biological macromolecules)? Why?
Carbon. Carbon molecules easily form bonds with other molecules.
What is the purpose and structure of the nucleus? What part of “cell city” could it be? Why?
To store DNA and synthesize ribosomal RNA. Has a nuclear envelope, two phospholipid bilayers and nuclear pores to allow passage in and out.
Town hall, Determines what happens in a cell
What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning? Provide an example of each.
Deductive reasoning uses general principles to make SPECIFIC predictions. Ex: Mammals have hair. Whales have hair, so whales are a mammal.
Inductive reasoning uses specific observations to develop GENERAL conclusions. Ex: My sister's dog is mean, so most dogs are mean.
How is structure related to function? Why is this important in biology?
The structure of a system can be indicitive of it's function. Understanding structure and function can provide greater insight on many biological processes.
How is the atomic number, mass, and number of eletrons determined for a particular element?
Atomic Number is the number of protons, Atomic mass is the sum of protons and neutrons, Electrons should be the same number of protons.
What happens when a protein is denatured? How can this happen?
Proteins lose their shape, structure and/or function. Ph, ionic concentration of solution and temperature can all cause proteins to denature.
How does DNA structure in prokaryotes differ from that in eukaryotes?
DNA in prokaryote is circle
DNA in prokaryotes is circular in shape
DNA in eukaryotes is divided into multiple linear chromosomes
What are isomers? What is the difference between a structural isomer and a stereoisomer? Give examples. What is an enantiomer?
Molecules with the same molecular or empirical formula.
Structural isomers- differ in STRUCTURE of carbon skeleton. Ex:Fructose
Stereoisomers- differ in how GROUPS attached Ex: Galactose
Enantiomers- mirror image molecules
List and describe the SEVEN characteristics of life.
(List minimum of 4, +100 points if all 7 are named)
What is cohesion? Adhesion? Give an example of each.
Cohesion- Water molecules stick to other water molecules via hydrogen bonding
Adhesion-Water molecules stick to other polar molecules via hydrogen bonding
List the key functions of proteins in living systems.
-enzyme catalyst
-defense
-transport
-support
-motion
-regulation
-storage
What are the THREE main types of fibers that make up the cytoskeleton? How do they differ in function?
Microfilaments (Actin filaments)-movements like contracting, crawling, "pinching"
Microtubles-movement of cells and material across cells
Intermediate- cell structure longest and hardiest
What is the structure of a triglyceride? What is the difference between a saturated and unsaturated fat? Provide an example of each.
Composed of one glycerol and three fatty acids
Saturated- no double bonds between carbon atoms. Higher melting point, of animal origin. Ex:Butter, bacon grease
Unsaturated- one or more double bonds. Lower melting point, plant origin Ex: olive oil, vegstable oil
How does biology unify much of natural science?
Life is constrained by the properties of physics and chemistry, Living systems are the most complex systems on earth. Science is a combination of multiple fields.
What are buffers? Describe how they work.
Substances that resist changes in pH by keeping H+ constant
They can release hydrogen ions when a base is added, OR
They can absorb hydrogen ions when a acid is added.
Describe the FOUR levels of protein structure. Which level defines the outcome of all the others?
Primary-Sequence of amino acids, defines the outcome of all other levels.
Secondary- Interactions of groups in the peptide backbone
Tertiary- Final folded shape of a globular protein
Quaternary- arrangment of individual chains (subunits) in a protein with two or more polypeptide chains
What are the THREE types of animal cell junctions? What is the structure and function of each?
Septate/Tight Junction- Connect the plasma membrane of adjacent cells in a sheet
Adhesive Junction- Mechanically attaches cytoskeleton of neighboring cells, or cells to the ECM (includes adheren junctions, desmosomes, hemidesmosomes)
Communicating Junction- Chemical or electrical signal passes directly from one cell to an adjacent one (gap junction, plasmodesmata)
Name and describe the theory that proposes the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts within eukaryotic cells?
Endosymbiosis, the idea that some present-day eukaryotic organelles evolved by symbiosis between two free living cells. At one point, a prokaryote was engulfed by and became part of another cell, which was the precursor of modern eukaryotes.
Mitochondria and choloplasts have similarities to prokaryotic cells.