BIO 119 Exam 1 Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

Q1. What are the main elements in the human body? Recognize major symbols.

Background

Topic: Basic Chemistry of Life

This question tests your knowledge of the most abundant chemical elements in the human body and their chemical symbols, which is foundational for understanding biochemistry and physiology.

Key Terms:

• Element: A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.

• Chemical Symbol: The one- or two-letter abbreviation for an element (e.g., H for hydrogen).

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the four most abundant elements in the human body by mass. Think about which elements are found in water, proteins, and DNA.

2. List the chemical symbols for each of these elements. For example, what is the symbol for oxygen?

3. Consider a few other elements that are present in smaller but still significant amounts (trace elements).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. What does pH < 7 or pH > 7 indicate? How does this relate to H+ ion concentrations?

Background

Topic: Acid-Base Balance

This question tests your understanding of the pH scale, which measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, and how this relates to acids and bases in the body.

Key Terms and Formula:

• pH: A measure of hydrogen ion concentration; scale ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic).

• Acid: Substance with pH less than 7.

• Base (Alkaline): Substance with pH greater than 7.

$\text{pH} = -\log_{10}[H^+]$

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall what a low pH (below 7) and a high pH (above 7) mean in terms of acidity and basicity.

2. Think about how the concentration of hydrogen ions ($[H^+]$) changes as pH increases or decreases.

3. Relate this to physiological conditions in the human body (e.g., blood pH).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. What are the three monosaccharides? Which is used by all body cells? Where is glycogen stored in the human body?

Background

Topic: Carbohydrate Structure and Function

This question tests your knowledge of simple sugars (monosaccharides), their role in metabolism, and the storage form of carbohydrates in humans.

Key Terms:

• Monosaccharide: The simplest form of carbohydrate (single sugar unit).

• Glycogen: The storage form of glucose in animals.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List the three most common monosaccharides found in the human diet.

2. Identify which monosaccharide is the primary energy source for body cells.

3. Recall the main organs/tissues where glycogen is stored in the human body.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. Define and know the function of: phospholipids, cholesterol, triglycerides.

Background

Topic: Lipids in Biology

This question tests your understanding of the structure and function of major lipid types in the body.

Key Terms:

• Phospholipid: A lipid containing a phosphate group, major component of cell membranes.

• Cholesterol: A steroid important for membrane fluidity and as a precursor for hormones.

• Triglyceride: A lipid made of glycerol and three fatty acids, main form of stored energy.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define each lipid type and describe its basic structure.

2. Explain the primary function of each in the human body (e.g., energy storage, membrane structure).

3. Consider where each is found in the body and why it is important for health.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. What are the functions of proteins?

Background

Topic: Protein Structure and Function

This question tests your understanding of the diverse roles proteins play in the body, from structure to catalysis.

Key Terms:

• Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions.

• Structural Protein: Provides support (e.g., collagen).

• Transport Protein: Moves substances (e.g., hemoglobin).

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List several major functions of proteins in the body (think about enzymes, structure, transport, defense, etc.).

2. Give an example of a protein for each function you list.

3. Consider how the structure of a protein relates to its function.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!