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General Biology Core Concepts and Basics

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What is the core theme of biology?
    The core theme of biology is Evolution.
  • What does the biological hierarchy include?
    The biological hierarchy includes all life on Earth, compiled as the biosphere.
  • What is the central dogma of biology?
    The central dogma is DNA → RNA → Protein.
  • What concept is illustrated when an enzyme loses its shape and can no longer catalyze a reaction?
    This illustrates the relationship between structure and function.
  • What type of feedback loop involves a chemical signal leading to protein production, which then leads to more signals and protein?
    This is an example of a positive feedback loop.
  • Which four elements make up 96% of living matter?
    Oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
  • What subatomic particle does the atomic number represent?
    The atomic number corresponds to the number of protons.
  • What are atoms of the same element that differ in neutron number called?
    They are called isotopes.
  • What is the mass number of a lithium atom with 3 protons and 4 neutrons?
    The mass number is 7 (3 protons + 4 neutrons).
  • How many protons, neutrons, and electrons does sulfur have?
    16 protons, 16 neutrons, and 16 electrons.
  • Where are electrons found in an atom?
    Electrons are found in electron shells or electron orbitals.
  • What are the outermost electrons called?
    They are called valence electrons.
  • What determines the chemical behavior of an atom?
    The number of valence electrons determines chemical behavior.
  • How many electrons can the first electron shell hold? How many in the last shell?
    The first shell holds 2 electrons; the last shell typically holds 8.
  • How many valence electrons does neon have?
    Neon has 8 valence electrons.
  • What type of chemical bond involves sharing a pair of electrons?
    A covalent bond.
  • What type of bond forms when one atom transfers an electron to another?
    An ionic bond.
  • What are examples of weak interactions between atoms?
    Hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals interactions.
  • What charge does an atom have after receiving an electron in an ionic bond?
    It has a charge of -1.
  • Why do polar covalent bonds form?
    Because one atom is more electronegative than the other.
  • What type of bond holds hydrogen and oxygen atoms together in a water molecule?
    They are held by polar covalent bonds.
  • How do water molecules interact with each other?
    Water molecules interact through hydrogen bonds.
  • Which two properties of water contribute to its upward movement in trees?
    Cohesion and adhesion.
  • What phenomenon allows water to cool bodies of water or organisms?
    Evaporative cooling.
  • What type of molecules dissolve most easily in water?
    Ionic compounds dissolve most easily.
  • What term describes the formation and breaking of chemical bonds?
    Chemical reaction.
  • What is chemical equilibrium?
    A state where the formation and breaking of chemical bonds occur at equal rates.
  • What type of chemical bonds enable a gecko's ability to defy gravity?
    Van der Waals interactions.
  • What are two characteristics of a good hypothesis?
    It must be testable and falsifiable.