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Bio 112 Test #1 Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

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Q1. What are the general characteristics of viruses?

Background

Topic: Virus Structure and Function

This question tests your understanding of what defines a virus, including its structure, genetic material, and how it differs from living organisms.

Key Terms:

  • Virus: A non-cellular infectious agent.

  • Capsid: Protein shell surrounding viral genetic material.

  • Genome: DNA or RNA (not both) in viruses.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify the main components of a virus: capsid and genetic material (DNA or RNA).

  2. Consider whether viruses are considered living or non-living, and why.

  3. Think about how viruses replicate—do they use their own machinery or rely on host cells?

  4. List any unique features that distinguish viruses from bacteria and other microorganisms.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. How do viruses spread in plants and animals?

Background

Topic: Viral Transmission

This question focuses on the mechanisms by which viruses move from one organism to another, including vectors and direct contact.

Key Terms:

  • Vector: An organism that transmits a virus (e.g., insects).

  • Horizontal transmission: Spread between individuals.

  • Vertical transmission: Spread from parent to offspring.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify common ways viruses enter plant cells (e.g., through wounds or via insect vectors).

  2. Consider how viruses spread among animals (e.g., respiratory droplets, blood, direct contact).

  3. Think about the difference between horizontal and vertical transmission.

  4. List examples of vectors for plant and animal viruses.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. What are the steps of viral replication, including the lytic and lysogenic cycles?

Background

Topic: Viral Life Cycles

This question tests your knowledge of how viruses reproduce inside host cells, and the differences between the lytic and lysogenic cycles.

Key Terms:

  • Lytic cycle: Viral replication that destroys the host cell.

  • Lysogenic cycle: Viral DNA integrates into host genome and can remain dormant.

  • Prophage: Viral DNA in the lysogenic cycle.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Outline the main steps of the lytic cycle: attachment, entry, replication, assembly, release.

  2. Describe how the lysogenic cycle differs, focusing on integration and dormancy.

  3. Explain what triggers a virus to switch from lysogenic to lytic cycle.

  4. Consider the consequences for the host cell in each cycle.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. What is a viral genome?

Background

Topic: Viral Genetics

This question asks you to describe the genetic material found in viruses and how it varies among different types.

Key Terms:

  • Genome: The complete set of genetic material.

  • DNA virus: Virus with DNA as genetic material.

  • RNA virus: Virus with RNA as genetic material.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Identify whether viruses have DNA or RNA genomes (never both).

  2. Consider if the genome is single-stranded or double-stranded.

  3. Think about how the genome type affects replication and infection.

  4. List examples of viruses with different genome types.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. What are capsids and phages?

Background

Topic: Viral Structure

This question tests your understanding of the protective protein shell of viruses and the specific viruses that infect bacteria.

Key Terms:

  • Capsid: Protein shell of a virus.

  • Bacteriophage (phage): Virus that infects bacteria.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the structure and function of a capsid.

  2. Explain what a bacteriophage is and how it differs from other viruses.

  3. List the types of capsid shapes (e.g., helical, icosahedral).

  4. Consider the role of capsids in protecting viral genetic material.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q6. What is reverse transcriptase and how does it relate to viruses?

Background

Topic: Enzymes in Viral Replication

This question focuses on the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which is crucial for certain viruses to replicate.

Key Terms:

  • Reverse transcriptase: Enzyme that synthesizes DNA from RNA.

  • Retrovirus: Virus that uses reverse transcriptase.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define reverse transcriptase and its function.

  2. Explain which viruses use this enzyme (e.g., HIV).

  3. Describe how reverse transcriptase allows viral RNA to be converted into DNA.

  4. Consider why this process is important for viral replication and integration.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q7. What is a retrovirus? What is a prion?

Background

Topic: Types of Infectious Agents

This question asks you to distinguish between retroviruses and prions, two very different infectious agents.

Key Terms:

  • Retrovirus: RNA virus that uses reverse transcriptase.

  • Prion: Infectious protein, not a virus.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define retrovirus and give an example.

  2. Define prion and explain how it causes disease.

  3. Compare and contrast the structure and replication of retroviruses and prions.

  4. List diseases associated with each.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q8. How do some viruses linger in plants and animals in a dormant state and occasionally reappear?

Background

Topic: Viral Latency

This question tests your understanding of viral dormancy and reactivation.

Key Terms:

  • Latency: Dormant state of a virus.

  • Lysogenic cycle: Integration of viral DNA into host genome.

  • Reactivation: Virus becomes active again.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe how viruses can enter a latent state in host cells.

  2. Explain the role of the lysogenic cycle in viral dormancy.

  3. Identify triggers that can cause reactivation.

  4. List examples of viruses that exhibit latency.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q9. What are the main features of each classification system?

Background

Topic: Biological Classification

This question asks you to compare different systems used to classify organisms.

Key Terms:

  • Classification system: Method for organizing organisms.

  • Taxonomy: Science of classification.

  • Phylogeny: Evolutionary relationships.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main classification systems (e.g., Linnaean, phylogenetic).

  2. Describe the criteria used in each system (morphology, genetics).

  3. Compare how each system groups organisms.

  4. Consider the advantages and limitations of each system.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q10. What is convergent evolution and how does it relate to classification?

Background

Topic: Evolutionary Biology

This question tests your understanding of convergent evolution and its impact on classifying organisms.

Key Terms:

  • Convergent evolution: Independent evolution of similar traits.

  • Analogous structures: Similar function, different ancestry.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define convergent evolution and give examples.

  2. Explain how analogous structures arise.

  3. Discuss how convergent evolution can complicate classification.

  4. Compare with divergent evolution.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q11. What are analogous structures, homologous structures, and paragalous genes?

Background

Topic: Comparative Anatomy and Genetics

This question asks you to distinguish between different types of biological similarities.

Key Terms:

  • Analogous structures: Similar function, different origin.

  • Homologous structures: Similar origin, may have different function.

  • Paragalous genes: Genes related by duplication within a genome.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define each term and provide examples.

  2. Explain how these concepts relate to evolutionary history.

  3. Compare and contrast the terms.

  4. Discuss their significance in classification.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q12. What is common ancestry?

Background

Topic: Evolutionary Relationships

This question tests your understanding of the concept of common ancestry and its importance in biology.

Key Terms:

  • Common ancestry: Shared evolutionary origin.

  • Phylogeny: Evolutionary tree.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define common ancestry and its role in evolution.

  2. Explain how phylogenetic trees illustrate common ancestry.

  3. Discuss evidence for common ancestry (e.g., homologous structures, genetic similarities).

  4. Consider how common ancestry affects classification.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q13. What does phylogeny refer to?

Background

Topic: Phylogenetic Analysis

This question asks you to define phylogeny and its significance in biology.

Key Terms:

  • Phylogeny: Evolutionary history and relationships.

  • Phylogenetic tree: Diagram showing relationships.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define phylogeny and its purpose.

  2. Explain how phylogenetic trees are constructed.

  3. Discuss the types of data used (morphological, genetic).

  4. Consider how phylogeny informs classification.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q14. What are the basic anatomical characteristics of a bacterium?

Background

Topic: Bacterial Anatomy

This question tests your knowledge of bacterial cell structure.

Key Terms:

  • Cell wall: Structural support.

  • Plasma membrane: Controls entry/exit.

  • Flagella: Movement.

  • Pili: Attachment.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main structures found in bacteria.

  2. Describe the function of each structure.

  3. Compare bacterial anatomy to eukaryotic cells.

  4. Consider the role of plasmids in bacteria.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q15. What are the options for bacterial reproduction?

Background

Topic: Bacterial Reproduction

This question asks you to describe the ways bacteria reproduce and exchange genetic material.

Key Terms:

  • Binary fission: Main method of reproduction.

  • Conjugation: Exchange of genetic material.

  • Transformation: Uptake of DNA from environment.

  • Transduction: DNA transfer via viruses.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe binary fission and its steps.

  2. Explain how conjugation works.

  3. Define transformation and transduction.

  4. Compare these methods in terms of genetic diversity.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q16. What are transformation, transduction, F factor, and plasmids?

Background

Topic: Bacterial Genetics

This question tests your understanding of genetic exchange in bacteria.

Key Terms:

  • Transformation: Uptake of DNA from environment.

  • Transduction: DNA transfer via bacteriophages.

  • F factor: Fertility plasmid enabling conjugation.

  • Plasmid: Small, circular DNA molecule.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define each term and its role in bacterial genetics.

  2. Explain how transformation and transduction occur.

  3. Describe the function of the F factor in conjugation.

  4. Discuss the importance of plasmids for bacterial adaptation.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q17. What are the metabolic pathways for bacteria?

Background

Topic: Bacterial Metabolism

This question asks you to describe the different ways bacteria obtain energy and nutrients.

Key Terms:

  • Autotroph: Makes own food.

  • Heterotroph: Consumes organic material.

  • Aerobic: Requires oxygen.

  • Anaerobic: Does not require oxygen.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main types of bacterial metabolism.

  2. Describe how autotrophs and heterotrophs differ.

  3. Explain the difference between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.

  4. Consider examples of bacteria for each pathway.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q18. What are the characteristics and examples of Archaea?

Background

Topic: Archaea Biology

This question tests your knowledge of the unique features of Archaea and their ecological roles.

Key Terms:

  • Archaea: Domain of life distinct from bacteria.

  • Extremophile: Organism living in extreme conditions.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the main characteristics that distinguish Archaea from bacteria.

  2. Describe the environments where Archaea are found.

  3. Give examples of Archaea species.

  4. Explain the significance of Archaea in evolution.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q19. What is endosymbiosis?

Background

Topic: Evolution of Eukaryotes

This question asks you to explain the theory of endosymbiosis and its role in the origin of eukaryotic cells.

Key Terms:

  • Endosymbiosis: One organism lives inside another.

  • Mitochondria and chloroplasts: Organelles thought to have originated via endosymbiosis.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define endosymbiosis and its significance.

  2. Describe evidence supporting the theory (e.g., organelle DNA).

  3. Explain how mitochondria and chloroplasts are involved.

  4. Discuss the impact of endosymbiosis on cell evolution.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q20. What information is important from Table 27.2, p. 585?

Background

Topic: Reference Table – Bacterial Diversity

This question asks you to review and understand key information from a textbook table about bacterial groups.

Key Terms:

  • Bacterial diversity: Range of bacterial types.

  • Classification: Grouping based on characteristics.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review Table 27.2 and identify the main bacterial groups listed.

  2. Note the distinguishing features of each group.

  3. Consider examples and ecological roles for each group.

  4. Summarize the key points for study.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

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