General Biology Exam 1 Study Guide: Molecules, Macromolecules, and Biological Concepts

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

This section outlines the format and expectations for the upcoming General Biology exam, including the types of questions and the material covered.

Exam Date: In-person during class on Wednesday, Oct 1st.
Time Limit: 75 minutes (1 hour, 15 minutes)
Format:
- 50 points total
- 30 points: multiple choice, matching, true/false, and fill in the blanks
- 20 points: short answer
Language: Use proper spelling of common English words and biological terminology for full credit.

Modules: 1-4, Chapters 1-6
Resources: Study notes, PowerPoints, weekly class and lab activities, and the chapter study guide notes.

Understanding the properties and interactions of small molecules, especially water, is fundamental to biology.

Small Molecules: Water, carbon dioxide, molecular oxygen
Hydrogen Bonds: Weak attractions between water molecules due to polarity
Functional Groups: Specific groups of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties (e.g., hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, phosphate)
General Acids and Bases: Acids donate protons (H+), bases accept protons

Macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life. They include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose)
Disaccharides and Polysaccharides: Disaccharides are two monosaccharides joined together (e.g., sucrose); polysaccharides are long chains (e.g., starch, cellulose, glycogen)
Glycerol and Fatty Acids: Components of lipids
Cholesterol: A type of lipid important in cell membranes
Nitrogenous Bases: Components of nucleic acids (e.g., adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, uracil)

Be able to describe the structure and function of the following macromolecules:

Triglycerides: Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids; main form of stored energy in animals
Phospholipids: Major component of cell membranes; consist of a glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group
Nucleotides: Building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA); consist of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base

Chemical bonds are forces that hold atoms together in molecules.

Covalent Bond: A bond formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons
Hydrogen Bond: A weak bond between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom (often oxygen or nitrogen)
Ionic Bond: A bond formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another
Double Bond: A covalent bond involving two pairs of shared electrons

Polymers are large molecules made by joining many smaller units (monomers). Not all macromolecules are polymers.

Polymer: A large molecule made of repeating subunits (monomers)
Lipids: Considered macromolecules but not polymers because they are not made from repeating monomer units

The scientific method is a systematic approach to understanding the natural world.

Hypothesis: A testable explanation for an observation or question
Theory: A well-substantiated explanation based on a body of evidence
Example: Hypothesis: "Plants grow faster under blue light." Theory: "Cell theory states that all living things are made of cells."

Evolution explains the diversity of life through changes in populations over time. Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution.

Darwin's Mechanism: Variation exists in populations; individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully, passing those traits to offspring
Example: Finches on the Galápagos Islands with beaks suited to available food sources survived and reproduced more than others

DNA is the genetic material in cells, and its structure is specific to its function.

Fluorescent Tags: Used to label DNA or RNA in cells for research purposes
Specificity: Compounds that bind only to DNA (not RNA) are used to study genetic material

Organelles are specialized structures within cells that perform specific functions. Genetic disorders can result from defects in these organelles.

Lysosome: Organelle responsible for breaking down large, complex molecules; defects can lead to diseases like Tay-Sachs
Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth and Rough): Involved in protein and lipid synthesis
Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids

This table summarizes the main types of biological macromolecules, their monomers, and functions.

Macromolecule	Monomer	Main Function
Carbohydrates	Monosaccharides	Energy storage, structural support
Proteins	Amino acids	Catalysis, structure, transport
Nucleic Acids	Nucleotides	Genetic information storage and transfer
Lipids	Glycerol and fatty acids	Energy storage, membrane structure

Your answers must be your own work, written in your own words.
Use terminology relevant to what was covered in class.
This is a closed-book, closed-note, and closed-resources exam. Only bring a pencil and eraser.
You may not work with other students or use electronic devices during the exam.

Review the structure and function of all major macromolecules, including examples of each.
Be prepared to explain the difference between a hypothesis and a theory, and provide examples.
Understand the role of organelles in genetic diseases, such as the lysosome in Tay-Sachs disease.