Exam 1 General Information

Overview

This study guide covers foundational topics in General Biology, focusing on scientific inquiry, basic chemistry, and the structure and function of biological molecules. The material is organized by chapters and includes key vocabulary, concepts, and example questions to prepare for the exam.

Chapter 1: Scientific Inquiry and Biological Themes

Vocabulary and Key Concepts

• Scientific Inquiry: The process by which scientists investigate the natural world, ask questions, and seek evidence-based answers.

• Hypothesis: A testable statement or prediction that can be supported or refuted through experimentation or observation.

• Experiment: A controlled method of testing hypotheses by manipulating variables and observing outcomes.

• Control Group: The group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment, used as a baseline for comparison.

• Dependent Variable: The variable being measured or tested in an experiment.

• Independent Variable: The variable that is changed or controlled to test its effects on the dependent variable.

The Process of Scientific Inquiry

• Involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions.

• Scientific methods are iterative and may lead to new questions and hypotheses.

• Peer review and reproducibility are essential for validating scientific findings.

Hypotheses and Theories

• Hypothesis: A specific, testable prediction.

• Theory: A broad explanation supported by a large body of evidence (e.g., the theory of evolution).

• Hypotheses are tested and refined; theories are comprehensive and widely accepted.

Experimental Design

• Includes control and experimental groups, independent and dependent variables, and replication.

• Good experiments minimize bias and allow for clear interpretation of results.

Biological Themes

• Examples include evolution, structure and function, information flow, energy and matter, and interactions.

• Each theme helps organize biological knowledge and connects different areas of biology.

Levels of Biological Organization

• From smallest to largest: atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere.

Example

• Example of a hypothesis: "If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller." This can be tested by varying sunlight exposure and measuring plant height.

Chapter 2: Basic Chemistry for Biology

Elements, Atoms, and Molecules

• Element: A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means (e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen).

• Atom: The smallest unit of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Atomic Number: The number of protons in an atom's nucleus.

• Atomic Mass: The sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus.

• Isotope: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

Subatomic Particles

• Proton: Positively charged particle in the nucleus.

• Neutron: Neutral particle in the nucleus.

• Electron: Negatively charged particle orbiting the nucleus.

Chemical Bonds

• Covalent Bond: Atoms share electrons; strong and common in organic molecules.

• Ionic Bond: Electrons are transferred from one atom to another, creating charged ions that attract each other.

• Hydrogen Bond: Weak attraction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom (e.g., oxygen or nitrogen); important in water and DNA structure.

Properties of Water

• Water is polar, forms hydrogen bonds, and exhibits cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat, and solvent abilities.

• Emergent Properties of Water: Cohesion, adhesion, high heat capacity, and solvent properties.

Example

• Example of an emergent property: Water's high heat capacity helps regulate temperature in organisms and environments.

Chapter 3: Organic Molecules and Biological Macromolecules

Organic Compounds and Carbon Chemistry

• Organic Compound: Molecule containing carbon and usually hydrogen; forms the basis of life.

• Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds allows for diverse molecular structures.

Macromolecules: Types and Functions

• Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches; provide energy and structural support.

• Lipids: Fats, oils, and steroids; store energy and make up cell membranes.

• Proteins: Chains of amino acids; perform structural, enzymatic, and regulatory functions.

• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA; store and transmit genetic information.

Monomers and Polymers

• Monomer: Small molecule that can join with others to form a polymer (e.g., amino acids, nucleotides, monosaccharides).

• Polymer: Large molecule made of repeating monomers (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides).

• Dehydration Synthesis: Chemical reaction that joins monomers by removing water.

• Hydrolysis: Chemical reaction that breaks polymers into monomers by adding water.

Carbohydrates

• Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose).

• Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides joined together (e.g., sucrose, lactose).

• Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).

Lipids

• Saturated Fat: Fatty acids with no double bonds; solid at room temperature.

• Unsaturated Fat: Fatty acids with one or more double bonds; liquid at room temperature.

• Steroids: Lipids with a four-ring structure (e.g., cholesterol).

Proteins

• Amino Acid: Building block of proteins; contains an amino group, carboxyl group, and side chain (R group).

• Protein Structure: Primary (sequence), secondary (alpha helix, beta sheet), tertiary (3D folding), quaternary (multiple polypeptides).

Nucleic Acids

• Nucleotide: Monomer of nucleic acids; consists of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

• DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid; stores genetic information.

• RNA: Ribonucleic acid; involved in protein synthesis.

• Phosphodiester Bond: Links nucleotides in a nucleic acid chain, forming the sugar-phosphate backbone.

Table: Comparison of Biological Macromolecules

Example

• Example of a protein function: Enzymes such as amylase catalyze the breakdown of starch into sugars.

Sample Short Answer Questions

• Describe the structure of one nucleotide. When strung together to create a polynucleotide, what is the backbone called?

• Choose one emergent property of water. Correctly name the property, describe the property, and give one example of the property.

• Choose one biological theme of life. Correctly name the theme, describe the theme, and give one example of the theme.

• Describe the structure of an atom. Be sure to include the names of the subatomic particles and where they are located.

• Describe the similarities and differences between saturated fat and unsaturated fat.

Additional info: This guide is based on a course-provided exam study sheet and includes expanded academic context for clarity and completeness.