Semester 1 Exam Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
Includes all living organisms and non living matter in an environment such as air, water and minerals
What is a community?
All species in an ecosystem, only includes living things
What is a population?
All individuals of a single species in a given area, Includes only individuals from a specific species such as a plant, an animal, a bacterial colony
What is an organism?
One single individual
What is a molecule?
Molecules are the smallest part of biological systems; they can be studied for their chemical, physical properties, but are of particular interest for their role they play in biological systems.
What is the biological hierarchy from smallest to largest?
Molecule Cell Tissue Organ Organ system Organism Population Community Ecosystem
What are prokaryotic cells?
No nucleus, typically unicellular like bacteria or archaea, one chromosome
No lysosomes, peroxisomes, microtubules, ER, or mitochondria
What are eukaryotic cells?
Plant / animal cells
Contain a nucleus, more than one chromosome, has lysosomes peroxisomes microtubules ER or mitochondria, larger
What are the characteristics of bacteria?
Consists of prokaryotes (most are unicellular and microscopic). Most diverse and widespread prokaryotes and are divided among multiple kingdoms.
What are the characteristics of archaea?
Consists of prokaryotes (most are unicellular and microscopic). Usually live in extreme environments like l=salty lakes and boiling hot springs. Includes multiple kingdoms
What are the characteristics of eukarya?
Consists of eukaryotic cells. Example is protozoans. In the kingdom Protista. Includes multicellular forms like seaweed. Also includes the kingdoms Plantae, Fungi, and Animalia
What is a theory?
A theory is a repeatedly tested hypothesis that explains a situation
What are the elements of good experimental design?
Repeated testing, valid data, describes procedures, clear and concise, large sample size, control group, can be reproduced
What causes the polar bonds in water?
The weak partial positive charge of hydrogen bonds with the weak partial negative charge of oxygen
What are polar bonds?
Weak bonds between molecules based on partial charges
What is cohesion?
H20 molecules attracted to each other
What is adhesion?
H20 molecules attracted to other surfaces
What is surface tension?
Cohesion at the surface
What is high specific heat?
Significant energy is required to change the temp of H20
What is high heat of vaporization?
Significant energy needed to change H20 to gas
What is the universal solvent?
H20 can dissolve many substances
What is dehydration synthesis?
Dehydration synthesis (condensation reaction) means that you’re building by taking water out
What is another name for condensation reaction?
Dehydration synthesis
What is hydrolysis?
Breaking down something by adding water
What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
A fatty acid is said to be saturated if each carbon is joined to its neighboring carbons by a single bond. If one or more double bonds is present, the fatty acid is said to be unsaturated.
What is the flow of genetic information within a cell?
DNA gets transcribed into RNA, the RNA is translated into the protein. The protein is carried by a transport vesicle to the site where it will function
What is RNA?
Ribose Nucleic Acid
Ribose, Base (Cytosine, Uracil, Adenine, Thymine,), phosphate group
What is DNA?
Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid
Deoxyribose, base (Cytosine, Thymine, Guanine, Adenine), phosphate group
What is the difference between RNA and DNA?
RNA contains Uracil instead of Thymine
What is the function of the nucleus?
Contains cells genetic information Genetic information (DNA) is stored in chromosomes
What is the function of ribosomes?
Carry out protein synthesis within the cytoplasm or bond to endoplasmic reticulum or nuclear envelope
Amount of ribosomes in a cell depends on cell’s activity level
What is the function of chloroplasts?
Convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into chemical energy in plant cells in a process known as photosynthesis
Produces ATP in plant cells