bio exam 1

Question 1

What are the major functional characteristics of life?

Answer 1

• Made of cells and basic nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids & nucleic acids)
• Innate Order: Atoms -> complex molecules -> tissues -> organs -> organisms
• Grow & Reproduce
• Use Energy and Raw Material
• Responsive to environment
• Maintain homeostasis
• Evolve and have adaptive traits
• Death

Question 2

List the levels of biological organization from simplest to most complex.

Answer 2

• Atom
• Molecule
• Organelle
• Cell
• Tissue
• Organ
• Organ system
• Organism

Question 3

What is the first step in the scientific method?

Answer 3

Observe (curiosity -> questions -> how? why? what? when? where? who?)

Question 4

What is a null hypothesis?

Answer 4

A hypothesis that states there is no effect or no difference, which can be tested against an alternative hypothesis.

Question 5

What is the acceptable p-value in biology to support a hypothesis?

Answer 5

A p-value of <5%.

Question 6

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

Answer 6

To provide a baseline for comparison and ensure that the results can be attributed to the independent variable.

Question 7

True or False: In a double-blind study, both researchers and participants know who receives the treatment.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What are the four major types of macromolecules?

Answer 8

• Carbohydrates
• Proteins
• Nucleic Acids
• Lipids

Question 9

What type of bond is formed when electrons are completely transferred from one atom to another?

Answer 9

Ionic bonds

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The main component of cell membranes is _______.

Answer 10

Phospholipids

Question 11

What are the functions of water in biological systems?

Answer 11

• High heat capacity
• High heat of vaporization
• Excellent solvent
• Digestion of food nutrients

Question 12

What are the primary functions of proteins?

Answer 12

• Structure
• Enzymes
• Motor
• Defense
• Receptors
• Transport
• Hormones

Question 13

What is the main function of the plasma membrane?

Answer 13

To separate the inside from the outside of the cell.

Question 14

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Answer 14

Where all proteins are made according to mRNA sequence.

Question 15

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 15

• Rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)
• Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER)

Question 16

What is the main function of mitochondria?

Answer 16

Sites of cellular respiration providing energy through the breakdown of glucose to produce ATP.

Question 17

What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?

Answer 17

• Mitosis: for growth, repair & replacement of cells; produces genetically identical diploid cells
• Meiosis: for the creation of haploid gametes; reduces chromosome number by half

Question 18

Define diploid and haploid.

Answer 18

• Diploid (2n): cells with 2 sets of chromosomes
• Haploid (1n): cells with 1 set of chromosomes

Question 19

What is crossing over in meiosis?

Answer 19

The exchange of corresponding pieces of chromatids of maternal and paternal homologues.

Question 20

What is non-disjunction?

Answer 20

Failure of homologous chromosomes to separate, leading to too many or too few chromosomes in a cell.

Question 21

What are benign and malignant tumors?

Answer 21

• Benign tumor: Abnormal mass of tissue that remains at the site and is usually removable
• Malignant tumor: Invades surrounding tissue and spreads to multiple locations (metastasis)

Question 22

What can lead to the development of cancer?

Answer 22

DNA damage, multiple mutations, exposure to viruses, chemicals, or radiation.

Question 23

What is apoptosis?

Answer 23

Genetically programmed cell death.