Biology Basics

Question 1

Qualitative

Answer 1

Data that uses descriptive information and is sensory-based

Question 2

Quantitative

Answer 2

Numerical data used for statistical analysis

Question 3

Independent Variable

Answer 3

The variable whose variations are not dependent on the other variables; the thing that changes

Question 4

Dependent Variable

Answer 4

The variable that is affected by the independent variable; the thing we measure

Question 5

Constants/controlled group

Answer 5

Constants remain the same for each trial or variation in an experiment. The control group is the variable that does not have any alterations to compare to the others.

Question 6

Precision

Answer 6

The degree to which measurements agree with one another

Question 7

Accuracy

Answer 7

The degree to which the experimental result agrees with the accepted value

Question 8

Explain the relationship between independent and dependent variables within a hypothesis.

Answer 8

The independent variable directly affects the dependent variable

Question 9

Difference between an observation and an inference.

Answer 9

An observation is a fact based on the 5 senses, while an inference is a guess about an observation.

Question 10

Explain the difference between accuracy and precision, and the significance of having data that is both.

Answer 10

Accuracy is how “correct” your results are, while precision is how close your results are to one another. Both are useful for concluding different things about your experiment. Ex. How many times a person gets above a 90 on a test score, versus how many times a person gets a test score within a 5 point range from the other tests taken.

Question 11

List the general steps in designing and conducting an experiment.

Answer 11

1. Ask a question to define the purpose of an experiment
2. Research and find what others have studied about this question
3. Form a hypothesis (if IV, then DV, because…)
4. Test hypothesis
5. Analyze data by organizing results into charts or whatever fits you needs, as well as a written analysis
6. Draw a conclusion stating whether the data is accurate or not to your hypothesis

Question 12

Matter

Answer 12

Anything that has mass and volume

Question 13

Atom

Answer 13

The smallest complete unit of matter

Question 14

Cell

Answer 14

A membrane bound unit that contains the fundamental molecules of life

Question 15

Isotopes

Answer 15

2 or more forms of the same element

Question 16

Valence electrons

Answer 16

The outermost electrons on the valence shell

Question 17

Compound

Answer 17

A pure substance of at least two elements combined

Question 18

Molecule

Answer 18

A combination of at least two atoms

Question 19

Surface tension

Answer 19

Measure of how difficult it is to stretch or break the surface of a liquid/resist an external force

Question 20

Solution

Answer 20

A homogeneous mixture of a solvent and solute

Question 21

Solute

Answer 21

The non-liquid material in a solution, in a smaller quantity than the solvent.

Question 22

Solvent

Answer 22

The liquid, bigger amount in a solution

Question 23

Hydrophobic

Answer 23

Chemical with a tendency to repel water

Question 24

Hydrophilic

Answer 24

Chemical with a tendency to bond with water

Question 25

List the 6 elements necessary for life.

Answer 25

Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Sulfur
(CHONPS)

Question 26

List of the levels of organization that make up organisms, starting with the atom and ending with an organism.

Answer 26

Atom
Molecule
Cell
Tissue
Organ
Organism

Question 27

Describe the 3 components that make up the structure of the atom, including their charge and specific locations within the atom.

Answer 27

Protons (p+) are in the nucleus
Neutrons (n°) are in the nucleus
Electrons (e-) are outside the nucleus, in the electron cloud

Question 28

Explain the difference between periods and groups and what each tells you about the atom.

Answer 28

Periods, the vertical row, show the energy levels (size)

Groups, the horizontal row, show the number of valence electrons

Question 29

Differentiate between polar and nonpolar molecules

Answer 29

Polar molecules have unequal distribution of charges, and are hydrophilic
Non polar molecules have no separation between charges and are hydrophobic

Question 30

Describe the bonds that form between molecules and within a water molecule.

Answer 30

The partially positive hydrogen atom attaches to the partially negative oxygen atom of a different water molecule.This is called a hydrogen bond. Stronger covalent bonds hold the water molecules together internally. Weaker hydrogen bonds hold different water molecules externally.

Question 31

Explain the properties of water that make it such a unique molecule.

Answer 31

Cohesion - It bonds to itself
Adhesion - Bonds with other molecules
High specific heat - The temperature does not change quickly
Less dense as a solid - Solid ice is less dense than water
Excellent Solvent - It’s polarity makes it the universal solvent

Question 32

Be able to determine an atom’s atomic number, number of protons, neutrons, electrons, and mass number when given a Periodic Table.

Answer 32

Atomic number = # of protons and neutrons (in a neutral atom)
Average atomic mass/atomic weight = Sum of protons and neutrons