Biology 20 Study Guide #1 - UPDATED
The exam will consist of multiple choice, true-false, “fill-in”, and short answer with a Total of 110 points but worth
100. Huh...I don't get it....
The following is by no means everything on the test. This guide emphasizes main topics that are covered on the
test in one fashion or another. Study your notes, the test is based on the notes given in class. Read your book to
back up the notes given in class. Concentrate on the topics given in class when reading your book. Study groups
can help - but you need to study not just talk! You will really learn the material if you can teach it to
someone. Please ask questions if you need help. Good Luck!!!
Science of Life:
Know the hierarchy of organization from atoms to the organism. Know the 3 Domains in which all organisms are
categorized and the differences between them. Where would you find Archaea? Know the 7 attributes of life and
various points discussed: order – the heirarchy, reproduction – asexual vs sexual, growth/development, energy
utlization/processing – importance, metabolism, anabolism, catabolism, responding to the environment,
regulation/homeostatis – Understand how positive & negative feedbacks are involved in homeostasis &
evolutionary adaptation – what’s changing through time, what determine who has the best characteristics. Know
the points regarding the cell basis of life and which 3 points comprises the cell theory. What is the lowest level of
organization that possesses all the attributes of life? Evolution (as discussed thus far): What is the core them in
biology which ties all the others together? Understand the scientific method as discussed in lab. Be prepared to
generate questions and develop a testable hypothesis from some observations. What is homeostasis and how it is
maintained.
Chemistry of Life:
Know what atoms, elements & compounds are. What does the atomic number refer to? Atomic mass? Know the
charges for the components of an atom and which are involved in chemical bond formations. Know which elements
make up 96% of all living matter. What are trace elements? Isotopes? Radioactive isotopes? Know the types of
bonds discussed in class: covalent (polar & non-polar), ionic, hydrogen, peptide bond. What type of bond can be
found in a water molecule and between water molecules? Know the 5 properties of water and their significance to
the environment and you? What are the (+) and (-) aspects of water. What is pH a measure of? Know the differences
between acids, bases and buffers. Understand how buffers work and how buffers are involved with negative
feedback.
Know what is meant by organic. Know the molecules that C tends to bind with. Biological molecules (examples &
functions for each); Dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis (digestion) and how each is involved in polymer formation
or breakdown. Carbohydrates: what are the subunits? Know how carbs are classified. Know examples of energy
storage and structural polysaccharides and where they can be found.Lipids: know the 3 major groups of lipids. Know
the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. Know the difference between hydrophobic and
hydrophilic. What are phospholipids, found & function? Steroids and their functions? Nucleotide based molecules:
know the components of a nucleotide. Know the difference between DNA & RNA. What is ATP and its function?
Know the function of nucleotide-base molecules. What makes you different from your sibling or friend. Proteins:
what are the subunits of proteins? Know the 4 levels of protein structure and the bonds associated with them. What
are the functions of proteins? What is denaturing and some of the factors that affect denaturing?
Possible short answer questions for Midterm I:
1. Know the seven attributes of life and briefly discuss them
2. Know the points to the cellular basis of life and the 3 for cell theory.
3. List and briefly explain the 5 properties of water and how they are important to life.
4. Explain why solid water (ice) is less dense than liquid water and the significance of this is property
to living systems.
5. Know
the
functions
for
each
of
the
4
macromolecule
groups
(carbohydrates/lipids/proteins/nucleic acids) and be able to compare and contrast the general
structure and functions of each.
6. Explain how negative and positive feedbacks work within our body. You need to be able to explain
your example.
7. Explain how buffer systems are important in organisms. In the human body, bicarbonate and
carbonate ions work together to stabilize or buffer the pH of body fluids. What would happen to
your blood if these buffering agents were removed?
8. A man on a very low fat diet wants to get his cholesterol down to zero. Why is this an impossible
and undesirable goal?
9. Briefly explain the difference between catabolism and anabolism. Give an example of where each of these
reactions takes place in your body.
10. Be prepared to list and describe the functions in your body for the biologically important molecules
(carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids).