Biology Basics Quiz: Characteristics of Life
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Questions and Answers

Which fundamental characteristic of living organisms describes their ability to produce offspring?

  • Energy
  • Information
  • Replication (correct)
  • Cells

    • What does the cell theory state about organisms?

  • All organisms can perform photosynthesis.
  • All organisms are multicellular.
  • All organisms have a nervous system.
  • All organisms are made up of membrane-bound cells. (correct)

    • Which of the following scientists is credited with observing 'cells' for the first time?

  • Anton van Leeuwenhoek
  • Robert Hooke (correct)
  • Louis Pasteur
  • Charles Darwin

    • How is hereditary information transmitted according to the chromosome theory of inheritance?

    <p>Through chromosomes during reproduction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following characteristics do all living organisms utilize to maintain life?

    <p>Energy acquisition and usage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the cell theory state regarding the origin of cells?

    <p>All cells are produced from preexisting cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a hypothesis?

    <p>A testable statement that explains an observation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant conclusion can be drawn from Louis Pasteur's experiments?

    <p>Cells originate from preexisting cells, not spontaneously. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'spontaneous generation' refer to?

    <p>The belief that organisms can arise from non-living materials. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a component of cell theory?

    <p>Cells arise from non-living substances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do genes encode within DNA?

    <p>Information for cell products (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which base pairs with adenine (A) in the DNA structure?

    <p>Thymine (T) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in the central dogma of molecular biology?

    <p>Carrier of genetic information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'central dogma' refer to?

    <p>The flow of genetic information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can result from changes in DNA sequence?

    <p>Heritable variations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which are the four building blocks of DNA?

    <p>A, T, C, G (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which molecule must be acquired for energy utilization in cells?

    <p>Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the process of copying DNA maintain genetic information?

    <p>Through complementary base pairing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which claim addresses the modification of species over generations?

    <p>Characteristics of species can be modified from generation to generation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a requirement for natural selection to take place in a population?

    <p>Individuals must vary in heritable characteristics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does natural selection affect population characteristics over time?

    <p>It increases the frequency of advantageous traits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a phylogenetic tree represent?

    <p>The relationships between different species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of genetic analysis, what does fewer sequence variations between species indicate?

    <p>The species share a more recent common ancestor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about speciation is true?

    <p>Speciation occurs when populations diverge and form new species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic distinguishes individuals within a population for natural selection?

    <p>The heritable traits that can be passed to offspring. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the process through which evolution occurs in populations?

    <p>Natural selection acts on individual organisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three major groups of organisms in the Tree of Life?

    <p>Eukarya, Bacteria, Archaea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the null hypothesis in an experiment?

    <p>To specify expected observations if the hypothesis is incorrect (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the pedometer hypothesis for how ants navigate?

    <p>Ants track the number of steps taken and know their stride length (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of having control groups in Wittlinger's experiment on ants?

    <p>To compare normal ants against modified ant groups (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best reflects the nature of science as described in the content?

    <p>The formulation and testing of hypotheses is at the heart of scientific inquiry. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the effect of altering the leg length of the ants in the experiment?

    <p>It affected how they measured distance back to the nest. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must be maintained during an experiment to ensure valid results?

    <p>Consistent experimental conditions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of scientific experiments, what does repetition of tests ensure?

    <p>That findings are consistent and reliable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Cell Theory

    All organisms are made of cells; cells arise from pre-existing cells.

    Robert Hooke

    First to observe and describe cells in the 1660s.

    Spontaneous Generation

    Belief that organisms could arise from non-living matter.

    Louis Pasteur

    Tested and disproved spontaneous generation; supported cell theory.

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    Hypothesis vs Theory

    Hypothesis: testable statements; Theory: broad explanations.

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    Characteristics of Life

    Five fundamental traits defining living organisms: cells, replication, information, energy, and evolution.

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    Theory of Evolution

    A scientific explanation of how organisms change over time through natural selection.

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    Chromosome Theory of Inheritance

    Theory explaining how hereditary information is transmitted through chromosomes.

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    Replication

    The ability of organisms to reproduce and create new life.

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    Common Ancestry

    Species are related through a shared ancestor.

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    Descent with Modification

    Characteristics of species change over generations.

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    Evolution

    Change in characteristics of a population over time.

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    Population

    Group of individuals of the same species in a specific area.

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    Natural Selection

    Process where individuals with advantageous traits reproduce more.

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    Speciation

    Formation of new species due to divergence in populations.

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    Phylogenetic Tree

    Diagram showing relationships between species based on common ancestry.

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    Genetic Variation

    Differences in DNA among individuals of a species.

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    Structure of DNA

    DNA is a double-stranded helix made of four bases: A, T, C, G.

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    Base Pairing

    In DNA, A pairs with T and C pairs with G, allowing for accurate copying.

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    Central Dogma

    Describes the flow of genetic information: DNA -> RNA -> Protein.

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    Messenger RNA (mRNA)

    RNA that carries genetic instructions from DNA to synthesize proteins.

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    Mutation

    Mistakes in DNA sequence can lead to changes in proteins and observable traits.

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    Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

    Molecule that serves as the primary energy currency in cells.

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    Tree of Life

    A diagram showing the evolutionary relationships of organisms grouped into three domains: Eukarya, Bacteria, and Archaea.

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    Eukaryotes

    Organisms with cells that have a nucleus, classified under the domain Eukarya.

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    Prokaryotes

    Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus; includes Bacteria and Archaea.

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    Pedometer Hypothesis

    A hypothesis that suggests ants track the distance to their nest by counting steps and knowing their stride length.

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    Null Hypothesis

    A statement predicting no effect or relationship; it serves as a basis for testing the validity of the main hypothesis.

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    Experimental Control

    A group in an experiment that remains unchanged to provide a comparison against the experimental groups.

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    Leg Manipulation Experiment

    An experiment where ants had their legs altered (shortened or lengthened) to test their navigation abilities.

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    Experimental Consistency

    The necessity for conditions in an experiment to remain the same to ensure reliable results.

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    Study Notes

    Biological Science Course Introduction

    • Biology is the study of life
    • Living organisms share five fundamental characteristics
      • Cells: All organisms are made of membrane-bound cells
      • Replication: All organisms are capable of reproduction
      • Information: Organisms process hereditary information (genes) and environmental information
      • Energy: All organisms acquire and use energy
      • Evolution: Populations of organisms are continually evolving

    Theories in Biology

    • Theory: Explanation for a broad class of phenomena supported by evidence
      • Differs from everyday use of the word. In science, it is a framework for understanding
    • Cell Theory: What are organisms made of?
    • Theory of evolution by natural selection: Where do organisms come from?
    • Chromosome theory of inheritance: How is hereditary information transmitted from one generation to the next?

    Life is Cellular and Replicates through Cell Division

    • 1665: Robert Hooke devised a microscope with 30x magnification, observing small compartments (cells)
    • Anton van Leeuwenhoek: used a microscope with 300x magnification, observing single-celled organisms ("animalcules")
    • 1800s: Cell theory developed, stating that all organisms are made of cells, and all cells come from preexisting cells

    All Organisms are Made up of Cells

    • 1660s: Hooke and van Leeuwenhoek observed cells
    • Cells: Highly organized compartments separated from their environment by a membrane barrier
    • Cell theory: All organisms consist of cells and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

    Terminology

    • Theory: Explains broad patterns
    • Hypothesis: Testable statement explaining an observation
    • Experiment: Tests effect of a factor on a phenomenon
    • Prediction: Measurable/observable result
      • Must be correct if the hypothesis is valid

    Cell Theory vs. Spontaneous Generation

    • Cell theory challenged spontaneous generation (idea that organisms arise spontaneously).
    • All-cells-from-cells hypothesis: Cells are produced when pre-existing cells grow and divide
    • Spontaneous generation hypothesis: belief that organisms can arise spontaneously under certain conditions

    The Spontaneous Generation and All-Cells-From-Cells Hypotheses Were Tested Experimentally

    • Louis Pasteur's experiments (using swan-necked flasks) disproved spontaneous generation
    • Demonstrated that cells arise from cells

    Life Replicates through Cell Division

    • Cells must replicate for life to exist
    • All cells in multicellular organisms descended from preexisting cells
    • Connected through common lineage
    • Life arose from non-life through chemical evolution, early in Earth's history

    How is hereditary information encoded and passed on during cell divisions?

    • Chromosomal theory of inheritance: Proposes that hereditary information is encoded in genes, which are located on chromosomes
    • 1950s: Identified that chromosomes are molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
    • DNA is the hereditary material
    • Genes are segments of DNA that code for cell products

    DNA is a Double Helix

    • Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Francis Crick proposed a double-stranded DNA helix
    • Four building blocks: A, T, C, G
    • DNA sequence is like letters in a word
    • DNA carries and encodes information for growth and reproduction
    • DNA strands are joined by interactions between paired bases (A with T, C with G)

    The Central Dogma Describes the Flow of Genetic Information

    • DNA codes for RNA that codes for proteins
    • RNA: Molecules carrying out specialized functions in cells
      • Messenger RNA (mRNA) used to make proteins
    • Proteins: Crucial to cell tasks that promote chemical reactions

    DNA is copied to pass genetic information

    • Copying DNA is highly accurate; errors can lead to changes in proteins and heritable variations underlying life's diversity

    Life Requires Energy

    • Chemical reactions in cells require energy
    • Organisms require acquiring chemical energy (ATP) and building blocks (DNA, RNA, proteins)

    Life Evolves

    • Evolution: Change in characteristics of a population over time
    • Darwin and Wallace: Species are related by common ancestry. Characteristics of species can be modified from generation to generation. They called it "descent with modification"

    Evolution and Natural Selection

    • Evolution: Change in characteristics of a population over time; species are related and can change over time
    • Population: Group of individuals of the same species
    • Natural Selection: Two conditions for occurrence in population:
      • Individuals vary in characteristics that are heritable (passed to offspring)
      • Certain heritable traits help individuals reproduce more successfully

    Natural Selection and Evolutionary Change

    • Certain heritable traits lead to increased success in reproduction.
    • Traits become more common in populations over time.
    • Natural selection acts on individuals; evolutionary change occurs in populations.

    The Phylogenetic Tree of Life

    • Phylogenetic tree: Used to show relationships between species.
      • Branches with recent common ancestors are closely related.
      • Branches without recent common ancestors are distantly related.
      • Tree estimated from genetic data.

    How is Genetic Variation Analyzed?

    • Biologists study RNA and DNA from different organisms
    • Comparing sequences of building blocks (A, T, C, G):
      • Fewer variations suggest a closer relationship.
      • Example: Land plant, green algae, and brown algae DNA sequences.

    The Tree of Life Was Produced by Comparing Genetic Sequence Data

    • Tree of life indicates three major groups of organisms, called Domains: Eukaryotes, Bacteria, and Archaea.

    Doing Biology

    • Science: Answering questions by measurements and collection of data
      • Formulating hypotheses
      • Finding evidence that supports or conflicts with hypothesis
      • Using control groups (example: organisms in normal state) to check for other factors that might influence the outcome.
      • Constant experimental conditions and large sample size.

    How do Foraging Desert Ants Navigate?

    • Observation: Saharan desert ants meander long distances to find food, then return to the nest in a straight line
    • The question is how they find their way back.

    Pedometer Hypothesis for How Ants Navigate

    • Pedometer hypothesis: Ants track step numbers and stride lengths to determine distance from nest
    • Null hypothesis: Ant navigation is independent of step number and stride length

    Experimental Setup for Ant Navigation

    • Experiment: Manipulated ants into three groups (stumps, normal, stilts)
      • Stumps: Shorter legs; Stilts: Longer legs; Normal: Unchanged legs
    • Measuring distance traveled back to nest.

    Do Desert Ants Use a "Pedometer"?

    • Research question: How do desert ants find their way back to the nest?

    • Hypothesis: Ants track stride number and length.

    • Experimental setup: Manipulation of ant legs (stumps, normal, stilts), returning ants to the nest

    • Results: Analyze the outcome: How far ants travel back to nest hole.

    • End of Chapter Questions: Review and questions 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10.

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