Biology Quiz: Key Concepts

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Questions and Answers

Which component of an atom determines the specific element?

Neutrons

Electrons

Protons (correct)

All of the above

In a salt water solution, what is the role of salt?

Suspension

Solute (correct)

Catalyst

Solvent

Why can carbon form a large diversity of complex molecules?

Carbon can bond in three different directions.

Carbon can form four bonds with other atoms. (correct)

Carbon is easily ionized.

Carbon has a low atomic weight.

Which factor best describes the effect of a disease on a population of bats?

Density-dependent (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of decomposers in a food web?

To break down dead organisms and waste. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What type of symbiotic relationship is demonstrated when a bee collects nectar from a flower, simultaneously transferring pollen?

Mutualism (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between primary and secondary succession?

Primary succession begins with bare rock, while secondary begins with soil. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly pairs a macromolecule with its monomer?

Nucleic acids - Nucleotides (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of homologous structures?

They are similar structures that have evolved for different functions in different species that share a common ancestry. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between viruses and bacteria in terms of reproduction?

Viruses require a host cell to replicate, while bacteria have the capability to reproduce independently. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these best describes the role of a negative feedback loop in maintaining homeostasis?

It counteracts changes to maintain the body's natural set points/ balance. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant ecological impact of deforestation regarding atmospheric composition?

Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by reducing carbon sinks and decreasing oxygen levels. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the 10% rule, if a snake consumes 1000 Joules of energy from a rat, approximately how much energy will be available to a hawk that eats the snake?

10 Joules (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of insulin in the human body?

It lowers blood sugar levels. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

They recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem by breaking down dead organisms. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do vaccines generally work to provide immunity to disease?

They introduce a weakened or inert pathogen to evoke a defense, and memory, from the immune system. (C) Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of mitosis do sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell?

Anaphase (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a cell is placed in a hypotonic solution, what will happen to the movement of water and the cell's volume?

Water will enter the cell and the cell will swell. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the process of transcription?

The process of synthesizing mRNA from a DNA template. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which ecological concept describes a non-native species that disrupts an ecosystem by outcompeting native species?

Invasive Species (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

To bring amino acids to the ribosome during translation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What process returns nutrients to the soil by breaking down dead matter?

Decomposition (B) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a population exceeds its environment's carrying capacity?

Resources become limited, leading to increased competition and population decline. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key component of natural selection?

Artificial Selection through selective breeding (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Photosynthesis uses sunlight to make food using carbon dioxide and water, while respiration uses oxygen to break down food. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

Synthesizing proteins from mRNA templates. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of events described by the central dogma of biology?

DNA → RNA → Protein (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of genetics, what is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism; phenotype is observable traits. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem stability?

High biodiversity usually makes an ecosystem more stable and more resilient to environmental changes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of meiosis?

To create sex cells (gametes) for sexual reproduction, leading to genetic diversity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How do oceans specifically impact global climate patterns?

By storing and transferring vast amounts of heat, leading to weather and climate stabilization (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Atoms and Elements

Protons determine the element, neutrons increase mass, and electrons control bonding.
Elements are composed of atoms.
Atoms are the smallest unit of an element.

Solutions and Enzymes

Water is the solvent that dissolves salt (solute).
Pepsin, functioning best in acidic conditions, has the greatest rate change with minimal pH adjustment .

Carbon and Molecules

Carbon's ability to form four bonds allows for complex molecules.
Carbohydrates: Monomer - Monosaccharides; Polymer - Polysaccharides
Proteins: Monomer - Amino acids; Polymer - Polypeptides
Lipids: Monomer - Fatty acids & glycerol; Polymer - Triglycerides
Nucleic Acids: Monomer - Nucleotides; Polymer - DNA/RNA

Population Dynamics

Density-dependent factors (disease, competition) affect large populations.
Density-independent factors (weather, disasters) affect all populations.
Disease in bats is density-dependent, spreading more in crowded areas.
Population increase may be due to warm weather or abundant food.
Population decline may occur due to predators or pesticides.

Ecological Interactions

A food web shows energy flow within an ecosystem.
Producers make food, consumers eat others, and decomposers break down waste.
If foxes die, their prey populations may increase, potentially leading to unbalanced competition.

Symbiosis and Niches

Mutualism benefits both organisms (bees & flowers).
Parasitism benefits one organism, harms the other (fleas on dogs).
Niche: An organism's role in an ecosystem (diet, habitat).
Habitat: The physical location of an organism.

Succession and Ecosystem Changes

Primary succession starts on bare rock (volcanic eruption).
Secondary succession starts with soil after a disturbance (forest fire).
Secondary succession occurs when soil is present.

Cell Transport and Homeostasis

Osmosis: Water movement across a membrane.
Hypotonic: Water enters, cell swells.
Hypertonic: Water leaves, cell shrinks.
Isotonic: No change.
The cell membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell to maintain homeostasis.

Cell Division and Energy

Mitosis creates identical cells for growth/repair.
Mitosis phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT).
Cellular respiration breaks down food to produce ATP.
Photosynthesis uses sunlight to create food.
Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are opposing processes.

Genetics and Heredity

DNA replicates before cell division to preserve genetic information.
Dominant alleles (A) express themselves when present.
Recessive alleles (a) express themselves only when two copies are present (aa).

Natural Selection and Evolution

Natural selection components: Variation, competition, survival of the fittest, reproduction.
Beak size changes in bird populations based on survival for best food acquisition and passing traits.

Genetic Information and Protein Synthesis

RNA's role in protein synthesis: mRNA carries the code, tRNA brings amino acids, and rRNA builds proteins.
Transcription: DNA to mRNA (nucleus).
Translation: mRNA to protein (ribosome).

Taxonomy

Taxonomy classifies organisms to reveal relationships.

Biological Molecules and Functions

Proteins perform many functions including building muscles, catalyzing reactions (enzymes), transport, and defense.

Ecological Factors

Nutrient cycles support ecosystem functioning by recycling nutrients (carbon, nitrogen).
Population balance depends on density, distribution, and growth rate.

Environmental Impact

Limiting factor: Resource or condition restricting population size (e.g., food, space).
Density-dependent factors affect populations based on size (disease).
Density-independent factors affect all populations equally (disasters).

Biogeochemical Cycles

Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem by breaking down dead matter.
Carbon moves through ecosystems via photosynthesis absorbing CO₂, respiration releasing it, and decomposers recycling it.

Ecosystem Stability and Human Impact

Biodiversity increases ecosystem stability and resilience.
Human impact on carbon cycle: Burning fossil fuels increases atmospheric CO₂ and contributes to climate change.

Population Growth and Carrying Capacity

Exponential growth: Rapid population increase without limits.
Logistic growth: Population growth slows with limited resources, reaching carrying capacity.
Exceeding carrying capacity triggers resource depletion, competition, disease, and population decline.

Water Cycle and Climate

The water cycle involves evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.
Oceans influence climate by storing and distributing heat.

Ecosystem Interactions

Competition occurs when organisms vie for the same resources, impacting population size.
Invasive species interfere with ecosystems by outcompeting native species.

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

Genetic engineering involves altering an organism's DNA for specific traits.
GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are used to enhance crop traits, disease resistance, and food production.

Cell Organelles and Their Functions

Mitochondria produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.
Nucleus controls the cell and houses the genetic material (DNA).

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis equation: CO₂ + H₂O + sunlight → O₂ + glucose
Cellular respiration equation: O₂ + glucose → CO₂ + H₂O + ATP

Cell Theory and Types of Cells

Cell theory principles: All organisms have cells, cells are the basic unit, cells originate from preexisting cells.
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus.

DNA and RNA Structure

DNA base pairing rules: A-T, C-G.
RNA structure differs from DNA by containing uracil (U) instead of thymine (T) and being single-stranded.

Mutations and Genetic Variation

Mutation: A change in DNA sequence, potentially beneficial, harmful, or neutral.
Mutations drive evolution by providing variation that can lead to adaptations.

Protein Synthesis and Gene Expression

Central dogma of biology: DNA → RNA → Protein
A gene becomes a protein through transcription and translation (DNA to RNA to protein).

Meiosis and Sexual Reproduction

Meiosis creates sex cells (gametes, sperm/egg) with half the DNA for diversity.
Meiosis differs from mitosis by producing different cells for reproduction.

Punnett Squares and Probability

Punnett square displays possible genetic combinations for offspring.
Genotype: Genetic makeup (AA, Aa, aa).
Phenotype: Measurable physical characteristics (blue eyes, brown hair).

Evolution and Fossil Evidence

Fossils demonstrate species changes over time, supporting evolution.
Homologous structures: Similar structures indicate common ancestry.

Speciation and Adaptations

Speciation: Formation of new species via evolution.
Adaptation: Trait enhancing survival in an environment.

Human Body Systems

Circulatory system circulates blood, oxygen, and nutrients.
Nervous system transmits signals between brain and body.

Immune System and Disease

Immune system fights infections using white blood cells and immunity formation.
Viruses require a host to reproduce, but bacteria can reproduce independently.

Endocrine System and Hormones

Endocrine system regulates bodily functions via hormones.
Insulin lowers blood glucose, Glucagon raises blood glucose.

Homeostasis and Feedback Loops

Homeostasis: Body's maintenance of balance (e.g., temperature regulation).
Feedback loops guide adjustments to maintain homeostasis.

Human Impact on the Environment

Climate change: Rise in global temperatures due to increased CO₂ emissions.
Deforestation reduces oxygen, increasing CO₂.

Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources

Renewable resources can be replaced, like solar and wind.
Nonrenewable resources are finite, like coal and oil.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

10% rule: Only 10% of energy transfers to the next trophic level.

Miscellaneous Topics

Decomposers recycle nutrients.
Vaccines train the immune system to recognize and fight diseases.
Genetic diversity aids species survival.

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Description

Test your knowledge on fundamental biology concepts in this quiz. Explore topics such as atomic structure, ecological roles, and macromolecules. Perfect for biology students aiming to reinforce their understanding of these key principles.