Biology Themes Quiz

Unifying Theme in Biology

• Evolution explains both the unity and diversity of life on Earth.
• Organisms share a common ancestor yet have diversified through adaptation over time.

Fundamental Unit of Life

• Cells are the fundamental units of all organisms.
• Both unicellular and multicellular organisms are made up of cells, which perform essential life functions.

Scientific Method

• The step of generating possible explanations for a phenomenon is known as forming a hypothesis.
• Hypotheses are tested through experiments to validate or refute them.

Molecular Biology

• The study of life at the molecular level is referred to as molecular biology.
• This field focuses on understanding the interactions between various cellular systems, including DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Age of Life on Earth

• Life on Earth is estimated to be around 3.5 to 4 billion years old.
• This estimate is based on the fossil record and geological evidence.

Haloalkanes

• The general formula for haloalkanes is CnH2n+1X, where X represents a halogen.
• Haloalkanes are compounds derived from alkanes with one or more hydrogen atoms replaced by halogen atoms.

Ozone Layer and Haloalkanes

• Iodine is the halogen that is NOT considered a threat to the ozone layer in haloalkanes.
• Other halogens, like chlorine and bromine, significantly contribute to ozone depletion.

Commercial Use of Haloalkanes

• Haloalkanes are used in various applications, including as solvents, refrigerants, and in the synthesis of other chemicals.
• They also have roles in pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

Chloroethane Production

• Chloroethane was first produced in 1835.
• It can be synthesized through the reaction of ethylene with hydrochloric acid.

EPA Designation for Methyl Iodide

• Methyl iodide is designated as a probable human carcinogen by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• This classification emphasizes the potential health risks associated with exposure to this compound.

Test your knowledge of the unifying themes in biology including cells, genetics, evolution, and energy processing. Explore how these themes give coherence to the study of life and the diversity of organisms.