BSC 2085 Exam 1 Review Study Guide

Exam Overview

• First exam scheduled for Friday, 9/20; emphasis on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts
• Application of knowledge is crucial in anatomy and physiology

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Auscultation, Palpation, Percussion: Techniques used in physical examination
• Hierarchy of Biological Organization:
  • Order: Atoms → Molecules → Cells → Tissues → Organs → Organ Systems → Organism
• Major Sectional Planes:
  • Sagittal Plane: Divides body into left and right
• Body Cavities: Understand the contents of major cavities (e.g., thoracic, abdominal, pelvic)

Directional Terminology

• Directional Terms:
  • Superior: Above (e.g., head is superior to abdomen)
  • Inferior: Below
  • Proximal: Closer to trunk
  • Distal: Further from trunk

Feedback Mechanisms and Homeostasis

• Positive Feedback Loops: Amplify responses (e.g., childbirth)
• Negative Feedback Loops: Maintain stability (e.g., temperature regulation)
• Homeostasis: The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions

Cellular Processes

• Simplest Units of Life: Cells
• Diffusion & Osmosis: Movement of substances across membranes driven by concentration gradients
• Hydrophobic vs. Hydrophilic Molecules: Understand chemical properties related to water solubility
• Tonicity:
  • Hypertonic: Higher solute concentration outside the cell
  • Hypotonic: Lower solute concentration outside the cell
  • Isotonic: Equal solute concentration

Chemical and Biological Principles

• Subatomic Particles: Can be calculated using atomic number and mass number
• Cations vs. Anions:
  • Cation: Positively charged ion
  • Anion: Negatively charged ion
• pH Scale: Determines acidity/basicity based on [H+] concentration
• Buffers: Substances that maintain pH stability

Macromolecules and Cell Structures

• Four Major Classes of Macromolecules: Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
• Transmembrane Proteins: Located across the plasma membrane, involved in transport
• Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis
• Endocytosis Types:
  • Phagocytosis: "Cell eating"
  • Pinocytosis: "Cell drinking"

Nucleic Acids and Genetics

• DNA vs. RNA: Understand their structural differences and functions
• Complementary Base Pairing: A-T, C-G; essential for DNA replication and transcription
• Codons: Triplet sequences in mRNA that correspond to amino acids
• Karyotype: Visual representation of an individual's chromosomes; can determine sex

Cellular Division and Genetic Variability

• Mitosis: Produces diploid cells; stages include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
• Meiosis: Produces haploid cells; includes crossing over during synapsis for genetic diversity
• Chromosome Structure: Chromatin wraps around histones to form nucleosomes

Study Techniques

• Understand the cell cycle phases: interphase, mitosis
• Alleles: Variants of a gene that determine traits
• Practice deducing complementary DNA/RNA strands from templates

Additional Notes

• Be familiar with chemical reaction factors; understand decomposition vs. synthesis reactions
• Review intracellular vs. extracellular compartments and their significance in cellular functions

Good luck studying, and reach out with any questions!

Prepare effectively for your first exam in BSC 2085 with this comprehensive study guide. Focus on understanding key concepts and their applications in anatomy and physiology, rather than rote memorization. Diving into topics like proximal and distal will enhance your grasp of the material.