Chemistry Basics and the Scientific Method

Scientific Method

• List the steps of the Scientific Method.
• Apply the Scientific Method to an experimental situation.
• Define independent and dependent variables in an experiment.

Chemistry Basics

• Define CHON and the most abundant element in living things.
• Identify the element all organic molecules contain.
• State the charge (and mass) of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons for an element given the periodic table.
• Explain how valence electrons are assigned.
• Differentiate between stable and unstable atoms/elements.
• Define an isotope.
• Differentiate between a molecule and a compound.
• Identify molecules and compounds given a formula.
• Define an isomer (refer to Chapter 3).
• Explain ionic and covalent bonding.
• Explain electron gain and loss.
• Explain electron sharing (equal/unequal).
• Define hydrogen bonding, its properties (e.g., heat capacity, evaporation), and its importance.

Properties of Water

• Explain hydrogen bonding in water.
• Describe the properties of water (e.g., high heat capacity, high heat of vaporization, good solvent).
• Explain water's role in adhesion, cohesion, and transport in plants.
• Define acidic pH, basic pH, and neutral pH.
• Describe how pH is maintained.

Organic Molecules

• Explain how organic molecules are formed and broken down.
• Identify elements of each biomolecule.
• Describe the monomers (building blocks) for each.
• Describe the polymers for each class of biomolecules.
• List examples of each biomolecule.
• Describe the functions of each biomolecule.
• Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated lipids.
• Explain the different levels of protein organization (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary).

Biochemistry

• List (and define) the properties of enzymes.
• Explain how enzymes bind to substrates.
• Identify factors affecting enzyme function.
• Discuss differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and their organelles.
• Describe the structure and function of the plasma membrane.
• Explain the movement of molecules across the plasma membrane.
• Describe diffusion and osmosis.
• Explain hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solutions.
• Discuss kinetic and potential energy.
• Explain the laws of thermodynamics.
• Define photosynthesis; its reactants and products and locations.
• Elaborate on the process of cellular respiration.
• Detail the stages of cellular respiration (reactants, products, location, ATP production).

Cellular Biology & Genetics

• Explain biotechnology, its basic steps, and its applications.
• Describe restriction enzymes and PCR.
• Describe plasmids.
• Describe CRISPR.
• Explain the concerns regarding GMOs (genetically modified organisms).
• Explain how to read a DNA gel picture.
• Describe the cell cycle (interphase and mitosis), including apoptosis.
• Differentiate between benign and malignant tumors.
• Define haploid/diploid, and the chromosome numbers.
• Describe homologous chromosomes.
• Describe meiosis, including synapsis, crossing over, and the laws of independent assortment and segregation.
• Explain nondisjunction and related disorders.
• Define P1, F1, and F2 generations.
• Describe genotype/phenotype, dominant/recessive traits, and genetic disorders.
• Describe the process of transcription (DNA to mRNA).
• Explain the process of translation including ribosome sites.
• Describe the pathway for protein synthesis (mRNA, nuclear pore, ribosomes, release).