Exam I Study: Principles of Science

Principles of Science

• Science relies on empirical evidence and logical reasoning.
• The quest for knowledge involves observation, experimentation, and validation.
• It seeks to understand natural phenomena and develop theories.

Falsifiability

• A principle that states a hypothesis must be testable and potentially disprovable.
• Essential for distinguishing scientific claims from non-scientific ones.
• Fundamental to the growth of scientific knowledge.

The Scientific Method

• A systematic approach to inquiry involving observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and conclusion.
• Aims to minimize bias and ensure repeatability of results.
• Involves iterative processes and peer review.

The Reproducibility Crisis

• A significant issue where many scientific studies cannot be replicated or reproduced.
• Raises concerns about reliability and validity of scientific findings.
• Emphasizes the need for transparency and rigorous methodology.

Scientific Theories

• Comprehensive explanations based on a body of evidence, unifying various hypotheses.
• Examples include the theory of evolution and germ theory.
• Requires substantial data support and peer acceptance.

Scientific Literature

• Refers to published research articles, journals, and books in the scientific community.
• Critical for sharing findings, reviewing, and building upon existing knowledge.
• Peer review ensures quality and credibility of published work.

Basic Physics

• The study of matter, energy, and the fundamental forces of nature.
• Covers key principles such as motion, force, energy conservation, and thermodynamics.
• Provides foundational understanding for other scientific disciplines.

First Law of Thermodynamics

• States that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.
• Principle of conservation of energy governs all physical processes.
• Fundamental in understanding energy flow in systems.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

• States that entropy, or disorder, in an isolated system always increases over time.
• Explains the direction of energy transfer and the efficiency of engines.
• Introduces concepts of irreversible processes and thermodynamic equilibrium.

Basics of Chemistry

• The study of matter, its properties, compositions, and reactions.
• Essential concepts include atomic structure, chemical bonds, and molecular interactions.
• Intersects with biology, physics, and environmental science.

Bonding

• Types include ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds impacting compound properties.
• Covalent bonds involve sharing of electrons, while ionic bonds involve transfer.
• Chemical bonding determines stability, reactivity, and phase of substances.

Carbon

• A versatile element, fundamental to organic chemistry and life.
• Able to form stable covalent bonds with various elements, including itself.
• Exists in various forms, such as graphite and diamond.

Isotopes

• Variants of elements with the same number of protons but different neutron counts.
• Stable isotopes are non-radioactive, while unstable isotopes decay over time.
• Useful in dating and tracing chemical processes in biology and environmental science.

Carbon Isotopes and C-14 Dating

• Carbon has stable isotopes and one radioactive isotope, Carbon-14.
• C-14 dating measures the age of organic materials by assessing decay rates.
• Widely used in archaeology and geology for dating artifacts and fossils.

Water

• A polar molecule crucial for life, with unique properties including high specific heat and solvent capabilities.
• Involved in biochemical reactions, nutrient transport, and temperature regulation.
• Essential for cellular processes and biological systems.

Biomolecules

• Include macromolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Essential for cellular structure, function, and regulation of metabolic processes.
• Formed from smaller units (monomers) that combine to create larger structures (polymers).

Carbohydrates

• Organic compounds made primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
• Serve as energy sources and structural components in cells (e.g., cellulose, glycogen).
• Classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Lipids

• Diverse group of hydrophobic molecules, including fats, oils, and phospholipids.
• Serve as energy storage, membrane formation, and signaling molecules.
• Important for maintaining cellular integrity and producing hormones.

Proteins

• Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, folding into specific structures.
• Functions include catalyzing reactions (enzymes), signaling, and structural roles.
• Diversity in function relates directly to the sequence and structure of amino acids.

Protein Basics

• Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures contribute to protein function.
• Denaturation can affect protein activity and stability, altering their functions.
• Proteins are vital for virtually every biological process.

Nucleic Acids

• Include DNA and RNA, which are essential for storing and transmitting genetic information.
• DNA's double helix structure encodes the instructions for life.
• RNA plays a role in protein synthesis and gene expression regulation.

Cell Theory

• Fundamental principle stating all living organisms are comprised of cells.
• Cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
• Supports the understanding of biology and the organization of living systems.

Prokaryotic Cell

• Simple, unicellular organisms without a nucleus (e.g., bacteria).
• Have a cell membrane, genetic material, and ribosomes but lack membrane-bound organelles.
• Reproduce asexually through binary fission.

Eukaryotic Cells

• Complex cells with membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus.
• Present in multicellular organisms (plants, animals, fungi) and some unicellular organisms (protists).
• Exhibit compartmentalization, allowing for specialized functions.

Organelles

• Specialized structures within a cell, each performing distinct functions.
• Examples include mitochondria (energy production), Golgi apparatus (transporting proteins), and lysosomes (waste digestion).
• Enable efficient cellular activities and homeostasis.

Cell Membrane

• Semi-permeable barrier composed of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins.
• Regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• Plays critical roles in communication and signaling between cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

• A network of membranes involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
• Rough ER has ribosomes for protein synthesis; Smooth ER is involved in lipid metabolism.
• Essential for proper folding and modification of proteins before secretion.

Ribosomes and the Site of Protein Synthesis

• Ribosomes are molecular machines that translate mRNA into proteins.
• Found in cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
• Composed of rRNA and proteins, facilitating the assembly of amino acids into polypeptides.

Prepare for Exam I with this comprehensive quiz on the Principles of Science. Covering topics such as the scientific method, thermodynamics, and basic physics, this quiz will help reinforce your understanding of essential scientific concepts. Test your knowledge and get ready for your exam!