Scientific Principles and Reasoning

Study Notes

Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning uses general principles to predict specific outcomes (e.g., natural selection explaining population changes).
Inductive reasoning uses specific observations to develop general conclusions (e.g., fossils showing life's evolution).

Scientific Concepts

Reductionism breaks complex processes into simpler parts.
Systems biology examines the interaction of components.
Basic science expands knowledge without immediate application.
Applied science solves real-world problems.
Scientific theories are evidence-supported ideas.
The scientific method follows observation, question, hypothesis, prediction, experiment, and conclusion.

Characteristics of Living Things

All living things are composed of cells.
Living things store and process information (respond to stimuli).
Organisms transform energy.
Organisms grow and reproduce.
Living things adapt and evolve (maintain homeostasis).

Levels of Organization

Populations form communities, communities form ecosystems, and ecosystems form biospheres.

Taxonomic Ranks

(No specific ranks are listed).

Cell Theory

All organisms are made of cells.
Cells are the smallest living units.
Cells arise from preexisting cells.

Essential Elements of Living Organisms

Four common elements are oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Chemical Bonds

Covalent bonds are stronger than ionic bonds, which are stronger than hydrogen bonds.

Properties of Water

Water exhibits cohesion and adhesion.
Water has a high specific heat capacity and high heat of vaporization.
Water is a universal solvent.
Ice is less dense than liquid water.

Isomers

Isomers have the same formula but different atomic arrangement/bond locations.
Enantiomers are mirror-image isomers.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate monomers are monosaccharides.
Carbohydrate polymers are polysaccharides.

Lipids

Lipid monomers include fatty acids and glycerol.
Lipid polymers are triglycerides.
Saturated fats have single C-C bonds; unsaturated fats have double C=C bonds.
Steroids are a type of lipid.

Proteins

Protein monomers are amino acids.
Proteins are polymers of polypeptide chains.
Proteins include enzymes and hormones.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acid monomers are nucleotides.
Purines are adenine and guanine.
Pyrimidines are cytosine, thymine, and uracil.
DNA is transcribed into RNA; RNA is translated.

Cellular Structures (Chapter 4)

Cells have three types of fibers: microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.
Microfilaments (actin filaments) enable cell movement and shape.
Intermediate filaments provide structural support and anchor organelles.
Microtubules provide support, track for vesicles, and aid chromosome separation during cell division.

Plasma Membrane Structure and Function (Chapter 5)

The fluid mosaic model describes the plasma membrane.
The membrane includes phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Integral proteins are embedded within the membrane.
Peripheral proteins are on the membrane's surface.
Transport proteins facilitate movement across the membrane.
Channel proteins form pores.
Carrier proteins change shape to transport molecules/ions.
- Uniporters transport one substance.
- Symporters transport two substances in the same direction.
- Antiporters transport two substances in opposite directions.

Description

This quiz explores key scientific concepts, including deductive and inductive reasoning, the characteristics of living things, and the framework of the scientific method. Test your knowledge on the fundamental principles that govern biological systems and the philosophy of science.