Biology 100 Final Exam Study Guide Questions with Verified Solutions

Biology 100 Final Exam Study Guide Questions with Verified Solutions **What does a scientific theory entail?** Scientific theories are robust explanations grounded in extensive evidence from observations and experiments, aiming to elucidate natural phenomena. **Arrange these in order of increasing complexity: Atom, Molecule, Organelle, Cell, Tissue, Organ, System, Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biosphere.** From simplest to most complex: Atom, Molecule, Organelle, Cell, Tissue, Organ, System, Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biosphere. **Define 'population' in biological terms.** In biology, a population refers to a group of organisms of the same species living in a specific geographic area. **Explain 'homeostasis'.** Homeostasis is the biological process through which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations. **What constitutes a 'tissue' in biological contexts?** A tissue is a collection of specialized cells with similar structures and functions, working together to perform specific roles within an organism. **Where is genetic information stored in living organisms?** Genetic information in living organisms is encoded in DNA molecules, passed down from parents to offspring. **Identify the fundamental subatomic particles of an atom.** Atoms consist of three primary subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. **Which subatomic particle exerts the most influence in chemical reactions?** Electrons are the pivotal subatomic particles involved in chemical reactions due to their role in determining how atoms interact with one another. **What drives atoms to form chemical bonds with other atoms?** Atoms bond with one another to attain a more stable electron configuration in their outermost shells, either by sharing or transferring electrons. **Define a 'hydrophobic molecule'.** A hydrophobic molecule is one that repels water or is incapable of dissolving in it. **How many covalent bonds can oxygen form with hydrogen?** Oxygen atoms can form up to two covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms. **Distinguish between 'solute' and 'solvent'.** A solute is a substance that dissolves in a solvent, whereas a solvent is the medium in which solutes dissolve. **Define an 'acid' based on its hydrogen characteristics.** Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water, thereby reducing the pH of the solution. **Explain what glycogen is.** Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate stored primarily in the liver and muscles of animals as an energy reserve. **Define a 'polysaccharide'.** A polysaccharide is a complex carbohydrate composed of multiple sugar molecules bonded together. **What characterizes a 'phospholipid'?** A phospholipid is a lipid molecule featuring a glycerol backbone, two hydrophobic fatty acid tails, and a hydrophilic phosphate group head, crucial for forming cell membranes. **What are the main functions of proteins?** Proteins serve diverse roles including catalyzing biochemical reactions, providing structural support, transporting molecules, and serving as signals within cells. **What are proteins composed of?** Proteins are made up of amino acids, linked together in specific sequences according to the genetic information encoded in DNA. What is DNA made up of? nucleotides