Biology A: Unit 1 Test Review
1. Define hypothesis, theory and law.
Hypothesis: A proposed explanation of observations based on previous knowledge
Theory: A collection of supported hypotheses based on scientific data and evidence
Law: An explanation of a broad set of ideas based on scientific data and evidence under specific conditions
2. What are steps of the scientific method? Write them in order.
Step 1: Make an observation about the natural world
Step 2: Form a hypothesis to explain your observation based on previous knowledge
Step 3: Design and conduct a controlled experiment to test your hypothesis
Step 4: Collect data and observations from your experiment
Step 5: Analyze and interpret the data from your experiment
Step 6: Draw conclusions based on your data and observations collected
Step 7: If data does not support your hypothesis, modify your hypothesis and/or experimental procedure
3. Explain the difference between Independent and Dependent variables.
Independent Variable: The variable that is manipulated and altered within the experiment
Dependent Variable: The variable that is being measured and recorded with your data
4. Provide an example of an Independent and Dependent variable.
During an experiment, the variable that is being changed will be considered the independent. For example, if
you were to change the amount of sunlight a plant receives the amount of water, or the type of soil. Later
during this same experiment, you would need to measure the dependent variable. For example, you could
measure the growth of the plants by measuring the height, width, or counting the number of leaves that grew.
5. What is a controlled experiment?
A controlled experiment is an experiment in which only one variable is being manipulated or changed at a time
a. How many variables are changed during a controlled experiment
Only one variable at a time 
6. List and explain the eight (8) characteristics of life.
1: All forms of life have a genetic code (DNA / RNA)
2: All forms of life grow and develop
3: All forms of life respond to stimuli
4: All forms of life are composed of one or more cells
5: All forms of life reproduce through sexual or asexual means
6: All forms of life maintain a stable internal set of conditions through homeostasis
7: All forms of life require and use energy and materials
8: All forms of life evolve over time
7. What are the 6 common elements found in living things? *hint* what’s the acronym?
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
or just remember PONCHOS!
Nitrogen
Phosphorous
Sulfur
8. Fill in the following chart. What are the 3 subatomic particles? What is the charge of each? Where are they
located?
Sub-atomic particle
Protons
Neutrons
Electrons
Charge
Location
Nucleus of atom
Nucleus of atom
Electron cloud outside nucleus
of atom
Positive
Neutral
Negative
9. Define the following terms:
a. Element – A pure subsance that is composed of only one element from the periodic table
b. Compound – A combination of two or more elements from the periodic table
c. Ionic Bond – Electron interaction between two atoms in which electrons are “taken” or “given” away
d. Covalent Bond – Electron interaction between two atoms in which elecrons are “shared”
10. Identify if the following are Elements or Compounds:
a. Au
E
e. Pb
E
b. CH4
C
f. H2O
C
c. KNO3 C
g. CuSO4
C
d. Hg
E
h. CO2
C
i.
j.
k.
l.
H2
CaCO3
O2
C6H12O6
E
C
E
C
11. Explain and give an example for the following properties of water in your own words:
a. Cohesion – The tendency of molecules to “stick” to similar molecules; water sticking to water
b. Adhesion – The tendency of molecules to “stick” to different molecules; water sticking to a glass
c. Surface tension – The force created by water molecules between the surface of water and the air above
12. Fill in the blank with the term that describes the following pH ranges (Acid/Base/Neutral)
a. pH 8.5 Base
d. pH 4.2
Acid
g. pH 3.8
Acid
b. pH 2.1 Acid
e. pH 10.6
Base
h. pH 11.4
Base
c. pH 12.7 Base
f. pH 7.0
Neutral
i. pH 6.3
Acid
13. List some examples of household items that are considered acidic or basic
Acids – Lemon juice, soda/pop, vinegar
Base – Ammonia cleaner, baking soda, soap
14. Why is carbon important to living things?
a. Characteristic 1 Carbon has four bonds
b. Characteristic 2 Carbon can form ring (circular) structures
c. Characteristic 3 Carbon can form long chains (Carbon-to-carbon-to-carbon-to-carbon…)
15. Fill out the macromolecule graphic organizer on the next page.
Macromolecules
Common Name(s)
Function(s)
Sources
Carbohydrate
Sugar, starch, fiber
Short term energy
Sweets, breads, pasta
Fat & Oil
Long term energy
storage, cell
membrane structure
Butter, animal fat, oils
Protein
Protein
Cell membrane
structure, cell
support, chemical
reactions
Meats, beans
(legumes), nuts
Nucleic Acid
DNA, RNA
Stores genetic
information
Inside cell (nucleus)
Lipid