BIOLOGY STAAR REVIEW PACKET
Reading, Understanding and Critiquing models
A scientific model seeks to represent empirical objects, phenomena, and physical processes in a logical and objective
way. All models are simplified reflections of reality, however, while useful they will always have flaws.
Complete and true representations are impossible since they are designed to show a particular function, process,
structure or the like. The most common flaws have to do with size. However other flaws are often due to lack of detail.
When attempting to understand a model you must first decide what topic the model is discussing. For example if you
saw a model of an atom, you would know that it was not showing you information about a solar system. Look at the title
and the labels on the model to help with this.
Second, remember that when you are observing a model it is has a specific purpose. It is important to discern what that
purpose of the model is so that you can appropriately draw conclusions from the model. For example, if the model of an
atom is not moving and is labeled with the parts of the atom it is likely showing you structure and not how the atom
moves.
Next you should discern what flaws there are in the model. Decide if the model is to scale (all parts are correctly sized in
comparison to each other). Is it actual size (all of pieces are the same size as they are in real life)? Are the parts the
correct shape, color, texture and so forth. Does the model correctly depict any processes.
Passive/Active Transport
Homeostasis-Process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable
internal environment. Constant internal condition. Regulates what is in and
out of the cell.
Cell membrane-Also called Plasma Membrane or Phospholipid Bilayer.
Regulates what enters and leaves the cell. Also protects and supports it.
Made of phospholipids.
Phospholipid
Cell Membrane
Membrane Functions
Passive transport
Diffusion-Where particles pass through a membrane fro a high to low
concentration gradient. No energy required.
Osmosis-A type of diffusion that is only associated with WATER. High to
low concentration gradient. No energy required
A. Isotonic-Water particles are balanced on the inside of the cell as well
as the outside.
B. Hypertonic-There is more water in the cell that outside of the cell so
the cell shrinks. EX. 90% in the cell and 10% outside. Remember
water in the body will balance out.
C. Hypotonic-There is more water on the outside of the cell than inside.
So the cell will swell and possibly burst. Hypo sounds like HIPPO.
Hippos are FAT!!!!!
EX. 10% water in cell and 90% water outside. Remember that water
will balance out.
Facilitated Diffusion-Type of diffusion where large molecule cannot diffuse
across the phospholipids. Molecules have to pass through the protein
channels. High to low concentration. DOES NOT REQUIRE ENERGY!!!!!!
Active Transport - DIFFERENT than the other types of diffusion. LOW to
HIGH CONCENTRATION. This process requires the cell to transport
material in the opposite direction. Usually requires the protein channels.
PROCESS REQUIRES ENERGY!!!!! Very important to know this!!!!
Diffusion/Osmosis
Active Transport
Facilitated Diffusion
Other information about cells
Pinocytosis- Process by which a cell takes in liquid from the surrounding
environment- CELL DRINKING
Phagocytosis- Process by which extensions of cytoplasm surround and
engulf large particles and take them into the cell. CELL EATING
Endocytosis- Process by which a cell takes material into the cell by folding
of the cell membrane.
Exocytosis- Process by which a cell releases large amounts of material.
EXO sounds like exit. Go to the bathroom!
TEKS 5B: Examine specialized cells, including roots, stems, and leaves of plants; and animal cells such as blood,
muscle, and epithelium (ANALYZE)
Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. They also carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs. The blood does
not have a nucleus. Blood cells do not have many mitochondria. The do not need very much energy (ATP) to carry out
their function. White blood cells are also known as leukocytes. They help the body fight infection.
Red blood cells
Blood vessel
White blood cells
Plasma (blood component)
.
platelets
Muscle Cells
1. Skeletal muscles are for movement. They are usually attached to bones. Skeletal muscles are voluntary. That means
we are in control of moving them. They also use a lot of ATP or energy.
2. Smooth muscles cells are involuntary; we do not control them. Stomach cells, blood vessels, and intestinal cells
contain smooth muscle. These cells also have a lot of mitochondria.
3. Cardiac cells are found only in the heart. The heart is a muscle and it never stops beating until you die or it is induced
to stop. The heart functions involuntarily, meaning we do not have control over it. It also uses a lot of mitochondria.
Skeletal
Smooth
Cardiac
Characteristics
Archaebacteria
Prokaryotic or
Eukaryotic
Cells
Prokaryotic
Eubacteria
Fungi
Plantae
Animalia
Prokaryotic
Eukaryotic
Eukaryotic
Eukaryotic
Eukaryotic
Has a Nucleus
Has a Nucleus
Has a Nucleus
Has a Nucleus
Can be both
Multicellular
and singlecellular
Can be both
Multicellular
and singlecellular
Multi-Cellular
Multi-Cellular
Autotroph(algae)
Heterotroph
(protozoa)
Heterotroph
Autotroph
Heterotroph
asexual /
sexual
asexual /
sexual
asexual /
sexual
Has a nucleus
in cells?
NO Nucleus
NO Nucleus
Single-celled
or Multicellular
Single-Celled
Single-Celled
Chemotroph
Autotroph
Chemotroph
Heterotroph
Method for
Obtaining
Energy
Protista
Type of
Reproduction
asexual
asexual
asexual / sexual
Method of
Movement
flagella
flagella
cilia, flagella,
pseudopods
immobile
Examples
methanogens
E Coli
Cyanobacteria
Streptococcus
Amobea,
Paramecium,
Euglena, algae
Shelf fungus
Mushrooms
Puffballs
Yeast
immobile
Ferns, mosses,
conifers,
flowering
plants, grasses
mobile
(various)
Sponges,
jellyfish,
insects, coral,
Slugs, retiles,
mammals
Terms to be familiar with when distinguishing between the 6 Kingdoms of Life.
Prokaryote – A cell that does not contain a true nucleus. The cell contains DNA; however, the DNA is not
encapsulated within a nucleus. Simple cell, less complex, does not have membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryote – A cell that contains a true nucleus. The cell contains DNA within a nucleus. Larger cell, more
complex, has membrane-bound organelles.
Heterotroph – used to explain an organism that consumes its energy. These organisms cannot make their
own food and do not have organelles to do so.
Autotroph – An organism that synthesizes its energy within the cell itself. The organism can do this by using
sunlight or chemicals. Both are considered inorganic. Examples: Photoautotroph or Chemoautotroph. Plants
have chloroplasts that aid in photosynthesis
Cell Wall – An extra layer that surrounds the Cell Membrane. Can be composed of Cellulose (a carbohydrate
found in plant cell walls) or Chitin (a carbohydrate found in Fungal Cell Walls). Bacterial Cell Walls can also
have different layers as well.
Flagella – a long whip-like tail attached to a cell that is used for mobility.
Cilia – many tiny little hairs that surround the cell and are also used for mobility.