LAB Material: Science as a Process
1. Outline and explain the scientific method.
2. Define dependent, independent and controlled variables.
3. Understand and interpret the 95% confidence interval.
Review of Chemistry and Macromolecules
1. Identify the four elements that make up 96% of living matter.
2.
Describe the structure of an atom.
3.
Explain how its electron configuration influences the chemical behavior of an
atom.
4.
Distinguish among nonpolar covalent, polar covalent, and ionic bonds.
5.
Describe the structure and geometry of a water molecule, and explain what
properties emerge as a result of this structure.
6. Explain the relationship between the polar nature of water and its ability to form
hydrogen bonds.
7.
Distinguish among a solute, a solvent, and a solution.
8.
Explain how the polarity of the water molecule makes it a versatile solvent.
9.
Distinguish between hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances.
10. Explain the basis for the pH scale.
11. Explain how acids and bases directly or indirectly affect the hydrogen ion
concentration of a solution.
12. Explain how carbon's electron configuration determines the kinds and numbers of
bonds that carbon will form.
13. Describe how carbon skeletons may vary, and explain how this variation
contributes to the diversity and complexity of organic molecules.
14. Distinguish among the three types of isomers: structural, geometric, and
enantiomer.
15. Name the major functional groups and describe the chemical properties of the
organic molecules in which they occur.
16. List and describe the four major classes of macromolecules, including
distinguishing characteristics, monomeric units and any descriptive information
that would be relevant.
17. Compare and be prepared to diagram condensation (dehydration) and hydrolysis.
18. Identify a glycosidic linkage and describe how it is formed.
19. Describe the structure and functions of carbohydrates.
20. Explain what distinguishes lipids from other major classes of macromolecules.
21. Describe the unique properties, building-block molecules, and biological
importance of the three important groups of lipids: fats, phospholipids, and
steroids.
22. Distinguish between a saturated and an unsaturated fat and list some unique
emergent properties that are a consequence of these structural differences.
23. Describe the characteristics that distinguish proteins from the other major classes
of macromolecules and explain the biologically important functions of this group.
24. List and describe the four major components of an amino acid. Explain how amino
acids may be grouped according to the physical and chemical properties of the side
chains.
25. Identify a peptide bond and explain how it is formed.
26. Distinguish between a polypeptide and a protein.
27. Explain what determines protein conformation and why it is important.
28. Describe the characteristics that distinguish nucleic acids from the other major
groups of macromolecules.
29. Summarize the functions of nucleic acids.
30. List the major components of a nucleotide, and describe how these monomers are
linked to form a nucleic acid.
31. What are the major differences between RNA and DNA?
32. Distinguish between a pyrimidine and a purine.
34.
Introduction to the Cell
1. Describe the principles, advantages, and limitations of the light microscope,
transmission electron microscope, and scanning electron microscope.
2. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
3. Describe the structure and function of the nucleus.
4. Describe the structure and function of a eukaryotic ribosome.
5. List the components of the endomembrane system, describe their structures and
functions, and summarize the relationships among them.
6. Describe the different structures and functions of vacuoles.
7. Describe the structure and function of a mitochondrion.
8. Describe the structure and function of a chloroplast.
9. Explain the role of peroxisomes in eukaryotic cells.
10. Describe the functions of the cytoskeleton.
11. Describe the structure, monomers, and functions of microtubules,
microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
12. Describe the organization of eukaryotic locomotor appendages and explain
how movement of these appendages occurs.