BIOL 160 Midterm Exam Study Guide
My suggestion: Study the lecture notes thoroughly!!! Let me know if you have questions or difficulty
understanding any of the topics. Use practice problems in the book and the cd to test your knowledge. The
test will be 75 multiple choice questions, two points each, for a total of 150 points. It will cover chapters 17 and labs 1-4.
**Be sure to review your ALEs!!
Lecture 1: Scientific Method
1. Use the following terms to describe the general steps in the Scientific Method: Observation 
Scientific Question (definable, controllable, testable, measurable)  hypothesis  Prediction 
Test via controlled experiments (independent variable, dependent variable(s), controlled variables)
or pertinent observations  conclusion(s) Control group vs. experimental group
2. Define and differentiate between the following: Scientific Law (as discussed in class), hypothesis,
the layperson’s usage of theory, Scientific Theory .
Lecture 2: Introduction to Life and Basic Chemistry
3.
4.
List and describe the 7 characteristics of living things.
Define and differentiate among the following levels within the hierarchy of life: Biosphere 
Ecosystem  Community  Population  Multicellular organism  Organ system  Organ 
Tissue  Cell  Organelle  Biological molecules  Atoms
5. Describe the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
6. Explain how evolution can explain life’s diversity.
7. Define adaptation and describe how adaptations can be “chosen” by an organism’s environment
through the process of natural selection.
8. Differentiate among elements, atoms, molecules and ions and give examples of each.
9. Describe the basic structure of all atoms, using the terms protons, electrons and neutrons.
10. Explain how gold and copper atoms can be different from each other when they are both made
from protons, neutrons and electrons.
11. Compare and contrast covalent bonds, hydrogen bonds and ionic bonds and give examples of
each.
12. Describe the molecular structure of a water molecule.
13. List the properties of water that make it so critical for life.
14. List and describe the four main types of biological molecules that are found in all living things:
Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids
15. List the monomers and major functions for each four main types of biological molecules, above.
16. Describe the four levels of protein structure.
17. Describe how the structure of a protein is related to its function.
18. Describe some of the diverse functions of lipids.
19. Describe where you would most likely find phospholipids in your body.
20. Describe the basic function of Nucleic acids.
21. Differentiate between nucleotides and nucleic acids.
22. Differentiate between DNA and RNA.
Lecture 3: Cells
23. List and describe the three fundamental parts of a eukaryotic cell: plasma membrane, nucleus,
cytoplasm.
24. List the major organelles found in cells and discuss their functions
25. Compare and contrast animal and plant cells.
26. Trace the route taken by a protein as it moves to its home in the plasma membrane from the
organelles involved in its production.
27. define osmosis, diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport, hypertonic, hypotonic, isotonic
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28. Understand the principles governing the movement of solutes and water across semi-permeable
membranes.
Lecture 4: Photosynthesis and Respiration
***ALE 3 is especially helpful for studying this section
29. Why is ATP an important molecule? What is its structure?
30. What are enzymes and how do they work?
31. Photosynthesis
a. where does it occur
b. definition
c. reactants, products
d. basic steps of the light reactions and Calvin cycle
32. Cellular respiration
a. where does it occur
b. definition
c. 3 steps of aerobic respiration
d. anaerobic respiration – 2 steps
Discussion #1: diet/nutrition
1. what kinds of carbohydrates are best to consume and why?
2. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats?
3. What are the sources of Omega-3 fatty acids?
4. What are antioxidants and give some examples of foods that contain them
5. What are free radicals and how do our bodies combat them?
6. How do we create a calorie deficit in order to lose weight?
Global Warming discussion
1. What is the greenhouse effect and how does it cause global warming?
2. What are the expected consequences of global warming?
3. Why can’t many trees accomplish photosynthesis when it gets too hot or dry?
Lab 2: Enzymes
1. Understand the role of amylase in our mouths
2. Understand all conclusions of the lab
Lab 4: Microscopy
1. Study all prelab and inlab questions/answers, regarding the basics of microscopy.
2. Know the steps for how to properly focus a microscope
3. Define resolution, magnification
Lab 5: Cell structure and function
1. Fully understand what happens to plant cells and blood cells when placed in
hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic environments.
2. Review the answers to all prelab and inlab questions
Lab 3: Diffusion
1. Review all in-lab questions/answers
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