Study Guide
Biology 3A, Unit 1

1. Be able to list and detail the seven characteristics of life.
2. Know each of the terms associated with chapter 1 - not only should you be able to define them, but you should also understand how each of the terms and concepts relate to each other - this was the point of the Concept Map you did in class.
3. Know the levels of organization for living things, from the atomic level to the global level.
4. Define and explain the three principles that govern science.
5. List the steps of the scientific method and be able to apply them to real world situations.
6. Identify the controls and variables in an experiment.
7. Define and explain what a theory is, its uses and limitations within the context of scientific study
8. Explain the methodology of Critical Thinking - FiLCHeRS (see "A Field Guide to Critical Thinking")
9. Know the parts of the microscope and the operation of a microscope (see Microscope lab)
10. Describe the properties of elements and compounds with regard to living systems
11. Explain bonding patterns among elements (covalent, hydrogen, ionic) and why they are important
12. Define/Describe compounds related to living structures (lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids)
13. Describe enzyme function. (substrate, indicator, competitive & noncompetitive inhibition)

Sample Essays

Enzyme (A) is placed with a substrate (B) and allowed to react for a period of time. The reaction is stopped at timed internals by added concentrated HCl. After stopping the reaction, the amount of substrate (B) in the test tube was titrated with an indicator substance (C). The experiment was repeated under three different circumstances. The following results were obtained.

A) Explain which of the letters represent: potassium permanganate, catalase, H2O2
B) Write the reaction that is occurring in the test tubes.
C) Determine which of the tubes was in which temperature: 0, 10, 18, 34 degrees celsius and defend your reasoning
D) How would you expect the results to change if you allow the experiment to continue overnight.
E) What could be done to increase the rate of reaction in this experiment?

After an enzyme is mixed with its substrate, the amount of product formed is determined at 10-second intervals for 1 minute. Data from this experiment are shown below.

Draw a graph of these data and answer the following questions.
a. What is the initial rate of this enzymatic reaction?
b. What is the rate after 50 seconds? Why is it different from the initial rate?
c. What would be the effect on product formation if the enzyme were heated to a temperature of 100 C for 10 minutes before repeating the experiment? Why?
d. How might altering the substrate concentration affect the rate of the reaction? Why?
e. How might altering the pH affect the rate of reaction? Why?

Test Format
Multiple Choice covering vocabulary and understanding of the terms and concepts (50 questions)
Essay: Written analysis of a scientific problem or concept
Readings - Chapter 1 , Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, "A Field Guide to Critical Thinking"