Define the term theory. Explain the cell

theory. 2

Explain the hypothesis called spontaneous generation and Louis Pasteur’s experiment that rejected the hypothesis. 2

Define the terms species and population.

Be able to provide examples of both. 4

Explain evolution by sequencing, describing, and

providing examples of: mutation, variation,

natural selection, adaptation, and speciation. 4

Explain artificial and natural selection.  Provide

examples of each process. 5

Sequence and describe levels of organization:

atom, molecule, organelle, cell, tissue, organ,

organ system, organism, population, species.

Explain Linnaean Taxonomy and his system

of binomial nomenclature.

What are the taxonomic groups in hierarchal

order from least inclusive to most inclusive?

What is meant by the term phylogeny? 7

Distinguish between eukaryotes and

prokaryotes. 7

What did Woese conclude about  rRNA sequences

and organisms? Use the “As x, then y formula. 8

What is the Tree of Life? How was it constructed?

What are some taxonomic misconceptions it has

 cleared up? 9

List and briefly describe the major characteristics of

 the six kingdoms of life. Consider: Archaebacteria,

 Eubacteria, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia. 10

Sequence, describe, and provide examples of the steps

of the scientific method. 11

What is the null hypothesis? Why do experiments

 have to be controlled? 13, 14

What is chemical evolution? 20

What is an element? Identify the chemical

elements important to living things. (CHNOPS)

22

Given variant forms of the same element, diagram

each form.  What are they called? For example,

 ¹²C, ¹³C, ¹⁴C. 22

Describe radioactive decay? Determine an

isotope’s half-life. 22

How are the parent and daughter isotopes used to

find the age of the earth? 22

Diagram atoms of the first 20 elements. Include:

symbol, atomic number, atomic weight and indicate

the correct number and placement of the neutrons,

protons, and electrons making up the atom. 24

Define the term orbital, and relate orbital to

energy shells. 24

Explain valence number and valence electrons and

relate this to the chemical properties of the atom. 24

Explain how the distribution of electrons in an

atom or ion determines the number and kinds of

chemical bonds that can be formed.25

How are nonpolar and polar covalent bonds

alike and how are they different? 25

Given various elements and their electro-

negativities, identify the type bonds that form

between their atoms.  Will the reaction be ionic

or covalent? 26

What is an ion?  How are cations and anions produced? 26

Describe the formation of a hydrogen bond. Why

are they important?

Represent molecules with molecular and

structural chemical formulas.  28

Determine molarity of solutions using

molecular weight. 28

Identify the reactants and products involved in a

chemical reaction. 30

Distinguish between organic and inorganic

compounds.  Provide examples of each.

What properties make carbon such a unique

element? 36, 34

Classify chemical reactions as synthesis,

decomposition or substitution. 

Define energy, emphasizing how it is related to

work and to heat. 30

Use examples to contrast potential energy and

kinetic energy. 30

Describe the first and second laws of thermodynamics.  Discuss the implications of these laws as they relate to organisms. 31

Define and use the terms: metabolism, free energy (G), and entropy (S).32

Distinguish between endergonic and exergonic chemical reactions, and describe how they are coupled. Do they release or require energy?  Compare energy level of the reactants to that of the products in each type of reaction. 33

What is lost or gained when a molecule is

oxidized or reduced?  Provide examples. 35

Identify electron acceptor and electron donor.

Identify the following functional groups and

their properties: OH, COOH, NH₃, PO₄. 38

Diagram several water molecules and identify

their polar covalent and hydrogen bonds.39

Define the following terms: solution, solvent,

and solute.39

Explain water’s polarity, high specific heat, high

heat of vaporization, cohesion, surface tension,

and adhesion properties. 39, 40, 41

What criteria are used to classify solutions as

acid or bases? 41

Given the hydrogen or hydroxide ion concentration

find the other. 42

Use the pH scale to describe hydrogen ion

concentration. 

What are buffers and what is their biological

significance? 

Provide specific examples of buffers functioning

in living things.