Chapter 1
1. Briefly describe unifying themes that pervade the science of biology.
2.
Diagram the hierarchy of structural levels in biology.
3. Explain how the properties of life emerge from complex organization.
4. Describe seven emergent properties associated with life.
5. Distinguish between holism and reductionism.
6. Explain how technological breakthroughs contributed to the
formulation of the
cell theory and our current knowledge of the cell.
7. Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
8. Explain, in your own words, what is meant by "form fits
function."
9. List the five kingdoms of life and distinguish among them.
10. Briefly describe how Charles Darwin's ideas contributed to the
conceptual
framework of biology.
11. Outline the scientific method.
12. Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning.
13. Explain how science and technology
are interdependent.
Chapter
2
1. Define element and compound.
2. State four elements essential to life that make up 96% of living matter.
3. Describe the structure of an atom.
4. Define and distinguish among atomic number, mass number, atomic weight, and
valence.
5. Given the atomic number and mass number of an atom, determine the number of
neutrons.
6. Explain why radioisotopes are important to biologists.
7. Explain how electron configuration influences the chemical behavior of an
atom.
8. Explain the octet rule and predict how many bonds an atom might form.
9. Explain why the noble gases are so unreactive.
10. Define electronegativity and explain how it influences the formation of
chemical bonds.
11. Distinguish among nonpolar covalent, polar covalent and ionic bonds.
12. Describe the formation of a hydrogen bond and explain how it differs from a
covalent or ionic bond.
13. Explain why weak bonds are important to living organisms.
14. Describe how the relative concentrations of reactants and products affect a
chemical reaction.
Chapter
3
1. Describe how water contributes to the fitness of the environment to support
life.
2. Describe the structure and geometry of a water molecule, and explain what
properties emerge as a result of
this structure.
3. Explain the relationship between the polar nature of water and its ability to
form hydrogen bonds.
4. List five characteristics of water that are emergent properties resulting
from hydrogen bonding.
5. Describe the biological significance of the cohesiveness of water.
6. Distinguish between heat and temperature.
7. Explain how water's high specific heat, high heat of vaporization and
expansion upon freezing affect both
aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
8. Explain how the polarity of the water molecule makes it a versatile solvent.
9. Define molarity and list some advantages of measuring substances in moles.
10. Write the equation for the dissociation of water, and explain what is
actually transferred from one molecule
to another.
11. Explain the basis for the pH scale.
12. Explain how acids and bases directly or indirectly affect the hydrogen ion
concentration of a solution.
13. Using the bicarbonate buffer system as an example, explain how buffers work.