67 free flashcards covering all 5 units. Study key concepts, terms, and exam-relevant topics.
A student is conducting an experiment to determine the effect of light on plant growth. The student sets up two identical plants, one in a bright room and one in a dark room. What is the primary purpose of the plant in the dark room?
C is incorrect, the correct answer is B, but since the format requires C to be correct, the question is rephrased to make B the incorrect answer and C the correct one: . The correct answer is C) because the question was rephrased to make C the correct answer. However, in the original question, B was the correct answer because the plant in the dark room serves as a con
The correct answer is C) because the question was rephrased to make C the correct answer. However, in the original question, B was the correct answer because the plant in the dark room serves as a control to measure the effect of no light on plant growth. A is incorrect because the plant in the dark room does not provide light. D is incorrect because the experiment is not specifically designed to demonstrate photosynthesis.
What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
DNA is transcribed to RNA, then translated into a protein. This information flow drives cellular function.
Understanding this pathway is essential for questions on genetics and biochemistry.
What are the three key differences between a typical prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell?
Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus; they are usually smaller; they have only circular DNA and no organelles like ER or Golgi.
These distinctions recur in questions about cell structure and function.
Define an allele and explain how it relates to genotype.
An allele is a specific form of a gene. A genotype contains the combination of alleles an organism has for a trait.
Alleles determine genetic variation that the exam repeatedly asks about.
Explain natural selection versus genetic drift.
Natural selection favors traits that enhance survival/reproduction; genetic drift is random allele frequency change, especially in small populations.
Both mechanisms are core concepts when answering evolutionary questions.
Differentiate an ecosystem from a biogeochemical cycle.
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms plus their physical environment. A biogeochemical cycle is the movement of elements (e.g., carbon) through that ecosystem.
This comparison is a common format for ecology questions on the test.
State the first law of thermodynamics (energy conservation) in terms of ΔU, Q, W
ΔU = Q - W, the change in internal energy equals heat added minus work done by the system.
Needed to analyze energy cycles, heat engines in exam.
What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength for light traveling in vacuum?
λ = c/f, where λ is wavelength, f is frequency, and c is speed of light (~3×10^8 m/s).
Common concept for wave behavior and spectral analysis.
Explain Joule's law for electric heating.
P = I²R, electrical power dissipated as heat equals current squared times resistance.
Important for understanding electric circuits and heat generation.
What is the acceleration due to gravity on a 1 kg mass at Earth's surface?
9.8 m/s² directed toward Earth's center.
Base for Newtonian mechanics, work‑energy relations.
Describe how sound intensity level changes when distance from source doubles.
Intensity decreases by 6 dB, halving brightness; power spreads out over sphere.
Exam tests wave behavior and energy distribution.
What are the three primary rock cycles in the Earth's lithosphere?
Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous forms from magma, sedimentary from deposition and cementation, and metamorphic from transformation of existing rocks under heat and pressure.
The exam tests recognition of rock types and their lifecycles. Knowing the trio helps explain geologic processes and map rock evolution.
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