Biology Quiz on Key Concepts

Why have a control group?

Answer explanation

A control group is essential to isolate the effect of the treatment by providing a baseline for comparison. It helps determine if the observed effects are due to the treatment or other factors.

What does a negative control tell you? What does a positive control tell you?

Answer explanation

A negative control shows that the experiment is working properly by yielding no effect when no treatment is applied. A positive control confirms that the experimental setup can detect an effect when it is expected.

How to increase internal & external validity

Answer explanation

To increase internal validity, control extraneous variables and use random assignment. For external validity, ensure diverse samples and realistic settings to generalize findings effectively.

How to interpret graphs, charts, etc.

Answer explanation

To interpret graphs and charts, identify the axes, labels, and legends. Analyze trends, compare data points, and look for patterns. Consider the context and source of the data for accurate conclusions.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-2

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Organic vs inorganic molecules

Answer explanation

Organic molecules contain carbon and are typically associated with living organisms, while inorganic molecules do not primarily contain carbon. Examples include carbohydrates (organic) and salts (inorganic).

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

pH - what does it measure?

Answer explanation

pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a scale from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating acidity, higher values indicating alkalinity, and 7 being neutral.

Properties of water and how they affect life

Answer explanation

Water's unique properties, like cohesion, high specific heat, and solvent capabilities, support life by regulating temperature, facilitating chemical reactions, and enabling nutrient transport in organisms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

Dehydration synthesis/hydrolysis

Answer explanation

Dehydration synthesis is a process that joins molecules by removing water, forming bonds. Hydrolysis is the reverse, breaking bonds by adding water. Both are essential in biological reactions, like forming and breaking down polymers.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

4 types of organic compounds and the atoms they contain

Answer explanation

The four types of organic compounds are carbohydrates (C, H, O), lipids (C, H, O), proteins (C, H, O, N and typically S), and nucleic acids (C, H, O, N, P). Each contains carbon and other elements, essential for life.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

Levels of protein structure & how amino acid properties affect folding

Answer explanation

Proteins have four structural levels: primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets), tertiary (3D shape), and quaternary (multiple polypeptides). Amino acid properties, like polarity and charge, influence folding and stability.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1