Unit 1 - The Chemical Basis of Life

   1.  Basic Chemical Concepts
        -    acids, bases, pH, buffers
        -    electronegativity
        -    the mole
        -    functional groups
        -    monomers, polymers

   2.  Chemical Bonds
        -    covalent, polar covalent, ionic
        -    polar and non-polar molecules
        -    hydrogen bonding
        -    hydrophobic interactions

   3.  Chemical Reactions
        -    exergonic
        -    endergonic
        -    oxidation-reduction(redox)

   4.  Biologically Important Molecules

        Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.
        -    Structure: atoms and their basic arrangement
        -    Condensation Reactions: formation of polymers
        -    Hydrolysis Reactions: formation of monomers

Questions:
1. Describe how to make 750 mL of a 0.2 M sodium chloride solution.
2. Explain the importance of polar covalent bonds in biological
    molecules (3 examples).
3. Identify the monomers of the 4 biomolecule groups.

1.  Cell Membranes
   -    The Fluid Mosaic Model
   -    The effect of temperature, pH, etc. on transport across a
        membrane.

2.  Transport
   - Passive Transport - diffusion, osmosis
                       - facilitated diffusion

   - Active Transport - non-selective
                            exocytosis
                            endocytosis
                       - selective
                            pumps(Na+/K+, H+)
                            receptor mediated
                            endocytosis
3.  Communication and Attachment Between Cells

4.  Metabolism
   - Anabolism(ex. photosynthesis, protein
                                      synthesis)
   - Catabolism
             - Mitochondria - Structure
             - Anaerobic Respiration(Glycolysis)
                  Alcoholic Fermentation
                  Lactic Acid
             - Aerobic Respiration
                  Glycolysis-Krebs Cycle-Electron Transport
                  SLP, Chemiosmosis and ATP
                  Electron Carriers - REDOX
Questions:
1. Give an example of active transport found in Cellular
    Respiration.  What is the energy source for the active transport?

2. Explain redox reactions using an example from Cellular
    Respiration.

1.  Plant Structure and Function

   The Leaf
    -   site of photosynthesis, orientation of cells
    -   gas exchange(guard cells, K+ Pumps, air spaces)

   Xylem
    -   water/mineral transport (active transport of minerals
        followed by passive transport of water
    -   Tracheids and Vessel Elements

   Phloem
    -   sugar transport (active transport of sugar and diffusion of
        water creates hydrostatic pressure)
    -   source(leaf) to sink(fruit/roots)
    -   Sieve Tubes Cells and Companion Cells

2.  Photosynthesis

   Light Reactions
    -   absorption of light(pigments)
    -  photosystems (P680 and P700)
    -  photolysis (H2O --> O2)
    -  chemiosmosis --> ATP
    -  redox --> NADPH

   Dark Reactions
    -  fixation of CO2 into glucose
    -  utilization of ATP and NADPH
    -  the CALVIN CYCLE (C3 Cycle)

   C4 Plants
    -   ATP is used to transport CO2 in dry climates where
        dehydration is a concern

3. Factors affecting Photosynthesis
    -  light (colour, intensity, duration)
    -  temperature
    -  [CO2]

Questions:
1. Explain the important processes that are necessary to transport
    water from the soil to the leaves.

2. Explain the important processes that are necessary for sugar
    transport.

3. Explain the importance of REDOX reactions in photosynthesis.
    Give 2 Examples.

4. What is Carbon Fixation?

   2.  Protein Synthesis    - transcription (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA)
                                          - RNA Polymerase (direction)
                                          - in the nucleus
                             - translation
                                - nucleic acid -->protein
                                - on the ribosome

   3.  Gene Regulation -  Lactose Operon(Prokaryotic Cells)
                  -  Introns/Exons(Eukaryotic Cells)
                  -  Single Gene, Chromosomes

   4.  Genetic Research  -  History - experiments preformed by
                            important scientists
                    -  New Technology - Recombinant DNA

   5.  Genetic Diseases  -  Causes - Chemicals/Radiation
                              - Nondisjunction
                    -  Examples

   6.  Evolution - a change in gene frequencies in a population

1. Scientific Theories
   - show how theories are developed

2. Evolution and Natural Selection
   - explain evolution and natural selection

   - evidence to support the theory
        - Darwin's observations
        - Modern Day Evidence

3. Speciation

   - formation of new species

   - Hardy-Weinberg Law
        a change in the frequency of alleles in a population
        indicates that the population is evolving --> new species

   - Example: Darwin's finches

   - Speciation theories
             - Gradualism
             - Punctuated Equilibrium

Questions:
1. State three lines of evidence that support Darwin's Theory of
   Evolution.

2. In a population of 784 individuals, 340 individuals showed up as
   homozygous recessive.  Calculate the frequencies of the dominant
   and recessive alleles.

1. Regulatory Systems
   Stimulus   Receptor   Effector    Response

2. The Nervous System
        - Neurons - Structure and Types
        - Action Potential (ions, channels..)
        - The Synapse
        - Reflex Arc
        - Organization of the Nervous System
             - Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
             - The Brain - Structure and Function

3.  Endocrine System
        - Hypothalamus - "Brain Control"
        - Pituitary    -"Master Gland"
        - Hormones - Types  1. Polypeptide
                                         2. Amino Acid
                                         3. Steroid
                - Action    1. Membrane Receptors
                                2. Cytoplasm Receptors
                - Feedback Control - Tyroxine.....
                - Hormonal Control of Glucose,
                  Water, Sodium, and Calcium.
                - related endocrine glands and their
                  interactions with other organs
                - pituitary(anterior/posterior),
                  pancreas, adrenal gland(cortex /medulla), thyroid
                  gland, parathyroid gland
                - associated diseases

Questions:
1. Antagonists are important in maintaining homeostasis.  Explain
   using 1 example from each system.
2. Why is feedback control important?
3. How is [glucose] regulated?