BIO 120 Grossmont College Biology Terms Discussion

Briefly define the following terms:

Matter:

Element:

Compound:

Atom:

Proton:

Electron:

Neutron:

Nucleus:

Atomic number:

Mass number:

Atomic mass:

Fill in the blank:

1. Atoms of a particular element that differ in mass number are called __________________________.
2. The different mass number is due to different numbers of _____________________ in the nucleus.
3. Write down the name of one type of carbon isotope: ________________________________.
4. How many protons does it have? __________________
5. How many neutrons does it have? ________________
6. How many electrons does it have? ________________
7. What is its mass number? ________________
8. Write down the name of a different type of carbon isotope: __________________________.
9. What is its mass number? ________________
10. Does the mass number differ from that of the first carbon isotope? Why?
11. Explain how electrons determine the chemical properties of an atom:
12. Tell me something you now know about hydrogen bonds and do not just copy the title of the section in the book.

Teach yourself how to draw an electron distribution diagram. (No response needed. For this one, you’re on the honor system. Trust me though; you will need to know this.)

13. Why is life’s molecular diversity based on carbon? Your explanation should demonstrate and understanding of bonding, and it should include an example of an organic molecule that is based on a carbon chain.

14.What is an isomer?

15. Describe each of the chemical groups listed here. Name one type of biological molecule that contains each chemical group.

Phosphate group:

Amino Acid:

16. How are polymers made in cells? How are they broken down? Demonstrate your understanding of each process.

17. What is a polysaccharide?

18. How do phospholipids associate with water to provide structure to cell membranes?

19. Explain the relationship between structure and function for proteins. Include the term denaturation in your explanation. Name one secondary structure of proteins.

20. How do nucleotide polymers form? Name two nucleic acids and explain their respective roles in gene expression.

21. List and describe the fifteen different structures found within eukaryotic cells.

22, Group these fifteen structures on the basis of four main functions.