BIO 124 FINAL EXAM questions and
correct answers
Describe the THREE major principles of the Cell Theory - ANS ✔1. All organisms are composed
of one or more cells
2. Cells are the smallest living things
3. Cells arise only by division of previously existing cells
Describe FIVE properties of living cells and for each property, provide one specific example
taken from lecture presentations during the semester - ANS ✔1. Complex and highly organized:
cells have many different organelles with different functions
2. Store and use genetic info: genetic info is stored within DNA inside cell's nuclei
3. Engage in mechanical activities: some cells can move using flagella and cilia
4. Carry out chemical reactions: during catabolism cells breakdown sugar to produce energy
5. Can regulate themselves: cells maintain appropriate levels using homeostasis
Explain why viruses are NOT alive - ANS ✔- Viruses can only reproduce when they're inside
living organisms, not on their own
- Viruses don't acquire and utilize energy on their own, they use energy from their hosts
- Basically viruses need a host to survive
Describe/draw the structure of water and explain how this structure contributes to its chemical
properties as a solvent in the cell - ANS ✔- Water is a small, highly polar molecule with a
tetrahedral shape that forms hydrogen bonds
- Crystallization: each molecule is hydrogen-bonded to four other molecules, makes a rigid
structure
- Heat Capacity: high heat capacity due to the hydrogen bonds
, - Cohesion: holds the hydrogen bonds together
List the FOUR major macromolecules in cells and identify the monomers and major bonds that
link the monomers that make up those macromolecules. Then describe ONE major function of
each of these macromolecules in the cell - ANS ✔1. Carbohydrates: made up of
monosaccharides, linked by glycosidic bonds
2. Lipids: made up of fatty acids, thermal insulation in animals
3. Proteins: made up of amino acids, linked by peptide bonds, catalyze chemical reactions in
cells
4. Nucleotides: made up of deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides, linked by phosphodiester
bonds, store genetic info
Describe the structure and function of THREE different types of Lipids - ANS ✔1. Hard fat
(saturated): single bonds between carbon atom pairs, storage of energy
2. Oil (unsaturated): double bonds between carbon atom pairs, storage of energy
3. phospholipids: hydrophobic fatty tails and hydrophilic heads, forms bilayer that separates cell
contents from the outside
Describe the structure and function of THREE different types of Carbohydrates - ANS ✔1. Starch:
made of long, straight glucose chains held together by alpha bonds, provide energy storage in
plants
2. Glucose: made of glucose, branched, provides energy storage in plants
3. Cellulose: made of glucose, held together by beta bonds, found in cell walls (structural
component)
Describe/draw the four levels of protein structure - ANS ✔Primary Structure: chains of amino
acids
Secondary Structure: amino acid chains fold on themselves (alpha helix and beta pleated
sheets)
Tertiary Structure: chains of amino acids for 3D structures
correct answers
Describe the THREE major principles of the Cell Theory - ANS ✔1. All organisms are composed
of one or more cells
2. Cells are the smallest living things
3. Cells arise only by division of previously existing cells
Describe FIVE properties of living cells and for each property, provide one specific example
taken from lecture presentations during the semester - ANS ✔1. Complex and highly organized:
cells have many different organelles with different functions
2. Store and use genetic info: genetic info is stored within DNA inside cell's nuclei
3. Engage in mechanical activities: some cells can move using flagella and cilia
4. Carry out chemical reactions: during catabolism cells breakdown sugar to produce energy
5. Can regulate themselves: cells maintain appropriate levels using homeostasis
Explain why viruses are NOT alive - ANS ✔- Viruses can only reproduce when they're inside
living organisms, not on their own
- Viruses don't acquire and utilize energy on their own, they use energy from their hosts
- Basically viruses need a host to survive
Describe/draw the structure of water and explain how this structure contributes to its chemical
properties as a solvent in the cell - ANS ✔- Water is a small, highly polar molecule with a
tetrahedral shape that forms hydrogen bonds
- Crystallization: each molecule is hydrogen-bonded to four other molecules, makes a rigid
structure
- Heat Capacity: high heat capacity due to the hydrogen bonds
, - Cohesion: holds the hydrogen bonds together
List the FOUR major macromolecules in cells and identify the monomers and major bonds that
link the monomers that make up those macromolecules. Then describe ONE major function of
each of these macromolecules in the cell - ANS ✔1. Carbohydrates: made up of
monosaccharides, linked by glycosidic bonds
2. Lipids: made up of fatty acids, thermal insulation in animals
3. Proteins: made up of amino acids, linked by peptide bonds, catalyze chemical reactions in
cells
4. Nucleotides: made up of deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides, linked by phosphodiester
bonds, store genetic info
Describe the structure and function of THREE different types of Lipids - ANS ✔1. Hard fat
(saturated): single bonds between carbon atom pairs, storage of energy
2. Oil (unsaturated): double bonds between carbon atom pairs, storage of energy
3. phospholipids: hydrophobic fatty tails and hydrophilic heads, forms bilayer that separates cell
contents from the outside
Describe the structure and function of THREE different types of Carbohydrates - ANS ✔1. Starch:
made of long, straight glucose chains held together by alpha bonds, provide energy storage in
plants
2. Glucose: made of glucose, branched, provides energy storage in plants
3. Cellulose: made of glucose, held together by beta bonds, found in cell walls (structural
component)
Describe/draw the four levels of protein structure - ANS ✔Primary Structure: chains of amino
acids
Secondary Structure: amino acid chains fold on themselves (alpha helix and beta pleated
sheets)
Tertiary Structure: chains of amino acids for 3D structures
