By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Discuss the concept of entropy
Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Explain the relevance of photosynthesis to other living things
Describe the main structures involved in photosynthesis
Identify the substrates and products of photosynthesis
Summarize the process of photosynthesis
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Explain how plants absorb energy from sunlight
Describe short and long wavelengths of light
Describe how and where photosynthesis takes place within a plant
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe the Calvin cycle
Define carbon fixation
Explain how photosynthesis works in the energy cycle of all living organisms
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Understand how electrochemical gradients affect ions
Distinguish between primary active transport and secondary active transport
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe endocytosis, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis
Understand the process of exocytosis
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Understand the fluid mosaic model of cell membranes
Describe the functions of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates in membranes
Discuss membrane fluidity
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Explain why and how passive transport occurs
Understand the processes of osmosis and diffusion
Define tonicity and describe its relevance to passive transport
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Discuss the role of carbohydrates in cells and in the extracellular materials of animals and plants
Explain the classifications of carbohydrates
List common monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe the four major types of lipids
Explain the role of fats in storing energy
Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
Describe phospholipids and their role in cells
Define the basic structure of a steroid and some functions of steroids
Explain the how cholesterol helps to maintain the fluid nature of the plasma membrane
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe the structure of nucleic acids and define the two types of nucleic acids
Explain the structure and role of DNA
Explain the structure and roles of RNA
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe the functions proteins perform in the cell and in tissues
Discuss the relationship between amino acids and proteins
Explain the four levels of protein organization
Describe the ways in which protein shape and function are linked
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Understand the synthesis of macromolecules
Explain dehydration (or condensation) and hydrolysis reactions
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Define matter and elements
Describe the interrelationship between protons, neutrons, and electrons
Compare the ways in which electrons can be donated or shared between atoms
Explain the ways in which naturally occurring elements combine to create molecules, cells, tissues, organ systems, and organisms
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Explain why carbon is important for life
Describe the role of functional groups in biological molecules
By the end of this section, you will be able to:
Describe the properties of water that are critical to maintaining life
Explain why water is an excellent solvent
Provide examples of water’s cohesive and adhesive properties
Discuss the role of acids, bases, and buffers in homeostasis