Penn State University Biology and Scientific Study Questions
1. Define how science is a process and describe the major steps of a scientific study.
2. What are the 7 (some sources say 8) properties that something must have in order to be classified as “living”? Briefly describe them. Why are viruses not considered to be “alive”?
3. What is evolution? What is natural selection? How long has life been evolving on Earth? What is natural selection and how does it differ from evolution? How does it differ from artificial selection?
4. What is a chemical bond? What are some types of bonds that may occur between atoms? Describe them and compare/contrast them where appropriate.
5. What are the four large biological molecules (sometimes called “biological macromolecules”, not to be confused with “macronutrients”) found in the human body? Briefly describe the structure and function of each. Do they all function in energy storage? Which ones are not specifically for energy storage?
6. Name and describe the functions of 8 organelles found within cells. Do any of these work together?
7. Describe how transcription and translation take place in cells. Where does each of the steps take place? What types of RNA are involved? Name the RNA types and describe their functions.
