Form and Function: notes and practice questions

This topic explores the structure, function, and chemical properties of carbohydrates and lipids, essential molecules for life. Carbon atoms form diverse compounds through covalent bonds, including chains and rings.

This topic explores how organisms adapt to their abiotic environment and how these adaptations influence their distribution and the characteristics of ecosystems. A habitat is the place where a community, species, population, or organism lives, defined by geographical, physical, and ecosystem type.

This topic defines ecological niches and explores how organisms interact with their environment and obtain resources. An ecological niche encompasses all biotic and abiotic interactions influencing a species' growth, survival, and reproduction, including its food sources.

This topic covers the fundamental structure, formation, and properties of proteins, which are essential macromolecules for all living organisms. A generalized amino acid consists of a central alpha carbon atom bonded to an amine group $\text{-NH}_2$, a carboxyl group $\text{-COOH}$, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R-group.

This topic covers the structure of biological membranes and the mechanisms by which substances are transported across them. Cell membranes are lipid bilayers formed by amphipathic phospholipids.

This topic covers the structure and function of organelles and the advantages of cellular compartmentalization. Organelles are discrete subunits of cells adapted to perform specific functions.

This topic covers how unspecialized cells develop into specialized cells through differentiation and the properties of stem cells. Unspecialized cells are produced after fertilization and differentiate based on gene expression in early embryos.

This topic explores adaptations for gas exchange in multicellular organisms, focusing on mammals and flowering plants. Efficient gas exchange surfaces are permeable, thin, moist, and have a large surface area.

This topic covers the adaptations for transport of substances in animals and plants, including the structure and function of circulatory and vascular systems. Capillaries are adapted for efficient exchange with a large surface area, thin walls, and narrow diameters.

This topic covers the mechanisms of muscle contraction, motility, and adaptations for movement in organisms. Muscle contraction is explained by the sliding filament model, involving actin and myosin filaments.