Biology exam prep — Foundations of Scientific Knowledge + 7 more topics

Science isn't just a collection of facts; it's a process for discovering and refining those facts. It relies on a few key principles:

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When a substrate binds to the active site, it forms an enzyme-substrate complex. This binding often causes a slight change in the enzyme's shape (called induced fit), which helps the reaction proceed. The enzyme then converts the substrate into one or more products, and the products are released. The enzyme is then free to catalyze another reaction with a new substrate.

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You're made of cells, and cells are made of molecules. Among the most important are the four main types of biological macromolecules:

1. Carbohydrates: Energy sources and structural components.
2. Lipids: Energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling.
3. Proteins: Perform almost all cell functions; enzymes, transport, structure, defense.
4. Nucleic Acids: Store and transmit genetic information.

The Cell Theory is one of the foundational concepts in biology, asserting three main principles:

1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells.

Let's look at the scientists who developed these ideas.

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Microscopy is essential in biology because most cells and their organelles are too small to see with just your eyes. It involves two main concepts: magnification and resolution.

• Magnification is how much bigger an image appears compared to its actual size. If a microscope has 100x magnification, it means the object looks 100 times larger.
• Resolution (or resolving power) is the ability to distinguish between two separate points that are very close together. Good resolution means a clear, detailed image, not just a blurry, magnified one.