BIOL 210 Genetics Final Exam Review
2026/2027 – Latest Update | Portage
Learning | Comprehensive Exam Prep
Define anatomy. - correct answer-The study of structure.
Define physiology. - correct answer-The study of function.
Define homeostasis. - correct answer-The body's ability to maintain a constant
internal environment.
Define metabolism. - correct answer-The sum of all of the chemical reactions that
occur within body cells, including catabolism (the breaking down of larger, more
complex substances into smaller, simpler building blocks) and anabolism (the
building of larger, more complex substances from smaller, simpler building
blocks).
Define stimuli. - correct answer-Changes.
List the structural levels of organization from simplest to most complex. Explain
each level. - correct answer-1. Atom - the basic unit of a chemical element
,2. Molecule - 2 or more atoms chemically bonded together
3. Cell - the smallest living component of a living being
4. Tissue - a group of cells that performs a specific function
5. Organ - a group of different tissues that performs a specific function
6. Organ System - a group of different organs that performs a specific function
7. Organism - a group of different organ systems that work together to maintain
life
Differentiate between negative feedback and positive feedback. - correct answer-
Negative feedback: original stimulus and response are opposites
Positive feedback: original stimulus and response are the same
Differentiate between visceral and parietal membranes. Name the fluid found
between these membranes. - correct answer-Visceral membranes are located on
the surface of the organs. Parietal membranes line the cavity in which the organ is
located.
Serous fluid
Define atom. - correct answer-The basic unit of a chemical element
Define element. - correct answer-A unique substance that cannot be broken
down by ordinary chemical methods
,Describe the structure of an atom. List the subatomic particles and their charges,
and give their locations in the atom. - correct answer-Atoms are made up of 3
different subatomic particles:
1. Protons - positive charge
2. Neutrons - no charge
3. Electrons - negative charge
The nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons, has an overall positive charge and
lies in the middle of the atom. Surrounding the nucleus are energy levels (or
shells) that house electrons. These negatively charged electrons orbit around the
nucleus (due to the magnetic attraction between positive and negative charges).
Differentiate between atomic number and atomic mass. - correct answer-Atomic
number: number of protons
Atomic mass: number of protons + number of neutrons
Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonding. - correct answer-Ionic
bonding: also called electron transfer, one atom loses one or more electrons and
becomes positively charged while the other atom gains one or more electrons
and becomes negatively charged. The attraction between positive and negative
charges holds the two atoms together.
Covalent bonding: also called electron sharing, two atoms share one or more pairs
of electrons
Differentiate between cations and anions. - correct answer-Cations: positively
charged ions
, Anions: negatively charged ions
Differentiate between inorganic and organic molecules. - correct answer-Organic
compounds: contain carbon, made by living things, covalently bonded
Inorganic compounds: usually do not contain carbon (a few exceptions - carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide)
Name the most important inorganic molecule and explain its importance. -
correct answer-Water
1. High heat capacity (absorbs/releases large amounts of heat before changing in
temperature)
2. High heat of vaporization (requires large amounts of heat to be absorbed for
hydrogen bonds to break in order to vaporize)
3. Universal solvent (almost anything will dissolve into water with the exception
of lipids)
4. Reactivity
5. Cushioning
6. Forms hydration layers
Differentiate between acids, bases, and salts. - correct answer-Acids: high
concentration of H+, low concentration of OH-, low pH
Bases: low concentration of H+, high concentration of OH-, high pH
Salts: release ions other than H+ and OH- when dissociating
2026/2027 – Latest Update | Portage
Learning | Comprehensive Exam Prep
Define anatomy. - correct answer-The study of structure.
Define physiology. - correct answer-The study of function.
Define homeostasis. - correct answer-The body's ability to maintain a constant
internal environment.
Define metabolism. - correct answer-The sum of all of the chemical reactions that
occur within body cells, including catabolism (the breaking down of larger, more
complex substances into smaller, simpler building blocks) and anabolism (the
building of larger, more complex substances from smaller, simpler building
blocks).
Define stimuli. - correct answer-Changes.
List the structural levels of organization from simplest to most complex. Explain
each level. - correct answer-1. Atom - the basic unit of a chemical element
,2. Molecule - 2 or more atoms chemically bonded together
3. Cell - the smallest living component of a living being
4. Tissue - a group of cells that performs a specific function
5. Organ - a group of different tissues that performs a specific function
6. Organ System - a group of different organs that performs a specific function
7. Organism - a group of different organ systems that work together to maintain
life
Differentiate between negative feedback and positive feedback. - correct answer-
Negative feedback: original stimulus and response are opposites
Positive feedback: original stimulus and response are the same
Differentiate between visceral and parietal membranes. Name the fluid found
between these membranes. - correct answer-Visceral membranes are located on
the surface of the organs. Parietal membranes line the cavity in which the organ is
located.
Serous fluid
Define atom. - correct answer-The basic unit of a chemical element
Define element. - correct answer-A unique substance that cannot be broken
down by ordinary chemical methods
,Describe the structure of an atom. List the subatomic particles and their charges,
and give their locations in the atom. - correct answer-Atoms are made up of 3
different subatomic particles:
1. Protons - positive charge
2. Neutrons - no charge
3. Electrons - negative charge
The nucleus, made up of protons and neutrons, has an overall positive charge and
lies in the middle of the atom. Surrounding the nucleus are energy levels (or
shells) that house electrons. These negatively charged electrons orbit around the
nucleus (due to the magnetic attraction between positive and negative charges).
Differentiate between atomic number and atomic mass. - correct answer-Atomic
number: number of protons
Atomic mass: number of protons + number of neutrons
Differentiate between ionic and covalent bonding. - correct answer-Ionic
bonding: also called electron transfer, one atom loses one or more electrons and
becomes positively charged while the other atom gains one or more electrons
and becomes negatively charged. The attraction between positive and negative
charges holds the two atoms together.
Covalent bonding: also called electron sharing, two atoms share one or more pairs
of electrons
Differentiate between cations and anions. - correct answer-Cations: positively
charged ions
, Anions: negatively charged ions
Differentiate between inorganic and organic molecules. - correct answer-Organic
compounds: contain carbon, made by living things, covalently bonded
Inorganic compounds: usually do not contain carbon (a few exceptions - carbon
dioxide, carbon monoxide)
Name the most important inorganic molecule and explain its importance. -
correct answer-Water
1. High heat capacity (absorbs/releases large amounts of heat before changing in
temperature)
2. High heat of vaporization (requires large amounts of heat to be absorbed for
hydrogen bonds to break in order to vaporize)
3. Universal solvent (almost anything will dissolve into water with the exception
of lipids)
4. Reactivity
5. Cushioning
6. Forms hydration layers
Differentiate between acids, bases, and salts. - correct answer-Acids: high
concentration of H+, low concentration of OH-, low pH
Bases: low concentration of H+, high concentration of OH-, high pH
Salts: release ions other than H+ and OH- when dissociating
