C190 - Introduction to Biology WGU - Modules 1 2 & 3- Questions and Answers

Matter Any substance that has mass and takes up space 2 classes of matter biotic (living/have lived) abiotic (nonliving/never alive) The basic unit of matter the atom The atom is made up of: a dense nucleus surrounded by electrons Atoms join together and form: molecules Molecules consist of: at least two atoms held together by a chemical bond Macromolecules are: biologically important molecules AKA polymers Polymers are made by: combining smaller units called monomers (simpler macromolecules) Macromolecule example: DNA (built of 4 kinds of monomers (nucleotides) strung together (polymerized) in a sequence that codes for structure of proteins and other bio molecules.) Building blocks of a cell: when macromolecules form a membrane-bound sphere Two main types of cells: prokaryotes and eukaryotes Prokaryote characteristics: small and simple, they do not have any clearly defined compartments inside of them Eukaryote characteristics: include membrane-bound organelles (can be complex) Organelle characteristics: compartments inside the cell that contain specific groups of macromolecules and carry out specific cellular functions (i.e. the nucleus which encloses DNA within the cell)