Science
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science - Integrated Topics
Table of Contents
1. Biology: Cell Theory and Genetics
Cell Theory
- 1. All living things are made of cells
- 2. Cells are the basic unit of life
- 3. All cells come from pre-existing cells
Cell Types
Prokaryotic
- β’ No nucleus (DNA free in cytoplasm)
- β’ No membrane-bound organelles
- β’ Smaller (1-10 ΞΌm)
- β’ Example: Bacteria
Eukaryotic
- β’ Has nucleus (DNA enclosed)
- β’ Has membrane-bound organelles
- β’ Larger (10-100 ΞΌm)
- β’ Example: Plants, Animals, Fungi
Cell Organelles
| Organelle | Function |
|---|---|
| Nucleus | Control center, contains DNA |
| Mitochondria | Powerhouse - produces ATP (energy) |
| Ribosome | Protein synthesis |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | Transport system (Rough=proteins, Smooth=lipids) |
| Golgi Apparatus | Packaging and secretion |
| Chloroplast (plants) | Photosynthesis |
| Cell Wall (plants) | Support and protection |
Genetics: DNA and Inheritance
DNA Structure
- β’ Double helix structure (Watson & Crick)
- β’ Made of nucleotides: Sugar + Phosphate + Base
- β’ Base pairs: A-T (Adenine-Thymine), G-C (Guanine-Cytosine)
Punnett Square
Used to predict offspring genotypes and phenotypes
- β’ Dominant (capital letter) - expressed even if only one copy
- β’ Recessive (lowercase) - expressed only if two copies
- β’ Homozygous: AA or aa | Heterozygous: Aa
2. Chemistry: Periodic Table and Bonding
Atomic Structure
- β’ Protons - positive charge, in nucleus (defines element)
- β’ Neutrons - no charge, in nucleus
- β’ Electrons - negative charge, orbit nucleus
Periodic Table Groups
| Group | Name | Properties | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alkali Metals | Soft, reactive, 1 valence electron | Li, Na, K |
| 2 | Alkaline Earth Metals | 2 valence electrons | Mg, Ca |
| 17 | Halogens | 7 valence electrons, reactive | F, Cl, Br, I |
| 18 | Noble Gases | 8 valence electrons, stable | He, Ne, Ar |
Chemical Bonding
Ionic Bond
Transfer of electrons
Metal + Nonmetal (NaCl)
Covalent Bond
Sharing of electrons
Nonmetal + Nonmetal (HβO)
Metallic Bond
Sea of electrons
Metal + Metal (Cu, Fe)
Chemical Reactions
Types of Reactions:
- β’ Synthesis: A + B β AB
- β’ Decomposition: AB β A + B
- β’ Single Replacement: A + BC β AC + B
- β’ Double Replacement: AB + CD β AD + CB
- β’ Combustion: Fuel + Oβ β COβ + HβO + Energy
3. Physics: Motion and Forces
Newton's Laws of Motion
1st Law: Law of Inertia
An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion, unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.
Example: Seatbelt keeps you from flying forward when car stops.
2nd Law: F = ma
Force equals mass times acceleration.
More force = more acceleration; More mass = less acceleration (for same force)
3rd Law: Action-Reaction
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Example: Rocket pushes gas down, gas pushes rocket up.
Motion Formulas
Speed = Distance / Time
Velocity = Displacement / Time
Acceleration = (v - u) / t
v = u + at
s = ut + Β½atΒ²
vΒ² = uΒ² + 2as
u = initial velocity, v = final velocity, a = acceleration, t = time, s = displacement
Work, Energy, and Power
| Concept | Formula | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Work | W = F Γ d Γ cos ΞΈ | Joule (J) |
| Kinetic Energy | KE = Β½mvΒ² | Joule (J) |
| Potential Energy | PE = mgh | Joule (J) |
| Power | P = W / t | Watt (W) |
4. Earth Science: Plate Tectonics
Plate Tectonics Theory
Earth's lithosphere is divided into large plates that move on the asthenosphere due to convection currents in the mantle.
Types of Plate Boundaries
Divergent
Plates move apart
Creates: Mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys
Example: Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Convergent
Plates move toward each other
Creates: Mountains, trenches, volcanoes
Example: Himalayas, Philippine Trench
Transform
Plates slide past each other
Creates: Earthquakes
Example: San Andreas Fault
Earthquakes
- Focus (Hypocenter): Point inside Earth where earthquake originates
- Epicenter: Point on Earth's surface directly above focus
- Seismic Waves: P-waves (fastest, compressional), S-waves (slower, shear), Surface waves (most destructive)
- Richter Scale: Measures magnitude (energy released)
Volcanoes
Shield Volcano
Broad, gentle slopes (Hawaii)
Cinder Cone
Steep, small (Paricutin)
Stratovolcano
Tall, steep (Mt. Mayon, Mt. Pinatubo)
5. Ecology and Environment
Levels of Organization
Food Chain and Energy Flow
Only 10% of energy is transferred to the next level (10% Rule)
Biogeochemical Cycles
Water Cycle
Evaporation β Condensation β Precipitation β Collection
Carbon Cycle
Photosynthesis (removes COβ), Respiration & Combustion (releases COβ)
Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen fixation by bacteria, used by plants, returned by decomposition
Oxygen Cycle
Produced by photosynthesis, consumed by respiration
Key Takeaways
- βCell Theory: All living things are made of cells
- βDNA base pairs: A-T and G-C
- βMitochondria = "Powerhouse" (produces ATP)
- βNewton's 2nd Law: F = ma
- βIonic = transfer; Covalent = sharing electrons
- βPlate boundaries: Divergent, Convergent, Transform
- βEnergy transfer: Only 10% to next trophic level
- βKE = Β½mvΒ²; PE = mgh