Biology 2010 Lecture Notes

Instructor Introduction

• Instructor: Pam Thomas
• Course: Biology 2010

Announcements

• 520 students have not set up their lab yet.
  • Labs require installation on Universal, not Canvas or Zoom.
  • Labs run according to your registered schedule.
• Exception: Lab on Thursday between 2-5:30 pm is affected by UCF football game.
  • University closes at 2 pm.
  • Michelle Yergin will provide updates via lab web courses.

Introduction to Biology & Chemistry

• Jellyfish:
  • Chemical defenses in stingers.
  • Can neutralize stings with sodium bicarbonate, but pH is unsuitable for skin.
• Bioluminescence:
  • Caused by chemical "aquorin" binding with calcium.
  • Phenomenon occurs in Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.
• Marine Life:
  • 76% exhibit bioluminescence.

Chemistry of Life

• Matter: Takes up space and has mass.
• Elements:
  • Over 92 naturally occurring, 25 essential to life.
  • Focus: Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, and Nitrogen.
• Memory Device: "HONC" for major elements.

Major Elements in Living Organisms

• Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, Nitrogen make up 96% of living things.
• Trace Elements:
  • Required in small amounts (e.g., zinc).

Atomic Structure

• Basics:
  • Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
• Atomic Number: Number of protons.
• Atomic Mass: Protons + Neutrons.
• Valence Shell: Outer orbital involved in chemical reactions.

Chemical Bonds

• Covalent Bonds:
  • Electrons are shared between atoms.
  • Polar (unequal sharing) vs. Non-polar (equal sharing).
• Ionic Bonds:
  • Electrons are transferred, resulting in charged ions.
  • Example: Sodium chloride (table salt).
• Hydrogen Bonds:
  • Weak bonds between molecules, e.g., between water molecules.

Isotopes

• Atoms with a different number of neutrons.
• Applications:
  • Medical uses, e.g., PET scans.

Molecular Shape

• Critical to function, e.g., morphine mimics endorphins due to similar shape.
• Taste:
  • Chemical reactions responsible for sweet, sour, bitter, salty, umami.

Van der Waals Forces

• Important in non-polar molecules.
• Example: Gecko's ability to stick to surfaces.

Northern Lights

• Result of excited oxygen and nitrogen ions.
• Best viewed in Nordic countries, parts of Alaska.

SI Sessions and Resources

• SI Leader: Andrea
• Offers free tutoring sessions, schedule available on Canvas.
• Office hours and additional resources posted in syllabus.

Conclusion

• Ensure labs are set up and attended.
• Video of lecture will be posted later.