Human Biology Unit 1 Learning Objectives

When you are prepared for exam 1, you will be able to demonstrate your learning of the
following, being ready to apply this knowledge to new situations presented in the exam.
Review this material as you prepare for the exam.

Chapter 1 - Introduction
1. Identify characteristics of humans.
Bipedalism, Opposable thumbs, Lg. brain, Capacity for complex language
Chapter 2 - Chemistry
1. Differentiate between acidic, basic, and neutral solutions using the pH scale.
Basic: pH > 7 (H+ < OH-) ; Acidic: pH < 7 H+ > OH-); Neutral pH = 7 (H+ = OH-)
2. Identify buffers: Minimize pH change (carbonic acids)
3. Differentiate between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions.
Dehydration: links macromolecules together (polymers) through smaller units; requires energy
Hydrolysis: Breakdowns polymers into smaller units (macromolecules); release energy
4. Identify carbohydrates: glucose, sucrose and glycogen; energy structure/support
Monosaccharaides; release energy; glucose, fructose, galactose, ribose, deoxyribose
Disaccharides; two monosaccharaides together via dehydration synthesis; (sucrose = glucose +
fructose; Maltose = glucose + glucose; Lactose = glucose + galactose)
Polysaccharides: 3+ (thousands) of molecules; stores energy; release when needed; starch (the
carbohydrate made in plants), glycogen (the carbohydrate made in animals), cellulose (used as
structural support in plants; fiber; humans cannot digest b/c lack proper enzyme).
*Humans can break down starch and glycogen, but not cellulose
5. Identify lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.
Triglycerides: Fats/oils; energy storage; saturated fats (straight; can be packaged closely);
unsaturated (crooked; cannot be packaged closely)
Phospholipids: cell membrane structure; one end = polar (philic head); other = nonpolar (phobic
tail); missing chain (glycerol + 2 fatty acid chains).
Steroids: water insoluble; 4 carbon rings; cholesterol; hormones/estrogen/testosterone.
6. Identify components of proteins (Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure;
peptide bonds, alpha helices, beta pleats).
Protein = 100s of AAs in chain
Primary: AA sequence; AAs are joined by peptide bonds (dehydration); Alpha helix/Beta sheets;
hydrogen bonds
Secondary: Alpha helix
Tertiary: 3-D Shape; creates polar/nonpolar areas
Quaternary: 2+ polypeptide chains in association
7. Identify DNA: A – T; G – C; pairing by hydrogen bonds; RNA: A – Uracil; G – C
8. Identify ATP: essential for metabolism; source of energy; ATP – ADP + P + Energy
9. Differentiate between types of chemical bonds.
10. Identify properties of water.
11. Identify elements of life.
12. Match classes of macromolecules of life with their unit molecules, and whether or not
they are polymers.
18. Identify functions of enzymes: facilitate reaction; catalysts; not consumed via reaction;
function depends on temperature, pH, ion concentration, & presence of inhibitors.
19. Identify characteristics of nucleic acids and their functions: DNA and RNA

Chapter 3 - Cells
1. Identify the different between prokaryote and eukaryote cells
2. Differentiate between solutions of differing tonicity by their effects on cells immersed
in them.
3. Identify parts (organelles) of cells and their functions.
4. Characterize cell membranes, including membrane diffusion and transport
mechanisms.
5. Differentiate between the sites of the four pathways of cellular respiration.
6. Identify reactions of cellular respiration by substrates, and products.
7. Identify sources of energy. Which type of food molecules provide with maximum
energy?
8. Identify the different between anabolism and catabolism. Which one requires energy?
Which one produces energy?

Chapter 4 - Tissues, cavities, skin, and systems

For the pre-lecture quiz:
1. Differentiate between major tissue types.
2. Identify body cavities.
3. Identify types of tissue membranes.
4. Identify anatomical components of skin.
5. Match systems with their functions.
6. Match types of tissues with their characteristics and functions.
7. Match layers of the skin with their functions.
8. Identify measures of normal human homeostasis.
9. Identify mechanism to maintain body temperature.
10. Identify the different body systems and functions.

Chapter 14 Digestive system

1. Identify anatomical components of the digestive system.
2. Identify anatomical components of the mouth, pharynx, and associated structures.
3. Identify layers of the digestive tract and type of tissue in each layer.
4. Differentiate between digestion and absorption.
5. Order parts of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, including segments of the
small and large intestines; match each with their characteristics and functions.
6. Mentions some GI tract disorders and its cause and manifestation.
7. Match digestive system organs with their functions.
8. Identify functions of the liver and the pancreas.
9. Identify ways of different nutrients absorption.
10. Match vitamins and minerals with their functions
11. Differentiate between essential and non-essential nutrients.