TEAS 7 Science Study Guide

This paragraph delves into the anatomy of both plant and animal cells, highlighting their eukaryotic nature with membrane-bound organelles. Key shared structures include the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, peroxisomes, lysosomes, and mitochondria. The nucleus's role in storing genetic information and the functions of the various organelles, such as protein synthesis and energy metabolism, are discussed. The paragraph also touches on the differences between plant and animal cells, notably the presence of a cell wall and chloroplasts in plant cells, which are absent in animal cells. The unique energy metabolism of each cell type is also explored, with plants performing photosynthesis and animals relying on cellular respiration.

The second paragraph focuses on the processes of cellular respiration and cell reproduction. It details the steps of cellular respiration, including glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, the electron transport chain, and ATP synthesis, emphasizing the production of ATP from glucose. The paragraph then transitions into the reproductive processes of cells, comparing mitosis and meiosis in both plant and animal cells. It explains the differences in the cell cycle between the two, including the unique aspects of plant cell reproduction such as alternation of generations and the absence of centrioles. The importance of mitosis for growth and repair is also highlighted.

This paragraph explores the world of nucleic acids, DNA, and RNA, which are essential for storing and executing genetic information. DNA's double helix structure and its role in maintaining genetic instructions are discussed, along with the composition of DNA, including its sugar, deoxyribose, and nitrogenous bases. RNA's function in protein synthesis and its single-stranded structure with ribose as its sugar component is also explained. The paragraph further explains the process of transcription, where DNA is used to create an RNA strand, and the roles of different types of RNA in this process.

The fourth paragraph provides an overview of the basic components of atoms and molecules. It explains the central role of the atomic nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons, and the electron orbits surrounding it. The paragraph discusses how the number of protons defines an element and how the mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons. It also covers the importance of electrons in determining the electrical charge of an atom and their role in chemical bonding, leading to the formation of molecules like water. A summary of atomic properties, including atomic number, charge, and mass number, concludes the section.

This paragraph examines the different states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. It describes the unique properties of each state, such as the spacing and movement of particles, their shape and volume, and their compressibility. Solids are characterized by closely packed, minimally moving particles with a fixed shape and volume, while liquids have closer particle spacing but can flow and take the shape of their container. Gases have widely spaced, rapidly moving particles, making them compressible and capable of filling their container. Plasma, a highly energetic and ionized state of matter, shares similarities with gases but has distinct characteristics.

The sixth paragraph delves into chemical reactions, defining them as processes where substances change their chemical identity to form new products. It outlines the characteristics of chemical reactions, such as changes in color, consistency, luster, odor, and temperature, as well as the formation of precipitates and bubbles. The paragraph then categorizes reactions into combination, single replacement, double replacement, decomposition, and combustion reactions, providing examples for each. It also touches on the factors that influence reaction rates, such as concentration and the presence of catalysts or inhibitors.

This paragraph emphasizes the importance of balancing chemical equations to adhere to the law of conservation of mass. It explains that coefficients must be used to balance the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation. The paragraph provides guidance on balancing equations, suggesting starting with more complex compounds and ensuring the lowest whole number coefficients are used. It also discusses the significance of balanced equations in stoichiometry, which is crucial for calculating moles, yields, and other chemical measurements.