Guard/BHS/2017
Biology FINAL Review Guide/Objectives
Introduction to Process of Science
 Be able to describe how to design a controlled experiment and evaluate the factors in an investigation.
 Be able to define and identify: manipulated variable, responding variable, controlled variables, control
group, experimental group.
 Be able to evaluate the validity and reliability of an investigation.
 Be able to describe a theory, hypothesis and law.
 Be able to distinguish between a scientific and unscientific statement.
 Be able to distinguish between an observation and an inference.
Characteristics of Life and Biomolecules
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Be able to describe the characteristics of life and how they relate to the function of an organism.
Be able to list the main elements found in all life forms.
Be able to describe and identify carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, their compositions and their functions.
Be able to describe the action and functions of enzymes and what factors affect how they work.
Be able to explain metabolism: breaking down and building molecules.
Cells
 Be able to identify and describe the functions of all the following cell organelles: nucleus, cell membrane,
mitochondria, chloroplast, ribosomes, ER, cell wall
 Be able to describe the movement of substances across a cell membrane as it pertains to: Passive
Transport (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion) and Active Transport.
 Be able to describe the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in DETAIL (what goes in? what
comes out?) and why.
 Be able to describe the process of mitosis and how it creates two identical cells from one.
Genetics
 What is a chromosome? What is it made of and what is its function including the relationship between
DNA, genes and chromosomes.
 Define the following: phenotype, genotype, homozygous, heterozygous, gene, allele, dominant, recessive.
 Be able to solve a single gene cross problem: dominant/recessive, co-dominance (blood type), incomplete
dominance.
 What is a polygenic trait? How does this inheritance work?
 Be able to describe the process and purpose of meiosis including the role of homologous chromosomes
 Be able to explain how and where variation occurs during meiosis and fertilization (random mixing of
homologous chromosomes, crossing over, and combination of gametes (sperm/eggs)
 Be able to explain the role of homologous chromosomes in meiosis and genetic variation.
 Describe the general structure and function of DNA.
 Describe how DNA replicates.
 Explain how protein synthesis occurs. (DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ribosome, amino acids)
 Be able to describe the process of protein synthesis.
 Explain where mutations could occur in DNA replication and protein synthesis. What types of mutations
are worse than others?
 Be able to describe the relationship between DNA, amino acids, protein shape and function.
 Use the example of Sickle Cell Anemia to explain of DNA impacts proteins and traits
Guard/BHS/2017
Populations and Evolution
 Be able to describe how populations grow and what limits them.
 Be able to explain the theory of natural selection (selective forces, biotic potential, variation, etc.) and how
it changes populations.
 Be able to describe at least TWO examples of natural selection. (pocket mice on lava rocks, antibiotic
resistance, Grant’s Finches).
 Be able to explain the sources of variation in a population and why it is so important to the process of
natural selection.
 Be able to define evolution.
 Be able to define a SPECIES.
 Be able to describe the process of speciation. What needs to happen?
 Be able to describe the lines of evidence for the evolution of organisms on Earth (DNA, fossils, homologous
structures, vestigial structures).
 Be able to interpret and draw an evolutionary tree. (phylogenetic tree)
o Be able to explain the evolution of horses in North America.
Ecology
 Be able to describe what makes up an ecosystem (abiotic and biotic factors).
 Be able to draw and analyze a food web and analyze what impacts it
 Be able to calculate and analyze trophic level amounts of producers, primary consumers, secondary
consumers and tertiary consumers.
 Be able to explain what the 10% rule is, why it exists and the flow of energy through a food web.
 Be able to explain what biomagnification is and give at least two examples.
 Be able to summarize the major components involved in the water cycle, carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle
and how they relate to photosynthesis, respiration and ecosystems.
 Be able to identify the major abiotic and biotic components of each cycle.
Feedback Systems
 Be able to identify negative and positive feedback systems.
Ways to be successful on this exam:
 Go through all the objectives on this review and use your journal (warm ups, notes, and activities) to write
out answers to each. (Recent research indicates that you remember information much better when you
write it out by hand!)
 Study in a group. Ask each other to verbalize the answers to each objective.
 Make and use note cards to help you study concepts that you are struggling with.
 Make concept maps for each major topic and use important terms to make connections and relationships.
 Study smaller amounts over many days
 The more ways you use the information (see it, say it, hear it, write it, explain it. . . .) the better you will
remember and understand it.
Ineffective techniques:
 Look at your notes.
 Do all of your studying the night before.