Biology EOC Crash Review

Introduction

• Quick review for 9th or 10th-grade students prepping for end-of-course (EOC) biology exams.
• Focus on important content and skills commonly tested.

Basic Concepts

Elements and Organic Compounds

• All matter is made of elements, composed of atoms.
• Organic Compounds: Essential for life, contain carbon.
  • Nucleic acids (nucleotides)
  • Proteins (amino acids)
  • Carbohydrates (monosaccharides)
  • Lipids (fatty acids & glycerol)
  • Mnemonic: Clean Later Party (Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic acids)

Water Properties

• Universal solvent, polar (partially positive & negative).
• Hydrophilic: Water-loving, soluble.
• Hydrophobic: Water-fearing, insoluble.
• Special Properties:
  • Cohesion, adhesion, capillary action, high surface tension.

Cell Structure

Basic Cell Structures

• Cells are basic life units, have cell membrane, DNA, and cytoplasm.
• Cell Membrane: Phospholipid bilayer.
• Types of Cells:
  • Eukaryotic (nucleus, membrane-bound organelles)
  • Prokaryotic (no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles)
  • Plant vs Animal Cells differences (cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuoles)

Transport Across Cell Membrane

• Diffusion: Simple (no energy), facilitated (protein help), active (energy required).
• Osmosis: Water movement, isotonic, hypotonic, hypertonic solutions.

Enzymes

• Enzymes are proteins, act as biological catalysts.
• Sensitive to temperature, pH (can denature).

Cellular Processes

Cellular Respiration

• Occurs in mitochondria, glucose + oxygen → ATP + CO2 + water.

Photosynthesis

• Plants convert sunlight + CO2 + water → glucose + oxygen.

Fermentation

• Anaerobic respiration, less efficient (2 ATP vs. 36 ATP in cellular respiration).
  • Types: Lactic acid (muscle cells), alcoholic (yeast).

Genetics

DNA Structure and Replication

• DNA is double-stranded, organized into chromosomes.
• Replication: Semiconservative, occurs in S phase.

Protein Synthesis

• Transcription: DNA → mRNA.
• Translation: mRNA → protein at ribosome.
• DNA vs. RNA Differences: Strands, sugars, bases.

Mendelian Genetics

• Gregor Mendel: Traits controlled by alleles, dominant/recessive.
• Punnett Squares: Predict offspring trait probability.
• Non-Mendelian Genetics: Incomplete dominance, co-dominance, sex-linked traits.

Evolution and Natural Selection

• Evolution: Genetic change over time, driven by natural selection.
• Charles Darwin: Presented natural selection.
• Evidence: Fossil records, DNA, embryology, phylogenetic trees.

Ecology and Environment

Levels of Organization

• From molecules to biosphere, biodiversity is crucial.

Human Impact

• Both negative (deforestation, pollution) and positive (conservation, recycling).

Conclusion

• Comprehensive crash review for EOC biology exams.
• Additional resources and practice suggested for deeper understanding.