Biology EOC Exam Review

Overview

• This review is for the EOC Biology exam in North Carolina. May be useful for other states—check state standards.
• Not a comprehensive review of the entire year's curriculum, but a refresher on important concepts.

Macromolecules (Biomolecules/Organic Compounds)

• Nucleic Acids: Store and transmit genetic information (RNA, DNA).
• Proteins: Perform various cellular functions (structure, signaling, antibodies, enzymes).
• Carbohydrates: Provide quick energy; found in cell walls.
• Lipids: Major components of cell membranes; long-term energy storage.
• Monomers:
  • Nucleic acids: nucleotides
  • Proteins: amino acids
  • Carbohydrates: monosaccharides
  • Lipids: fatty acids and glycerols
• CHNOPS: Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur—key elements in biomolecules.

Enzymes

• Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.
• Enzyme name often ends in "-ase" (e.g., ligase, helicase).
• Reusable and specific to substrates; affected by temperature and pH.

Cell Structure and Function

• Membrane: Phospholipid bilayer; selectively permeable.
• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
  • Prokaryotic: Simple, no nucleus, free-floating DNA.
  • Eukaryotic: Complex, nucleus, membrane-bound organelles.
• Organelles:
  • Vacuole, Lysosome, Golgi Apparatus, Endoplasmic Reticulum (rough and smooth), Ribosomes, Cell Wall, Cytoplasm, Chloroplast, Mitochondria.

DNA and Protein Synthesis

• DNA Structure: Double helix, nucleotides (phosphate, sugar, base).
• Central Dogma: DNA -> RNA -> Protein.
• Transcription: DNA to mRNA.
• Translation: mRNA to protein (ribosome reads codons).

Cell Cycle and Division

• Interphase and Mitosis:
  • Interphase: G1, S (DNA replication), G2.
  • Mitosis: PMAT (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase) and Cytokinesis.
• Meiosis: Produces haploid cells (sperm/egg); variation through crossing over and independent assortment.

Genetic Variation and Mutations

• Sources: Mutations, independent assortment, crossing over.
• Genotypes and Phenotypes: Dominant and recessive alleles.
• Punnett Squares: Predict genetic outcomes.
• Polygenic Traits: Traits influenced by multiple genes.

Biotechnology

• Techniques: DNA sequencing, Gel electrophoresis.
• Ethical questions regarding genetic modification, CRISPR, etc.

Evolution and Natural Selection

• Natural Selection: Survival of the fittest; environmental adaptation.
• Evidence for Evolution: Fossils, DNA, embryology.
• Common Ancestors: Phylogenetic trees and cladograms.

Ecosystems and Ecology

• Energy Flow: Trophic levels, energy loss as heat.
• Biogeochemical Cycles: Carbon and nitrogen cycles.
• Human Impacts: Pollution, global warming, habitat destruction.

Domains and Classification

• Three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.
• Phylogeny: Evolutionary relationships amongst species.
• Scientific Naming: Genus and species.

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This concludes the EOC biology review. Ensure additional practice and revisits of these topics to solidify understanding.