Biology Exam Crash Review

Introduction

• Review for end-of-course biology exam.
• Target audience: 9th or 10th graders or those taking biology EOC/state exams.
• Fast-paced review focusing on commonly tested content and basic skills.

Basic Chemistry and Organic Compounds

• Matter and Elements:

  • All matter is composed of elements, which are made of atoms.
  • Focus on organic compounds in biology: nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

• Monomers:

  • Nucleic acids: nucleotides.
  • Proteins: amino acids.
  • Carbohydrates: monosaccharides.
  • Lipids: fatty acids and glycerol.

• Phospholipids:

  • Make up the cell membrane.

Water Properties

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

Cells

• Basic Unit of Life:

  • All living things have cells with a cell membrane (phospholipid bilayer).
  • Genetic information (DNA) and cytoplasm are key components.

• Cell Types:

  • Eukaryotic Cells: Have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
  • Prokaryotic Cells: No nucleus, DNA is free-floating, have ribosomes and cytoplasm.

• Plant vs Animal Cells:

  • Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
  • Both have vacuoles, but plant cells have a larger one.

Cell Membrane and Transport

• Types of Transport:

  • Simple Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration.
  • Facilitated Diffusion: Uses protein channels; no energy required.
  • Active Transport: Low to high concentration, requires ATP.

• Osmosis:

  • Movement of water across a membrane.
  • Isotonic, Hypotonic, Hypertonic Solutions: Water movement in relation to solute concentration.

Enzymes

• Type of proteins, biological catalysts.
• Affected by temperature and pH.

Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

• Cellular Respiration:

  • Occurs in mitochondria, converts glucose and oxygen into ATP.
  • Byproducts: carbon dioxide and water.

• Photosynthesis:

  • Plants convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into glucose and oxygen.
  • Complementary to cellular respiration.

• Fermentation:

  • Anaerobic process; less efficient than cellular respiration.
  • Types: Lactic acid fermentation, alcoholic fermentation.

Genetics

• DNA Structure and Replication:

  • Double helix structure, bases A, T, G, C.
  • Semi-conservative replication during S phase.

• Mendelian Genetics:

  • Dominant and recessive alleles, homozygous and heterozygous genotypes.

• Punnett Squares:

  • Used to predict genetic crosses and probabilities.

• Complex Inheritance:

  • Incomplete dominance, co-dominance, sex-linked traits.

Evolution and Ecology

• Natural Selection and Evolution:

  • Change in genetic makeup over time.
  • Fitness related to survival and reproduction.
  • Environment as a selective pressure.

• Evidence of Evolution:

  • Fossil records, biochemical evidence, embryology, phylogenetic trees.

• Biodiversity:

  • Importance in ecosystems.
  • Impact of human activity and conservation efforts.

Biotechnology

• Techniques such as gel electrophoresis for DNA analysis.

Environmental Science

• Cycles and Resources:

  • Carbon cycle, renewable vs non-renewable resources.

• Human Impact:

  • Climate change, ozone depletion, and sustainable practices.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to use additional resources for further study.
• Mention of other resources available on the channel.