2nd Semester Exam - Study Guide
Test Date: Friday, June 5th
Cell Unit – Key words & Concepts






Cells – the building blocks of life
o Eukaryotic – cell with a nucleus (DNA/chromosomes contained inside)
Somatic Cells – body cells (23 pairs of chromosomes = 46 total)
Cell Division – The Cell Cycle
o Interphase – preparation stage
o Mitosis – PMAT (division of the nuclear material)
 Prophase – nuclear membrane dissolves; DNA condensing
 Metaphase – chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell
 Anaphase – chromosomes pull apart and move toward poles of the cell
 Telophase – DNA uncoils; new nuclear membranes form
o Cytokinesis – division of the cell (cytoplasm)
o Parent cell – original cell
o Daughter cells – two new cells – identical to parent cell and each other
Cancer – tumor – abnormal mass of cells – most caused by mutations to DNA
Photosynthesis – leaves – cells – chloroplasts
Stomata - structures that allow for gas exchange during photosynthesis
Genetics / DNA Unit – Key words & Concepts





















Punnett Squares – tool used to predict inheritance of traits in offspring
Probability – chance an event will occur
Allele – one of the two possible forms of a trait
Dominant – stronger form of a trait
Recessive – weaker form of a trait
Homozygous – two of the same alleles (form) for a trait
Heterozygous – two different alleles (forms) for a trait
Hybrids - heterozygous
Purebred - homozygous
Genotype – gene pairs (ex. HH, Hh, hh)
Phenotype – physical appearance (ex. Widow’s peak or straight hairline)
Pedigree – traits studied within a family line (ancestry)
Generations – P1 = parents, F1 = first generation of offspring, F2 = second
generation
Human Chromosomes - 46 in somatic cells; 23 in sex cells
Sex Chromosomes – Females (XX); Males (XY)
DNA Bases – adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine
RNA Bases – adenine, uracil, guanine, cytosine
Gene – controls the inheritance of a trait
Gregor Mendel – Father of Genetics
Watson & Crick – structure of DNA
Rosalind Franklin – X-Ray diffraction
Evolution Unit – Key words & Concepts









Geologic Time Scale
o History of life on earth using rock samples and fossils
Relative dating
o Fossil dating - using rock layers to determine which fossil samples are older or
younger in relationship to one another
Adaptation – increase an organisms ability to survive and reproduce
Biodiversity – variation among species
Sedimentary rock (sediment) – place where most fossils are formed
Competition – struggle for survival
Evolution – change within an organism over time
Galapagos Islands – birth place of evolution/natural selection; Charles Darwin
Ancestor – evolutionary relatives
Ecology & Biodiversity – Key words & Concepts








Pennsylvania – Deciduous Forest Biome
o Warm summers & cold winters
o Moderate yearly precipitation (50 cm)
o Abundant biodiversity/habitats
Forest Stratification – Levels of biodiversity
o Emergent – tallest of the trees
o Canopy – majority of tree crowns
o Understory – saplings represent future of the forest
o Forest floor – decomposition
Clear-Cutting - removing all trees from an area at once
o Habit destruction; population of species decline; erosion of soil
Selective Cutting – removing mature trees to promote sapling growth
o Sustainable Forestry – promoting renewability of natural resource
o Benefits – produce oxygen, absorb pollutants, prevent soil erosion/flooding
Ecological Succession – development of an ecosystem
o Primary – small plants and vegetation colonize first
 Forest fires can activate seeds dormant in soil to release seeds
o Secondary – larger plants develop and animals begin to inhabit the area
Keystone Species – influence the survival of other organisms within an ecosystem
Food Chain – predator/prey relationships
Biodiversity – variety of life within an area
Semester 2 Assessments




DNA Unit Quiz – 35 points
Genetics Quiz #1: Vocabulary & Principles of Genetics – 50 points
Genetics Quiz #2: Punnett Squares & Probability – 42 points
Evolution Open Note/Book Test – 35 points

You can also use the online reviews from my teacher website as well as your current
notebook on Evolution & Biodiversity.
 Lunch study sessions on Monday, June 1st and Wednesday, June 3rd.