Biology End of Course Test Review Guide
NAME_______________________PER____
Content Domain I: Cells
A. Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
1.
Define prokaryote and name the kingdoms that contain prokaryotes. Single-celled organisms
that lack membrane-bound structures like nucleus. Eubacteria & Archaebacteria.
2.
Define eukaryote and name the kingdoms that contain eukaryotes. Contain membrane-bound
organelles like a true nucleus. Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia
3.
List at least 5 characteristics that separate living things from nonliving things. Require food for
energy, homeostasis, respond, reproduce, made of cells.
4.
Differentiate the cell membrane and cell wall in terms of function and presence in certain
organisms. CM-serves as boundary between cell and its external environment; all cells.
CW-protects the cell and gives shape; plants, fungi, most bacteria, and few protists.
5.
What are organelles? Specialized subunit in a cell with a particular function
6.
Name the organelle whose function is described below.
a.
Contains DNA, which controls cell function nucleus
b.
Capture solar energy for photosynthesis chloroplasts
c.
Modify, sort, and ship proteins and lipids Golgi bodies
d.
Location of protein synthesis Cytoplasm at the ribosome
e.
ATP formation mitochondria
f.
Transport of proteins ER
B. Comprehend the importance of homeostasis.
1.
What is homeostasis? Ability to maintain balance in a living organism
2.
What is selective permeability? Membrane allows only certain materials to pass through
3.
Differentiate passive transport from active transport by defining each and giving at least 3
examples of each. Passive- movement of materials across CM without use of energy; high to
low; diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion Active- movement of materials across CM that
requires energy; endocytosis (phago & pino) and exocytosis
C. Characteristics of enzymes
1.
What are enzymes? Speed up chemical reactions without being used up
2.
The active site
of the enzyme fits into a molecule known as a substrate. Enzymes work like
a lock-and-key mechanism.
3.
Enzymes work by lowering the activation energy of reactions.
D. Characteristics of the four major biomolecules. Complete the chart below.
Biomolecule
Elements Composed Of
Examples
Subunits
Function
Carbohydrates
C, H, O
Glucose, sucrose, starch
Monosaccharides
Immediate energy
Lipids
C, H, O
Fats, oils, waxes
Fatty acids,glycerols
Stored energy, insulation,
protective coatings
Proteins
C, H, O, N, S
Enzymes, hemoglobin
Amino acids
Structure & function
Nucleic Acids
C,H,O, N, P, S
DNA, RNA
Nucleotides
Info storage
Sample Questions from Domain I:
1 The assembly of proteins in a cell
takes place in the
A nucleus
B vacuoles
C cytoplasm
D mitochondria
2 Which of the following is an
organism whose cell(s) lack(s)
membrane-bound organelles?
A nucleolus
B chromatin
C eukaryote
D prokaryote
3 In all reptiles, birds, and
mammals, the processes of
excretion, water and salt balance,
and the regulation of pH in body
fluids are controlled by the
kidneys. This is an example of the
organism maintaining
A reabsorption
B homeostasis
C insulation
D hibernation
4 Proteins are long chains or
polymers made up of
A nucleotides
B carbohydrates
C amino acids
D lipids
5 Which of the following molecules
provides the greatest amount of
energy per gram of mass when
metabolized?
A carbohydrate
B nucleic acid
C protein
D lipid
6 Which of the following
environmental changes can cause
an increase in the rates of
reactions in cells?
A increased temperature
B decreased enzyme concentrations
C increase activation energy
requirement
D decreased diffusion rates
Content Domain II: Organisms
A. Energy is needed by all organisms to carry out processes
1. What is ATP and how it is useful to organisms? Molecule that stores and releases energy
2. How is ATP created? Cellular respiration, ADP + P
3. Photosynthesis is a process that organisms called (photo)autrophs perform to trap energy from the sub
and use the energy to build carbohydrates. The trapped sun energy is used to convert the raw materials
water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. The key to the process is the pigment chlorophyll.
4. The two main reactions in photosynthesis are the light reaction (When water molecules are split,
providing hydrogen and an energy source for the Calvin Cycle. Oxygen is given off.) and the dark
reaction. (The series of reactions that form simple sugars using carbon dioxide and hydrogen from
water.)
5. The light reaction occurs in the thylakoids of the chloroplasts while the dark reaction occurs in the
stroma. Another name for the dark reaction is the Calvin cycle.
6. Cellular respiration occurs in the cell’s mitochondria to produce ATP/ energy for use in the cell.
B. Understanding the binomial nomenclature systems and its basis.
1.
What are the rules of binomial nomenclature? Genus cap, sp lower; italicize/ underline; Latinized
2.
What is the branch of biology dealing with naming and grouping organisms? taxonomy
3.
List the levels of classification from most broad to most specific. D K P C O F G S
C. Examining the basis and development of the current six kingdom classification system. Complete the chart below.
Kingdom Name
Domain
Examples
Unicellular or
Prokaryote or
Method of
Multicellular?
Eukaryote?
Nutrition
Eubacteria
Eubacteria
Bacteria like E. coli
Uni
Pro
Het/ chemo/ photo
Archaebacteria
Archaea
Methanogens
Uni
Pro
Chemo/ photo
Protista
Eukarya
Algae, Volvox
Mostly uni
Eu
Het/ photo
Fungi
Eukarya
Mushrooms, yeasts
Mostly multi
Eu
Het (decomposers)
Plantae
Eukarya
Oak tree, rose
Multi
Eu
Photo
Animalia
Eukarya
Sponge, crab, lion
Multi
Eu
Het
Sample Questions from Domain 2:
1 The function of chlorophyll in a
light reaction is to
A bind CO2 to H2O
B split to produce O2
C trap light energy
D act as a source of CO2
2 A group of prokaryotes that live in
extreme environments are the
A viruses
B protists
C eubacteria
D archaebacteria
3 The table shows an early method
of classifying animals.
Which of the following best
illustrates why the modern
Linnaean classification system has
replaced the system developed by
Aristotle?
A Flying insects fly over both land
and water.
B Eating habits of reptiles and
some land mammals are
different.
C Sea snake bones are similar to
those of reptiles that live on land.
D Birds are warm-blooded like
mammals.
4 Scientists have discovered a new
species of animal. Which would
provide the best basis for
classifying this new species?
A DNA comparison
B diet of animal
C habitat of animal
D appearance of animal
Content Domain III:Genetics
A. Distinguish between DNA and RNA and explain the role of DNA in storing and transmitting cellular information.
1.
DNA is a type of nucleic acid. Its main function is store & transmit information. It’s made of smaller
subunits called nucleotides which are composed of 3 parts:
Sugar, nitrogen bases, phosphate groups.
The shape of DNA is known as a double helix.
2.
List the 4 bases in DNA and how they pair. G-C, A-T
3.
DNA has the unique ability to make an exact copy of itself in a process called replication
4.
RNA molecules are also made of nucleotides, but the base uracil replaces the base thymine.
5.
During transcription a “copy” of the DNA is made in the form of mRNA which travels to the ribosome
where proteins are synthesized.
6.
Translation is the process of converting the information in mRNA into a sequence of amino acids that
make up protein. tRNA brings the amino acids to the ribosomes so that protein synthesis can occur.
B. Using Mendel’s laws, explain the role of meiosis in reproductive variability and describe the relationships between
changes in DNA and appearance of new traits.
1.
Compare/ contrast:
a. dominant / recessive traits D can mask a R trait
b. genes / alleles A are different forms of G
c. homozygous / heterozygous allele pairs Hom are same allele and Het are different alleles in pair
d. monohybrid / dihybrid crosses M are one trait and D are two
2.
e. genotype / phenotype G is gene combination and P is expression of the gene
Name the Mendelian law that is described:
a.
The dominant allele will prevent the recessive allele from being expressed. The recessive allele will
appear when it is paired with another recessive allele in the offspring. Dominance
b.
The gene pairs separate when gametes are formed, so each gamete has only one allele of each pair.
Segregation
c.
3.
Different pairs of genes separate independently of each other when gametes are formed. Ind Assortm.
What is meiosis? Gametes that contain ½ # chromosomes as the parent cell are produced
a. Differentiate diploid and haploid cells. 2n- ½ # of double-stranded chromosomes; n= ½ the number
of single-stranded chromosomes
b. Male gametes are known as sperm while female gametes are known as eggs When a sperm fertilizes an
egg, a zygote results.
c. Meiosis allows for the shuffling of chromosomes and the genetic information they contain. Whether by
crossing over or by independent segregation of homologous chromosomes, the end result is a
reassortment of the genetic information. This is known as genetic recombination/ variation.
4.
Changes in the sequence of a DNA molecule are known as mutations. Examples of mutations are base pair
substitutions (point mutations) and frameshift mutations.
C. Compare advantages of sexual and asexual reproduction in different situations.
1.
Mitosis is the process in which nuclear material is divided equally between two daughter cells. This keeps
the number of chromosomes constant from one generation to the next and, in eukaryotes, is the main process
by which growth and tissue repair is accomplished.
2.
3.
Name the phase of mitosis described below:
 During prophase, the duplicated chromosomes become distinct and spindle fibers radiate across the
cell. The nuclear envelope starts to break up.
 During metaphase, the duplicated chromosomes line up randomly in the center of the cell between the
spindles at the spindle equator.
 During anaphase, the duplicated chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell. Every
chromosome that was present in the parent cell is now represented by the daughter chromosome at the
poles.
 During telophase, a nuclear membrane forms around the chromosomes at each end of the cell. The
spindle fibers disappear and the chromosomes disperse and become less distinct. Each nucleus has the
same chromosome number as the
parent cell. The process of mitosis is now complete.
At the end of telophase, the cytoplasm begins to divide in a process known as cytokinesis. How does this
differ in plant vs. animal cells? Plants- cell plate, Animals- cleavage furrow
D. Examine the use of DNA technology in forensics, medicine, and agriculture.
1.
There are many uses of DNA technology such as skin grafting, DNA fingerprinting, and genetic
engineering. What happens during the use of recombinant DNA technology? Cut DNA, splice together,
and insert modified DNA from different species in bacteria etc. that rapidly divides. Cells copy the
foreign DNA. Ex. Insulin.
Sample Questions from Domain 3:
1 Which of the following is the
correct base-pairing rule for DNA?
A A-U; C-G
B A-G; T-C
C A-T; G-C
D A-C; T-G
2 A mutagenic factor that can alter
DNA by the loss of a chromosome
segment is known as
A translocation
B crossing over
C deletion
D nondisjunction
3 In Mendel’s experiments with a
single trait, the trait that
disappeared in the first generation
and reappeared in the next
generation is called the
A homozygous trait
B dominant trait
C recessive trait
D heterozygous trait
4 Which of the following correctly
shows the shape of a DNA molecule?
D
5 Changes to an organism’s DNA
can cause unexpected traits to be
expressed in its offspring. DNA in
an individual’s gametes will most
likely be altered before being
passed to offspring if exposed to
A x-rays
B loud sounds
C magnetic fields
D extreme temperatures
6 Agricultural companies have
developed the ability to control the
genetic characteristics of their
crops. Genetic engineering
techniques have been used to
produce all of the following effects
except
A grow salt-tolerant crop plants
B decreasing harvesting time
C make crop plants resistant to disease
D decrease soil nitrogen levels
7 In fruit flies, the gray body color
(G) is dominant to the ebony body
color (g). What is the genotypic
ratio of the offspring of a
heterozygous gray female and an
ebony male?
A 25 % Gg, 75 % gg
B 50 % Gg, 50 % gg
C 75 % gray, 25 % ebony
D 100% gray
8 The process of meiosis produces
gametes. How does this process
increase reproductive variability?
A Different combinations of alleles
are produced.
B Each allele from the parent cell
forms a separate gamete.
C Each pair of genes undergoes
crossing-over with different
genes.
D The two genes are passed on to a
daughter cell, resulting in new
traits.
9 DNA and RNA are nucleic acids. A
characteristic of RNA is that it
A remains in the chromosomes in
the nucleus
B is involved in translating
information in DNA into proteins
C undergoes crossing-over during
meiosis
D is replicated during the process
of mitosis
10 ATG is a DNA triplet that codes
for an amino acid. Which mRNA
codon will pair with the ATG
triplet?
A ATG
B GTU
C TAC
D UAC
Content Domain IV: Ecology
A. Investigate the relationships among organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes.
1.
What is ecology? Study of the interactions between organisms and their environment
2.
Define:
3.
a.
Biosphere the portion of Earth that supports all life
b.
Biome areas of the biosphere with similar climate and dominant plants and animals
c.
Ecosystem all biotic and abiotic factors in a given area
d.
Community all organisms in a given area
e.
Population all organisms of a certain species in a given area
f.
Organism a living thing
Differentiate biotic and abiotic factors. Biotic- living organisms in an ecosystem; abiotic- nonliving
factors
4.
Define the following terms associated with populations:
a.
Population density number of organisms living in a given area
b.
Exponential growth (j-shaped curve) population grows faster as it increases in size
c.
Logistic growth (s-shaped curve) limited resources cause an exponentially growing pop. to become stable
d.
Carrying capacity point at which populations become stable
5.
6.
7.
Compare and contrast density-dependent and density-independent limiting factors. DD- increasing effect as
pop increases; DI- affects all populations, regardless of density
Define niche and habitat.n- organism’s role h- organism’s home
Name the terrestrial biome that is described.

The tundra biome is found north of the Arctic Circle, is nearly treeless, contains permafrost, and
animals such as the arctic hare.

The taiga biome is found in a wide band south of the tundra. Its primary vegetation is coniferous
trees and includes animals such as black bears and timber wolves.

The trop rain forests are found in abundance in the Earth’s equatorial zone. It is warm and rainy
year-round and includes animals such as monkeys and parrots.

Decid/ temperate forests are found in abundance throughout Europe and the eastern United States,
between the taiga and the tropical biomes. The primary vegetation is deciduous trees and animals
include white-tailed deer and squirrels.

Desert biomes occur largely in parts of Africa, and the southwestern United States and in parts of
Australia, South America, and Asia. Vegetation includes small plants and cacti and animals include
many reptiles.

Grasslands cover most of South America, Africa, and Australia. Temperate grasslands can be found
in central United States, western Canada and across southern Asia. Animals include grazers such as
antelope and predators such as lions.
B. Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems.
1.
Producers or autotrophs use the sun’s energy to create their own food while consumers or heterotrophs
must consume other organisms to obtain their energy and nutrients. Organisms that feed on dead plants or
animals or their waste products are known as decomposers. Organisms are grouped into trophic levels
based on their source of energy. Because energy cannot be recycled, there must be a way for it to move
through an ecosystem. As sunlight hits the Earth, energy flows first to the tissues of primary producers, then
to consumers, and finally to decomposers. This is called a food chain.. It shows how matter and energy
flow through an ecosystem. A more complex interconnected system is known as a food web_.
2.
Energy pyramids show how energy decreases at each succeeding trophic level. In fact, the total energy
transfer from one trophic level to another is only about 10%.
3.
Unlike energy, matter is recycled in an ecosystem. Matter cycles from one organism to another. Examples
of cycles of matter are: (Make sure you understand these terms!)
a.
Carbon Cycle (photosynthesis, respiration, fossil fuels)
b.
Water Cycle (precipitation, seepage, runoff, transpiration, evaporation, condensation)
c.
Phosphorous Cycle (decomposition, sedimentation)
d.
Nitrogen Cycle (fixation, decay)
C. Relate environmental conditions to successional changes in ecosystems.
1.
What is succession? Natural change that takes place within a community of an ecosystem
2.
Compare and contrast primary and secondary succession. P- happens when one community is completely
destroyed and a new one emerges or when a community begins to form where no life existed before. Soccurs when a natural disaster or human activity destroys a community. Soil is already present.
3.
Define the following terms that are associated with succession:
a.
Pioneer species the first organism to appear during primary succession
b.
Climax community the most stable organisms in a community
D. Assess human activities that influence and modify the environment: global warming, population growth, pesticide
use, water and power consumption.
1.
Compare and contrast renewable and nonrenewable resources. R- a natural resource that is replaced or
replenished by natural processes
2.
N- those that are available only in limited amounts
Differentiate extinct, threatened, and endangered species. Ex- complete disappearance of a species; Tspecies that are declining rapidly; En- species whose numbers drop so low that ex is almost inevitable
3.
Describe some concerns with the following types of pollution:
a.
Air (particulates, smog, acid rain, CO2, greenhouse effect, ozone layer)
See above
b.
Water
Contaminants, runoff, groundwater
E. Relate plant adaptations, including tropisms, to the ability to survive stressful environmental conditions.
1.
What is a tropism? a plant’s response to the environment
2.
Name the tropism that is described:
a. Response to the force of gravity. gravitropism
b. Response to light. phototropism
c. Response to touch. thigmotropism
3.
Most plants control their growth in response to environmental stimuli by way of chemical messengers
known as hormones Examples include auxins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid.
F.
Relate animal adaptations, including behaviors, to the ability to survive stressful environmental conditions.
1.
Define adaptation. Evolution of a structure, behavior, or internal process that enable an organism to
respond to stimuli and better survive in an environment.
2.
Define behavior. Anything an organism does in response to a stimulus in the environment.
Sample Questions from Domain 4:
1 A group of organisms of a certain species that is in one
area at agiven time is know as a (an)
A ecosystem
B community
C population
D trophic level
2 As energy flows through an
ecosystem, at each trophic level it
A increases
B decreases
C fluctuates
D remains the same
3 Predators often feed on weak or sick animals in an
ecosystem. The role of the predator is described as its
A community
B habitat
C niche
D population
4 The dodder is a land plant that
parasitizes other plants. It grows
in long thin strands that penetrate
the host plant and absorb water,
minerals and carbohydrates.
Unlike other land plants, the
mature dodder does not require
A nutrients
B water
C air
D sunlight
5 The state of California has several
large cities and very productive
croplands that divert and use large
amounts of water from rivers.
What is one damaging effect of this
use of water from the rivers?
A increased amounts of solid waste
pollution in the oceans
B decreased amounts of fresh
water in marshes and estuaries
C changes in local rainfall amounts
D changes in upstream water tables
6 Plants that live in the rainforest
have many adaptations to their
environment. Some plants such as
vines have adaptations which
allow them to attach themselves to
the trunks of trees. These
adaptations allow vines to
successfully compete for which of
the following limiting resources in
the rainforest?
A sunlight
B water
C carbon dioxide
D oxygen
7 Lightning causes a fire that
destroys all the plants in a forest
community. Which of the
following is most likely to be the
first to occupy the burned area?
A oak seedlings
B pine trees
C grasses and annual plants
D woody shrubs
8 Pilot fish and sharks have a
relationship where the pilot fish
eats bits of food that the shark
drops or leaves behind. The shark
is unaffected by the pilot fish
behavior. Which of the following
best roles describes the pilot fish?
A predator
B herbivore
C scavenger
D parasite
9 Birds have been observed puffing
up their feathers under certain
conditions. By trapping air
between feathers, this behavior
helps the bird
A hide from enemies
B expend less energy during flight
C shelter offspring
D trap body heat
Content Domain V: Evolution
A. Trace the history of the theory of evolution.
1. What is evolution? Change in groups of organisms over time
2.
Briefly describe the contribution of each of the following scientists to the understanding of evolution:
i. Lamarck passing down of acquired characteristics
ii. Lyell plant and animal species had arisen, developed variations, became extinct over time
iii. Wallace competition for resources as main force in natural selection
iv. Darwin variations within species depend on environment and drive survival evolution
B. Explain the history of life in terms of biodiversity, ancestry, and the rates of evolution.
1. Define the following terms:
i. Divergent evolution/ adaptive radiation spp that were once similar to ancestral spp diverge
ii. Convergent evolution unrelated spp independently evolve superifical similarities
iii. Biodiversity variety of life in an area; ecosystem, species, genetic diversity
iv. Speciation evolution of new species that occurs from interbreeding or reprod is prevented
v. Gradualism vs Punctuated Equilibrium G- evolution occurs over long period of time (Darwin);
PE- speciation occurs quickly in rapid bursts, with long periods of stability in between
C. Explain how fossil and biochemical evidence support the theory of evolution.
1. What is the difference between radioisotope/ radioactive dating and relative dating? Radioactive- ½ life,
semi-precise time limit; relative- matching rock layers with fossils
2. What is a phylogeny? Description of the lines of descent as organisms lived from one era to the next
D. Relate natural selection to changes in organisms.
1. Natural selection is a mechanism that explains changes in a population that occur when organisms with
favorable adaptations/ variations for that particular environment survive, reproduce, and pass these
variations on to the next generation.
2.
3.
What is fitness? Relative reproductive efficiency of various individuals or genotypes in a population.
Differentiate stabilizing, directional, and disruptive selection. S- nat selection favors average individuals;
Dir- nat sel favors extreme variations of a trait; Dis- nat sel favors organisms with either extreme of a
trait
E. Recognize the role of evolution to biological resistance.
1. What are two examples of biological resistance? Bacteria to antibiotics; insects to pesticides
Sample Questions from Domain5:
1 From the following answers, which is considered by
most biologists to be the most accurate in supporting
the theory of evolution?
A fossils
B embryology
C DNA sequencing
D genetic equilibrium
2 The development of radiocarbon dating allows
scientists to see how many times carbon atoms have
been through half-lives. Since scientists know the length
of a C- 14 half-life, they can gain knowledge about fossils
using the C-14 dating technique. When
radiocarbon dating was first introduced, it changed the
way people thought about how organisms evolved
because the technique showed
A how long ago some organisms were alive
B that eating habits have changed
in some animals
C how different the chemical
composition was long ago
D that most plants were gymnosperms
3 There are millions of species of
organisms living at this time and
new species are still being
discovered. Based on Darwin’s
theory of evolution, which of the
following best describes how
millions of species have developed?
A Organisms passed on acquired
characteristics to evolve from
lower life forms to higher life forms.
B Organisms were selectively bred
to create different species.
C Completely different species
crossed with one another to form
the many different organisms.
D Different genetic variations in
organisms were selected in different environments.
4 Which of the following best
supports the idea that organisms
and environments have changed
over time?
A the discovery of fossilized fern plants in Antarctica
B the production of sterile hybrid animals such as the mule
C the many different species of
plants in tropical areas
D the ability of many animals to
learn new behaviors
5 The cotton whitefly has become a
key pest, damaging many kinds of
crops. The cotton whitefly has
developed resistance to a variety of
pesticides. Pesticide resistance
would most likely develop in
insects that
A reproduce rapidly
B feed on few types of plants
C undergo complete
metamorphosis
D live in very limited regions
6 The DNA of an organism contains
information that is used to
sequence amino acids to form
specific proteins. The existence of
different organisms with very
similar amino acid sequences is
evidence of
A a common ancestor
B common adaptive behaviors
C a similar diet
D a similar environment
7 Microorganisms such as bacteria
are able to change and adapt much
more quickly than other
organisms. Bacterial populations,
for example, are able to build a
resistance to antibiotics within
months, whereas compounds that
are toxic to animals remain toxic
to animals for many years. One
reason for their rapid adaptability
is that microorganisms
A are highly motile
B have a short life span
C have specialized organelles
D are chemosynthetic
Co-requisite Domain: Characteristics (and Nature) of Science
A. Identify tools, terms, and processes used in scientific inquiry, including laboratory safety and scientific research.
B. Comprehend how scientific knowledge is developed.
C. Recognize how scientific information is properly verified and communicated.
Skills You Will Need on the EOCT


Graphing
(When working with graphs, carefully read the title and the
label on each axis. Check for any other information that might
be included in the graph. When you think you have the answer,
double check the information given in the graph.)
Computation and estimation skills
o Differences between estimates and calculated answers
o Measurement errors
o Accuracy and precision
o Solve problems by substituting values into simple
algebraic formulas
Sample Questions from Co-requisite Domain:
1. D
2. D
3. A