Biology Midterm Review Guide
Directions
Answer the following questions on a sheet of your own paper!
Science Methods
1. Make five inference and five observations about your surroundings.
2. How are inferences and observations connected in scientific investigations or experiments?
3. Create an experimental procedure making sure to note all the necessary parts of the experiment (control group,
constants, independent (manipulated) variable, dependent (responding) variable and hypothesis). Also tell about
the type of data you would collect to draw your conclusions.
Biochemistry
4. For each type of biological molecule, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins explain the following:
 Structure (include the monomers or subunits of each biological molecule)
 Function (How does the molecule support life in a cell or organism?)
5. Draw and label a diagram of an atom. Include the following parts:
 Nucleus
 Protons
 Electrons
 Neutrons
 Electron cloud (i.e., valence shells, energy levels, etc.)
6. Give three examples of molecules and elements.
7. Carbon has an atomic number of six, what does the atomic number represent about an atom?
8. Predict the charge of an atom that start off neutral then loses an electron or proton.
9. Define or diagram a covalent bond, ionic bond and hydrogen bond.
10. Explain the relationship between valence electrons and chemical bonds.
11. If carbon has an atomic number of six, how many covalent bonds does it typically form? Explain your
reasoning.
12. List the (4) most common elements found in biological molecule and thus cells.
13. Describe the role of an enzyme in cells.
a. Explain the relationship between the shape and function of an enzyme.
14. List the changes in an enzymes environment may alter its function?
15. Compare and contrast dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis.
Cell Types
16. List the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and give examples of each.
17. Compare and contrast plant and animal cells.
18. A cell is observed to have ribosomes, genetic material (DNA) floating in the cytoplasm, a cell membrane and
cell wall. Based on this information how can the cell be best classified?
a. State whether plant and animal cells are prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
Justify your answer.
Cell Organelles
19. For the organelles listed below, state/explain the following:
a) if they are found in plant or animal cells (or both),
b) what they look like (in your own words),
their function (what it does/is used for)



Nucleus
Ribosome
Endoplasmic reticulum
(E.R.)




Mitochondria
Chloroplast
Lysosome
Golgi apparatus
Cell Transport (Exchange of Materials)
20. Explain how the structures of lipids and proteins in the membrane help them to function properly. Draw a
diagram of the membrane in your answer.
21. Compare and contrast passive transport and active transport.
22. Define diffusion and osmosis.
b. Explain the similarities and differences between diffusion and osmosis.
23. Draw a picture of the cell membrane and label Phospholipids and a Carrier/Transport Protein
24. Explain the similarities and differences between diffusion and osmosis.
25. Predict the impact on a cell exposed to hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic solutions. How are these solutions
related to osmosis?
26. List three methods a cell uses to transport materials across a membrane.
27. A plant dries up and wilts or shrivels up. Predict the change in the plant cells that causes the shriveling. Include
the idea of osmosis in your answer.
Photosynthesis
28. Write an equation for photosynthesis using words and/or symbols. Circle one waste product and one put a box
around one useful product.
29. Summarize the process of photosynthesis. Include the light reaction, Calvin cycle, and chloroplast, ATP in your
description.
30. Describe the role of the sun in photosynthesis
31. When a plant takes in carbon dioxide, in what form or molecule is the carbon stored after being used in
photosynthesis?
32. Predict the change in the Earth’s atmosphere resulting from a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis.
33. List the types of cells (prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant and/or animal) that carry out photosynthesis.
34. Illustrate how plants exchange gases with their surroundings.
Aerobic Respiration
35. Write out the equation for aerobic cellular respiration using words and/or
symbols. Circle one waste product and one put a box around one useful
product.
36. Summarize the process of cellular respiration. Include mitochondria,
Glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, and the Electron Transport Chain, ATP in your
description.
37. Compare and contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
38. Evaluate the validity of the statement that “photosynthesis could go on
indefinitely without cellular respiration”.
Anaerobic Respiration
39. Write out the equation for anaerobic respiration in yeast and humans using
words and/or symbols.
40. Compare and contrast aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
41. A human is cramping from intense exercise. Explain the process of
cramping up using the words anaerobic respiration and lactic acid.
Digestive System
42. Define peristalsis.
43. Describe where in the digestive system carbohydrates, lipids and fats are
chemically digested.
44. Describe the function of bile along with the chemical’s path in the digestive
system.
45. Explain the role of enzymes in the digestion process. Include the example of
amylase as an example in your answer.
46. Trace the picture of the digestive system and label the following parts of the digestive system: mouth, esophagus,
stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine and large intestine, along with describing their function.
47. One function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients into the blood stream. How does the structure of the small
intestine create a large surface area for nutrients to be absorbed efficiently?
Ecology
48. Describe the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
49. Give an example of a decomposer and define its role in the ecosystem.
50. List three abiotic and three biotic factors that can limit population growth.
51. Describe how predator and prey population affect one another. Sketch a general graph showing the cycle of
predator and prey population changes over time. (Include two line graphs on your axis, one showing prey
population the other showing predators population)
52. Define the following terms used to describe the trophic (feeding) relationships in an ecosystem.
c. Producer (Plant)
d. Primary Consumer (Herbivore)
e. Secondary Consumer (Carnivore)
f. Tertiary Consumer
53. Create an energy or biomass pyramid for an ecosystem.
a. Label each level of the pyramid with trophic (feeding) classifications.
b. Give an example an organism at each trophic level.
c. Producers provide 100% of the food energy; include the percentage of the food transferred to each
trophic (feeding level).
Nervous System
54. Compare and contrast the central and peripheral nervous system.
55. Compare and contrast the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
56. Molly has recently been in an accident and is experiencing some strange symptoms. She can remember
everything that happed before her accident but is having a hard time making new memories. Which part of her
brain has been damaged?
57. Rachel is usually a really good hockey player. Last week during practice she was hit in the head with a puck.
Since then she has had trouble wither puck handling and balance. Which part of her brain has been damaged?
58. Tarrick is a child genius. He is only 12 years old but has already graduated high school. Which part of his brain
is extra developed?
59. Ryan was struck in the back of his head, which temporarily blinded him. Which part of his brain was damaged
by the blow?
60. In a paragraph, describe how electrical signals are sent between nerves to send signals around the body. Include
the words axon, dendrite and synapse in your answer.
61. Draw a neuron and label the axon, dendrites, synapse and myelin. Draw in the neurotransmitters in the correct
place.
62. Define neurotransmitter. Include the word synapse in your definition.
63. Trace the brain diagrams and label the following parts along with describing their function.
a. Frontal Lobe, Parietal Lobe, Temporal Lobe, Occipital Lobe, Cerebellum, Hippocampus,
Hypothalamus