Biology Semester I Final Exam – Review Guide
Chapter 1
Biology – Science as a Way of Knowing
Vocabulary: See page 27 in book.
Chapter 2

Goals of Science

Scientific Method

Curiosity, skepticism, open-mindedness, creativity

Peer review

Theory vs. Law

Characteristics of Living Things (pages 18-19)

Big Themes in Biology (pages 20-21)\
Chemistry of Life
Vocabulary: See page 55 in book.
Chapter 3

Atomic Structure (Protons, Neutrons, Electrons)

Atomic Number, Atomic Mass

Ions, Isotopes

Bonding (Hydrogen, Ionic, Covalent)

Water and Water’s Qualities (ex. polar molecule, cohesion, adhesion, High specific heat, solvent)

pH

Carbon Macromolecules:
o Protein
o Carbohydrates
o Lipids
o Nucleic Acids

Energy (Potential, Kinetic, Activation)

Enzymes (needed for chemical reactions, enzymes speed reactions, lower activation energy
The Biosphere
Vocabulary: See page 89 in book.

Ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their
physical environment

Species, population, community, ecosystem, biome, biosphers

Abiotic and biotic factors

Observation, experimentation and modeling

Energy, trophic pyramid, primary producers, consumers (primary, secondary, tertiary),
decomposers

Food chain vs. food web

Nutrients, limiting nutrients

Biogeochemical cycles: water, carbon, phosphorous, nitrogen

Nitrogen fixation, denitrification
Chapter 4 – (4.2, 4.3, 4.4) Ecosystems and Communities

Niche

Resources

Competition

Predation, herbivory

Symbiosis (mutualism, parasitism, commensalism)

Ecological Succession (Primary Succession, Secondary Succession)

Pioneer Species

Biomes are defined by Temperature and Precipitation

Desert, Tropical Rain Forest, Tundra, Coniferous Forest, Temperate Forest
Chapter 6 (6.1, 6.4) Humans in the Biosphere
Chapter 7

Monoculture

Renewable resource

Nonrenewable resource

Sustainable development

6.4 Ecological Footprint
Cell Structure and Function

Cell Theory
o
o
o
All living things are made of cells (Hooke)
Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things (plants-Schleiden,
animals-Schwann)
New cells are produced from existing cells (Virchow)

Microscope (Van Leeuwenheok)

Parts of the Microscope
o

Resolving Power vs. Magnification
Electron Microscopes
o
Transmission Electron Microscope vs. Scanning Electron Microscope

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic

Cell Organelles and Their Functions
A typical cell is made up of a cell membrane that contains a nucleus, within a jellylike substance
called cytoplasm, which holds together the organelles. The following are the organelles and their
functions in an animal cell.
Nucleus
This is often referred to as the 'brain' of the cell. Nucleus functions control all other activities that
are carried on within the cell. The nucleus consists of a nuclear membrane, chromatins and a
nucleolus, it also contains among other things, chromosomes. There may be one or more nuclei in
a cell; a nucleus is absent in prokaryotic cells.
Cell Membrane
Gives structure and shape to the cell and is responsible for holding the organelles together. The
cell membrane function includes providing protection and it is selectively permeable in nature, since
it has the ability to control what enters and leaves the cell.
Endoplasmic Reticulum
This is a network of tubes, sacs and membranes, responsible for transporting material from one
part of the cell to another. There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum; rough endoplasmic
reticulum (lined with ribosomes) and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (lacking ribosomes/embedded
ribosomes).
Ribosome
Ribosomes are thousands of tiny spherical structures that are made of RNA and protein enzymes.
Ribosomes function includes helping out in protein synthesis process.
Mitochondria
Also referred to as the 'Powerhouse' of the cell. Mitochondria is made up of a double layered
membrane, the inner part of which consists of folds, called cristae. They are responsible for the
breakdown of sugar molecules to release ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used to transport
energy within the cell for metabolism.
Golgi Apparatus
Made up of numerous layers which form a sac like structure. Golgi apparatus functions include
protein packaging and its distribution to other parts of the cell.
Centrioles
Centrioles lie near the nucleus and are made up of nine tube like structures, each of which has
three tubules. Centriole function includes releasing spindle like formations that attach to
chromosomes during one of the cell division stages.
Lysosomes
Lysosome structure will contain enzymes. Lysosome function includes helping in the breakdown of
larger molecules into small parts, also responsible for the transport of waste out of the cell.
Vacuoles
Vacuoles store food and water. They also provide turgor pressure against the cell walls; may
additionally store waste material before its transported outside the cell.
Organelles and Their Functions in a Plant Cell
Plant and animal cells differ in the number and structure of the above organelles, but the most
fundamental difference in plant cell organelles structure and parts, is the presence of the following:
Chloroplasts
Plants differ integrally from animals in their ability to prepare food within their cells by the process of
photosynthesis. This process is carried out by chloroplasts which are small oval structures that
contain chlorophyll.
Cell Wall
This is a structure made out of cellulose that provides support to the cell. In combination with the
vacuole, which is large in plant cells, the other cell wall function includes controlling the turgidity of
the cell.

Diffusion, Osmosis, Facilitated Diffusion, Active Transport, “Hill Analogy”

Homeostasis
Chapter 8

Levels of Organization: Cell, Tissue, Organ, Organ System, Organism
Photosynthesis

Vocabulary: see page 243 in book.

Free Energy, Anabolic-Endergonic, Catabolic-Exergonic

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Photosynthesis 6CO2 + 6 H2O
o
Chapter 9
Light Reactions - Grana (Thylakoids), Dark Reactions (Calvin Cycle) - Stroma
Cellular Respiration and Fermantation

Cellular Respiration C6H12O6 + 6O2
o
Chapter 10
C6H12O6 + 6O2
6CO2 + 6 H2O = 36 ATP
(Glycolysis, Transition, Krebs Cycle, ETS)

Fermentation (Animal-Lactic Acid, Yeast-Alcoholic)

Review Diagram handed out in class
Cell Growth and Division

Vocabulary: see p. 299 in book

Why do Cells Divide? (Surface Area/Volume, Growth, Repair, Gamete Formation)

Mitosis (cell copy machine) vs. Meiosis (gamete formation)

Cell Cycle (Interphase, Mitotic Phase (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis)

Prokaryotic Binary Fission

Cancer – Definition, Effects, Treatments

Stem Cells – embryonic vs. adult