WGU D849 General Biology I – OA Study Guide
Course Competency Overview
The D849 Objective Assessment (OA) covers foundational biology concepts through an evolutionary
lens. The core competency areas include:
Competency Area Key Topics
Cellular Biology Cell structure, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, membranes, transport, organelles
Genetics DNA structure, replication, mitosis, meiosis, Mendelian inheritance, mutations
Metabolism Photosynthesis, cellular respiration, ATP, enzymes, metabolic pathways
Evolution Natural selection, adaptation, population genetics, speciation
Ecology Ecosystems, food chains, energy flow, symbiosis, biodiversity
SECTION 1: CELL STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
Cell Theory
The cell theory states:
• All living things are composed of one or more cells
• All new cells are created by preexisting cells dividing
• The cell is the most basic unit of structure and function in all living organisms
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
Feature Prokaryotic Eukaryotic
Nucleus Absent (nucleoid region) Present (membrane-bound)
Membrane-bound organelles Absent Present
, Feature Prokaryotic Eukaryotic
Size Smaller (1-5 µm) Larger (10-100 µm)
Examples Bacteria, Archaea Plants, animals, fungi
Ribosomes Present (70S) Present (80S)
Key Point: Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells have a
defined nucleus and organelles .
Major Organelles and Functions
Organelle Function
Nucleus Stores genetic material (DNA); coordinates cell activities
Mitochondria Produces ATP through cellular respiration; "powerhouse" of the cell
Ribosomes Synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA
Chloroplasts Site of photosynthesis in plant cells
Cell Membrane Regulates movement of substances in and out of the cell
Golgi Apparatus Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins
Vesicles/Vacuoles Transport and store materials
SECTION 2: CELL MEMBRANES & TRANSPORT
Membrane Structure
The cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer:
• Hydrophilic heads (phosphate groups) face outward toward water
• Hydrophobic tails (fatty acids) face inward, away from water
Course Competency Overview
The D849 Objective Assessment (OA) covers foundational biology concepts through an evolutionary
lens. The core competency areas include:
Competency Area Key Topics
Cellular Biology Cell structure, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, membranes, transport, organelles
Genetics DNA structure, replication, mitosis, meiosis, Mendelian inheritance, mutations
Metabolism Photosynthesis, cellular respiration, ATP, enzymes, metabolic pathways
Evolution Natural selection, adaptation, population genetics, speciation
Ecology Ecosystems, food chains, energy flow, symbiosis, biodiversity
SECTION 1: CELL STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
Cell Theory
The cell theory states:
• All living things are composed of one or more cells
• All new cells are created by preexisting cells dividing
• The cell is the most basic unit of structure and function in all living organisms
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
Feature Prokaryotic Eukaryotic
Nucleus Absent (nucleoid region) Present (membrane-bound)
Membrane-bound organelles Absent Present
, Feature Prokaryotic Eukaryotic
Size Smaller (1-5 µm) Larger (10-100 µm)
Examples Bacteria, Archaea Plants, animals, fungi
Ribosomes Present (70S) Present (80S)
Key Point: Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells have a
defined nucleus and organelles .
Major Organelles and Functions
Organelle Function
Nucleus Stores genetic material (DNA); coordinates cell activities
Mitochondria Produces ATP through cellular respiration; "powerhouse" of the cell
Ribosomes Synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA
Chloroplasts Site of photosynthesis in plant cells
Cell Membrane Regulates movement of substances in and out of the cell
Golgi Apparatus Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins
Vesicles/Vacuoles Transport and store materials
SECTION 2: CELL MEMBRANES & TRANSPORT
Membrane Structure
The cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer:
• Hydrophilic heads (phosphate groups) face outward toward water
• Hydrophobic tails (fatty acids) face inward, away from water
