BIOLOGY STUDY GUIDE – SENIOR YEAR
1. Scientific Method
• Steps: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data, Conclusion.
• Variables: Independent, dependent, controlled.
2. Cells
• Cell Theory: All living things made of cells; cells come from preexisting cells; cells are basic unit of life.
• Organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, Golgi, chloroplasts.
• Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes.
3. Genetics
• DNA Structure: Double helix, nucleotides A-T, C-G.
• Transcription & Translation: Protein synthesis steps.
• Punnett squares, genotypes vs phenotypes.
• Mendelian genetics: Dominant, recessive, incomplete dominance, codominance.
4. Evolution
• Natural selection: Variation, overproduction, competition, adaptation.
• Evidence: Fossils, homologous structures, DNA comparison.
• Speciation basics.
5. Ecology
• Levels: Organism → population → community → ecosystem → biome → biosphere.
• Food chains/webs, trophic levels, energy flow.
• Biogeochemical cycles: Water, carbon, nitrogen.
6. Human Body Systems
• Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, muscular, skeletal, endocrine.
1. Scientific Method
• Steps: Observation, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Data, Conclusion.
• Variables: Independent, dependent, controlled.
2. Cells
• Cell Theory: All living things made of cells; cells come from preexisting cells; cells are basic unit of life.
• Organelles: Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, ER, Golgi, chloroplasts.
• Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes.
3. Genetics
• DNA Structure: Double helix, nucleotides A-T, C-G.
• Transcription & Translation: Protein synthesis steps.
• Punnett squares, genotypes vs phenotypes.
• Mendelian genetics: Dominant, recessive, incomplete dominance, codominance.
4. Evolution
• Natural selection: Variation, overproduction, competition, adaptation.
• Evidence: Fossils, homologous structures, DNA comparison.
• Speciation basics.
5. Ecology
• Levels: Organism → population → community → ecosystem → biome → biosphere.
• Food chains/webs, trophic levels, energy flow.
• Biogeochemical cycles: Water, carbon, nitrogen.
6. Human Body Systems
• Circulatory, respiratory, digestive, nervous, muscular, skeletal, endocrine.
