Advanced Biology Midterm Study Fall

🧪 Fall Biology Comprehensive Exam – Study Guide

This exam focuses on key biology concepts and big ideas from the semester. You should

recognize, recognize diagrams of, and explain these topics at a basic level.

🧬 Biomolecules

● Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

● Structure relates to function

● Energy storage vs. energy use

⚙️ Enzymes

● Enzymes are proteins

● Enzyme–substrate specificity (active site)

● Effects of temperature and pH

● Denaturation

🔬 Cells

● Cell theory

● Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells

● Cell structures and functions

● Membrane‐bound organelles

🦠 Viruses

● Viruses vs. living cells

● Viral replication using host cells

● How viruses cause disease

🚪 Cell Membrane & Transport

● Plasma membrane function

● Homeostasis

● Passive transport (diffusion, osmosis)

● Active transport (ATP)

● Hypotonic, isotonic, hypertonic solutions

🌱 Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

● Purpose of each process

● Reactants and products

● Chloroplasts vs. mitochondria

● Energy flow in cells

🧫 Cell Cycle & Mitosis

● Cell cycle stages

● Phases of mitosis

● Why cells divide

● Rapid division in root tips

⚠️ Cancer & Cell Regulation

● Cell cycle control

● Contact inhibition

● Tumors and uncontrolled division

🧬 DNA & Genetics

● DNA structure and components

● Genes vs. chromosomes

● DNA replication

● Genetic code shared by organisms

🧬 Mutations & Protein Synthesis

● Types of mutations (substitution, insertion, deletion)

● Frameshift mutations

● Transcription and translation

● mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes

🧠 Gene Expression & Differentiation

● Gene expression controls cell function

● Cell differentiation

● Environmental effects on gene expression

🌿 Plants

● Root and shoot systems

● Xylem (water) and phloem (sugars)

● Transport in plants

🫀 Body Systems & Homeostasis

● Body system interactions

● Immune response to injury

● Circulatory and endocrine feedback loops

● Maintaining internal balance

📌 Skills to Practice

● Reading diagrams, tables, and models

● Comparing processes and structures

● Applying concepts to real‐world situations

✅ If you can explain each bullet in a sentence or two, you are prepared.