MT Exam Info F24

BIOL 241 Midterm Exam Overview

• The midterm exam consists of:

  • Approximately 60 multiple-choice questions (1 point each)

  • Approximately 4 short response questions (20 points total)

• Total time: 120 minutes

• Essentials to bring into the examination room:

  • Pen and HB Pencil

  • Eraser

  • Non-programmable scientific calculator

• Assigned examination room details are available on D2L.

Learning Objectives

• The midterm exam tests the extent to which students have met the learning objectives outlined at the beginning of lecture-note outlines.

• Learning objectives provide a framework for study and exam preparation.

Course Readings

• Suggested reading includes:

  • Chapters 1-6 of the textbook "Biology: Exploring the Diversity of Life" (5th Canadian Edition, Fenton et al., 2023)

  • Selected pages from Chapters 19 and 21

• Topics not covered in lectures or indicated in the reading list will not be included on the exam.

• Example: Chapter 6 on photorespiration will not be covered in the exam.

Mathematics Expectations

• Students should be able to perform calculations related to concepts discussed in lectures.

• Topics may include solving arithmetic problems, specifically related to the free energy equation.

• Allowed resources:

  • Non-programmable scientific calculators

  • Provided formula sheet listing significant equations from lectures.

• Proper reporting of mathematical answers is expected, including:

  • SI units (e.g., joules as "J", not "j")

  • Adhering to specified decimal places for answers.

Compounds Recognition

• Key compound classes to recognize (no need to identify or draw specific compounds):

  • Amino acids

  • Triglycerides

  • Phospholipids

• Use of key abbreviations relevant to class material:

  • Examples: glucose-6-P, Pi, ATP, NAD+/NADH, FAD/FADH2, PMF, ETC

• Important properties of compounds to note:

  • Triphosphate region of ATP and its energy storage

  • Polar vs. nonpolar distinctions based on R-group structure of amino acids

• Understand the number of carbons in important compounds:

  • Glucose: 6 carbons

  • Pyruvate: 3 carbons

Metabolic Pathways Understanding

• No need to memorize enzyme names – they will be provided on the exam.

• Key components of pathways to know:

  • Input and output of studied pathways (what goes in and what comes out)

  • Involved coenzymes in energy transfer (ADP/ATP, NAD+/NADH)

• Detailed knowledge of:

  • Energy flow (electrons and protons) through respiratory and photosynthetic electron transport chains (ETC)

Key Terms

• “Direct”: Refers to processes that occur without intervening steps, for example, direct energy sources in transport mechanisms.

Laboratory Material

• Laboratory content will not be included in the exam.

• Topics covered in both lecture and lab may be tested if discussed in lectures.

Exam Instructions

• Exam instructions will be displayed on the first page. Review them beforehand to ensure understanding.