Biology Praxis II

The Praxis® Study Companion

Step 1: Learn About Your Test

1. Learn About Your Test
  • Test Name: Biology: Content Knowledge
  • Test Code: 5235
  • Time: 2.5 hours
  • Number of Questions: 150
  • Format: Selected-response questions
  • Test Delivery: Computer delivered
2. Test Content Overview
  • Approximate Content Categories:
    • I. Nature of Science: Scientific Inquiry, Methodology, Techniques, and History
    • Questions: 21 (14%)
    • II. Molecular and Cellular Biology
    • Questions: 30 (20%)
    • III. Genetics and Evolution
    • Questions: 30 (20%)
    • IV. Diversity of Life and Organismal Biology
    • Questions: 30 (20%)
    • V. Ecology: Organisms and Environments
    • Questions: 24 (16%)
    • VI. Science, Technology, and Social Perspectives
    • Questions: 15 (10%)
3. About This Test
  • The Biology content knowledge test assesses the necessary knowledge and competencies for a beginning teacher of secondary school Biology. Examinees typically have completed or are nearing completion of a bachelor’s degree program with suitable coursework in Biology and education.
  • Questions are developed in alignment with the National Science Education Standards (NSES) and National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) standards. The test aims to evaluate conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in science.
  • The construction of the test is continuously reviewed with input from practicing Biology teachers, educators, and higher education specialists to ensure relevance and accuracy.
  • All test questions focus on essential Biology concepts, terms, methods, applications, data analysis, and science's impact on the environment and society.
  • Calculators are not required for this test.
4. Test Specifications
Content Categories Overview

I. Nature of Science: Scientific Inquiry, Methodology, Techniques, and History

  1. Processes Involved in Scientific Inquiry
    • Making observations
    • Formulating and testing hypotheses
    • Identifying experimental variables and controls
    • Conclusions: proof versus support
    • Scientific sources and communicating findings
  2. Science Involves Many Disciplines
    • Chemical nature of biology
    • Calculations in biology (e.g., statistics, probability)
    • Physical laws and principles governing biological systems
  3. Differences among Facts, Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws
    • Testable nature of hypotheses
    • Formulation of theories based on accumulated data
    • Durability of laws
  4. Scientific Ideas Change over Time; Contributions Made by Major Historical Figures
    • Cell theory and germ theory (e.g., Hooke, Pasteur)
    • Heredity, evolution, and ecology (e.g., Mendel, Darwin)
    • Structure and nature of genetic material (e.g., Hershey and Chase, Franklin, Watson and Crick)
    • Classification of organisms (e.g., Linnaeus, Woese)
  5. Appropriate Use of Scientific Measurement and Notation Systems
    • Precision versus accuracy
    • Metric and SI units
    • Unit conversions
    • Scientific notation and significant figures
    • Linear versus logarithmic scales (e.g., pH)
  6. Read and Interpret Data Represented in Tables, Graphs, and Charts
    • Identify patterns and trends in data
    • Choose appropriate types of graphs or charts
    • Error analysis
    • Draw conclusions and make predictions
  7. Construct and Use Scientific Models to Explain Complex Phenomena
    • Limitations of models
    • Select models for a given purpose (physical, conceptual, graphical, mathematical)
  8. Procedures Involved in Safe Preparation, Storage, Use, and Disposal of Laboratory and Field Materials
    • Molarity and percent solutions
    • Acid and base solutions
    • Flammable and/or caustic materials
    • Biological specimens and waste
  9. Appropriate and Safe Use and Care of Laboratory Equipment
    • Optical equipment (e.g., microscopes, spectrophotometers)
    • Separation equipment (e.g., gel electrophoresis, chromatography)
    • Measurement, mixing, and heating equipment
    • Sterilization equipment (e.g., autoclave)
  10. Safety and Emergency Procedures for Science Classrooms and Laboratories
    • Use of material safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS)
    • Use of personal safety equipment (e.g., gloves, goggles)
    • Use of laboratory safety equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, eye wash stations)
II. Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • A. Chemical Structures and Properties of Biologically Important Molecules
    1. Atomic structure
    2. Organic versus inorganic molecules
    3. Chemical bonding (e.g., hydrogen, covalent)
    4. Molecular structure (e.g., water, oxygen)
    5. Water properties (e.g., cohesion, high specific heat)
    6. Macromolecules (e.g., carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, lipids)
  • B. Biological Processes Are Dependent on Chemical Principles
    1. Chemical and physical gradients (e.g., osmosis, diffusion)
    2. Thermodynamics
    3. Anabolic and catabolic reactions (e.g., hydrolysis)
    4. Reduction-oxidation reactions
  • C. Structure and Function of Enzymes and Factors Influencing their Activity
    1. Active site structure and substrate binding (e.g., induced fit)
    2. Reaction kinetics (effects of temperature, pH)
    3. Regulation (e.g., cooperative binding, feedback inhibition)
  • D. Biochemical Pathways and Energy Flow Within an Organism
    1. Cellular locations of biochemical pathways
    2. Photosynthesis (e.g., photosystems, electron transport)
    3. Cellular respiration (e.g., fermentation, Krebs cycle)
    4. Chemosynthesis (e.g., deep sea microorganisms)
  • E. Major Differences between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
    1. Cell size
    2. Membrane-bound organelles
    3. Chromosome structure
  • F. Structure and Function of Cells
    1. Plant vs animal cells
    2. Cell membranes and organelles
  • G. Cellular Internal Environment Maintenance
    1. Selective permeability
    2. Active and passive transport
  • H. Cellular Division and Cell Cycle Regulation
    1. Stages of the cell cycle
    2. Mitosis and meiosis descriptions
  • I. Nucleic Acids Structure and Function
    1. Sugar-phosphate backbone
    2. DNA vs RNA structure
  • J. Processes of Protein Synthesis
    1. RNA transcription
    2. Translation processes
  • K. Regulation of Gene Expression
    1. Promoter and enhancer roles
  • L. Differentiation and Specialization of Cells
    1. Stem cells definitions
  • M. Nature of Mutations
    1. Types and causes of mutations
  • N. Basic Laboratory Techniques
    1. Gel electrophoresis and microscopy practices
  • O. DNA Technologies and Genetic Engineering
  1. DNA cloning and gene therapy practices
III. Genetics and Evolution
  • A. Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance
  • B. Non-Mendelian Inheritance Patterns
  • C. Common Human Genetic Disorders
  • D. Sources of Genetic Variation
  • E. Gene Pool Dynamics
  • F. Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Principles
    • Equilibrium conditions:
    • p2+2pq+q2=1p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1
  • G. Mechanisms of Evolutionary Change
  • H. Evidence Supporting Evolution
  • I. Speciation Genetic Basis
  • J. Models of Evolutionary Rates
IV. Diversity of Life and Organismal Biology
  • A. Living vs Nonliving Characteristics
  • B. Classification Systems
  • C. Characteristics of Life Forms
  • D. Animal Phyla Features
  • E. Hierarchical Organization of Organisms
  • F. Anatomy and Physiology Systems
  • G. Homeostatic Maintenance
  • H. Reproductive and Developmental Processes
V. Ecology: Organisms and Environments
  • A. Biosphere Structure
  • B. Ecosystem Components
  • C. Population Growth Models
  • D. Ecological Relationships
  • E. Succession and Biodiversity Changes
VI. Science, Technology, and Social Perspectives
  • A. Environmental Impact of Science and Technology
  • B. Human Activity Consequences
  • C. Natural Resources Management
  • D. Ethical Issues in Science and Technology

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with Test Questions

Question Types Overview
  • Constructed Response: Write your own response.
  • Selected Response: Choose from provided options.
  • Numeric Entry: Input numerical values.
Computer-Delivered Questions
  1. Familiarize with interactive formats.
  2. Follow instructions carefully for the question's format.
Tips for Selected-Response Questions
  • Focus only on answer choices provided.
  • Eliminate incorrect options systematically.
  • Verify your selected answer within the context of the question.
Handling Graphs and Tables
  • Read questions before analyzing data.
  • Give only the information the question asks for.
Constructed-Response Questions
  1. Read questions then analyze the tasks asked.
  2. Provide detailed and accurate answers.
  3. Re-read your responses for clarity and completeness.

Step 3: Practice with Sample Test Questions

Sample Questions
  1. Identify flaw in experimental design.
  2. Determine organisms with specific classifications.
  3. Identify patterns in inheritance genetics.
  4. Discuss ecological interactions.
Sample Explanations
  • Correct answers are justified with explanations regarding principles of biological sciences.

Step 4: Determine Your Strategy for Success

  1. Set clear study goals and deadlines.
  2. Learn the structure and content of tests.
  3. Assess personal strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Regularly practice material covered in the tests.
  5. Join study groups for collaborative learning.

Step 5: Develop Your Study Plan

  • Create a personalized study plan covering all test content areas.
  • Use resources effectively and assess knowledge periodically.
Study Plan Template
  1. Define content areas.
  2. Rate your understanding.
  3. Identify necessary resources.
  4. Create a structured schedule for study sessions.

Step 6: Review Study Topics

  • A comprehensive overview of study topics, including key concepts and areas of focus for test preparation.
  • Incorporate discussion questions to enhance understanding of the material and develop critical thinking skills related to Biology concepts.