Biology Semester 1 Final Exam Study Guide for 10th Grade

Key Concepts and Vocabulary Review

Unit 1: Scientific Method and Characteristics of Life

Important Vocabulary:

·      Observation

·      Hypothesis

·      Independent variable

·      Dependent variable

·      Control group

·      Scientific method

·      Metabolism

·      Homeostasis

·      Stimuli

·      Reproduction

Key Concepts to Understand:

1.        Scientific Method Steps:

a.        Making an observation

b.        Formulating a hypothesis

c.        Designing an experiment

d.        Collecting and analyzing data

e.        Communicating results

2.        Characteristics of Life:

a.        Metabolism

b.        Homeostasis

c.        Growth and development

d.        Reproduction

e.        Response to stimuli

Unit 2: Ecology and Ecosystem Interactions

Important Vocabulary:

·      Ecosystem

·      Population

·      Community

·      Biome

·      Biosphere

·      Trophic levels

·      Producer

·      Consumer

·      Decomposer

·      Energy pyramid

Key Ecological Relationships:

1.        Types of Interactions:

a.        Predation

b.        Mutualism

c.        Commensalism

d.        Parasitism

e.        Interspecific competition

f.           Intraspecific competition

2.        Energy Flow in Ecosystems:

a.        10\% energy transfer between trophic levels

b.        Producers form the base of the energy pyramid

c.        Most energy is lost as heat

Unit 3: Cell Biology

Important Vocabulary:

·      Cell membrane

·      Organelles

·      Phospholipid

·      Cholesterol

·      Semipermeable membrane

·      Diffusion

·      Osmosis

·      Active transport

·      Isotonic

·      Hypertonic

·      Hypotonic

Key Cell Concepts:

1.        Cell Membrane Structure:

a.        Phospholipid bilayer

b.        Integral and peripheral proteins

c.        Role of cholesterol

2.        Cell Transport Mechanisms:

a.        Passive transport

b.        Active transport

c.        Exocytosis

d.        Endocytosis

3.        Cell Organelles and Functions:

a.        Mitochondria: Cellular respiration

b.        Ribosomes: Protein synthesis

c.        Golgi apparatus: Protein modification

d.        Chloroplasts: Photosynthesis

Unit 4: Photosynthesis

Important Vocabulary:

·      Chlorophyll

·      Thylakoid

·      Stroma

·      Light-dependent reactions

·      Calvin Cycle

·      ATP

·      NADPH

·      Carbon fixation

Key Photosynthesis Processes:

1.        Light-Dependent Reactions:

a.        Light absorption

b.        Water splitting

c.        Electron transport chain

d.        ATP and NADPH production

2.        Calvin Cycle:

a.        Carbon dioxide fixation

b.        Glucose production

c.        RuBP regeneration

Unit 5: Cellular Respiration

Important Vocabulary:

·      Glycolysis

·      Pyruvate

·      Krebs Cycle

·      Electron transport chain

·      Aerobic respiration

·      Anaerobic respiration

·      Fermentation

Key Cellular Respiration Concepts:

1.        Stages of Cellular Respiration:

a.        Glycolysis

b.        Pyruvate processing

c.        Krebs Cycle

d.        Electron transport chain

2.        ATP Production:

a.        Glycolysis yields 2 ATP

b.        Aerobic respiration yields 36-38 ATP per glucose molecule

Unit 6: Cell Cycle and Mitosis

Important Vocabulary:

·      Mitosis

·      Cytokinesis

·      Chromosomes

·      Chromatids

·      Cell cycle phases

·      Checkpoints

·      Apoptosis

·      Spindle fibers

Key Cell Cycle Concepts:

1.        Phases of Cell Cycle:

a.        G1 Phase

b.        S Phase (DNA replication)

c.        G2 Phase

d.        Mitosis

e.        Cytokinesis

2.        Mitosis Stages:

a.        Prophase

b.        Metaphase

c.        Anaphase

d.        Telophase

Study Tips:

·      Review all vocabulary

·      Practice drawing and/or explaining key processes

·      Create concept maps

·      Do practice multiple-choice questions

·      Understand relationships between concepts