AMERICAN SCHOOL OF QUITO INTERNATIONAL SECTION

STUDY GUIDE – Quimester & IB Biology Exams

Use my webpage to help you with reviewing and organizing content

https://sites.google.com/site/mrgregsmithsbiologypage/

Topic 1 Content Resources

For a complete list of vocabulary that you should be able to define and apply:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Vmce4dDIrjqTjSOnQTtW_kf4pVFYCHM93msyxLg3Xo/edit?usp=sharing
1.1 The evolution of multicellular organisms allowed cell ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
Introduction to specialization and cell replacement. Guide
Cells ● Cell theory (+ exceptions to the cell theory) ● YouTube video
● Functions of living things o 1.1 Nature of Science, Part
● Emergent properties 1
● Surface area to volume ratio o 1.1 Nature of Science, Part
● Calculating magnification and actual sizes of 2
structures o 1.1 Application: Stem Cells
● Differentiation of cells o 1.1 Application: Functions
● Stem cells of Life
o Use in therapy o Surface Area to Volume
o Ethical considerations Ratio
o Calculating Magnification
(IB Biology)
o Stem Cells and
Differentiation
o What are stem cells? How
can they be used for medical
benefit?
o A Stem Cell Story
● Go go stem cells
1.2 Eukaryotes have a much more complex cell structure than ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
Ultrastructure prokaryotes. Guide
of Cells ● Draw and label prokaryotic structure ● YouTube videos
o Describe the function of each structure o Eukaryopolis - The City of
● Draw and label eukaryotic structure Animal Cells: Crash Course
o Define the function of each organelle and Biology #4
structure o Prokaryotic Cell Structure
● Interpret, label, and describe the function of o Prokaryotic Binary Fission
structures seen in micrographs vs Eukaryotic Cell Cycle
● Outline binary fission in prokaryotes
1.3 Membrane The structure of biological membranes makes them fluid and ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
structure dynamic. Guide
● Draw and label the fluid mosaic model ● YouTube videos
o Outline the role of each structure, including o 1.3 Skill: Analysis that led
cholesterol, in the membrane to the Davson-Danielli
● Analyze micrographs as they relate to: model
o Davson-Danielli Model o 1.3 Skill: Analysis that led
o Singer-Nicholson Model to the Singer-Nicolson
model
o 1.3 Nature of Science
1.4 Membrane Membranes control the composition of cells by active and ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
transport passive transport. Guide
● Outline and explain ● YouTube videos
o Passive transport o Facilitated Diffusion
▪ Simple diffusion o How Osmosis Works
▪ Facilitated diffusion o How Diffusion Works
▪ Osmosis o The Semipermeable
o Active Transport Membrane
▪ Active transport o Concentration gradients |
▪ Endocytosis Membranes and transport |
▪ Exocytosis Biology | Khan Academy
● Distinguish between the roles of membrane proteins o Osmosis: A Solute and
in facilitated diffusion and active transport Solvent Love Story
● Describe the formation and role of vesicles in active
 transports
1.5 Origin of There is an unbroken chain of life from the first cells on Earth ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
cells to all cells in organisms alive today. Guide
● Outline the evidence to support the origin of cells on ● YouTube videos
Earth o What Was The Miller-Urey
o Miller-Urey Experiment Experiment?
o Endosymbiotic theory o Endosymbiosis
o Universal Genetic Code o 1.5 Nature of Science
o The Endosymbiosis Theory:
Evolution of Cells
o What Is the RNA World
Hypothesis?
o endosymbiotic theory
1.6 Cell Cell division is essential but must be controlled. ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
division ● Describe and draw the stages of mitosis Guide
o Identify cells in a stage of the cell cycle ● YouTube videos
based on a micrograph or illustration o Mitosis: Splitting Up is
● Outline the activities in the cell of interphase Complicated Crash Course
● Describe the role of cyclins in regulating the cell Biology #12
cycle o 1.6 Nature of Science
● Mutagens, oncogenes and metastasis are involved in o Mitosis Music Video by
the development of primary and secondary tumors Peter Weatherall
● Calculate mitotic index of a tissue

● You must be able to draw and:

o Label the following diagrams
▪ The ultrastructure of prokaryotic cells based on electron micrographs.
▪ The ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells based on electron micrographs. (Plant and animal cell)
▪ Drawing of the fluid mosaic model.
▪ Structure of a phospholipid
o Annotate the following diagrams
▪ Phases of mitosis in cells viewed with a microscope or in a micrograph
 Topic 1 Review
1. What are the three parts of the cell theory?
a. What scientists were involved in developing the different parts
b. What are other features living things share in common with each other?
c. APPLICATION​: What are the exceptions to the cell theory? Why are they exceptions?
2. What are the characteristics/functions of living things?
a. APPLICATION​: How do prokaryotic, unicellular organisms show all the functions of life?
3. What is surface-area-to-volume ratio? How can it be calculated?
a. How does SA:V ratio limit cell size?
b. How do organisms overcome SA:V ratio?

Organisms exhibit a variety of modifications, both physiological and

anatomical, to compensate for changes in the surface area to volume ratio
associated with size differences. One example of this is the higher metabolic
rates found in smaller (homeothermic) animals. Because of their large surface
area relative to volume, small animals lose heat at much higher rates than
large animals, and therefore must produce more heat to offset the effects of
thermal conductance. Another example is the variety of internal transport
systems that have developed in plants and animals for actively moving
materials throughout the organism, thus enabling them to circumvent the
limits imposed by passive diffusion. Many organisms have developed structures
that actually increase their surface area: the leaves on trees, the microvilli on
the lining of the small intestine, root hairs and capillaries, and the convoluted
walls of arteries, to name but a few.

Beals, M., L. Gross, and S. Harrell. "THE SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME

RATIO." THE SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIO . N.p., 2000. Web. 08 May
2016.

4. What are emergent properties? Provide an example.

5. How do cells become specialized?
a. What happens during cell differentiation?
6. What are stem cells?
a. What are the three primary human stem cells?
b. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using them?
c. What are ethical considerations for stem cell research and use?
d. How can stem cells be used to treat Stargardt’s disease and Leukemia?
7. Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure.
a. What structures are found in both? What are only found in one but not the other?
b. APPLICATION​: State the function of each structure and/or organelle for both types of
organisms.

Escherichia coli,​ or E
​ . coli,​ is a prokaryotic organism you must be familiar with.
This is used as a classic example, and forms the basis of many questions in the
IB.

8. APPLICATION​: How do prokaryotes reproduce? Describe the process.

9. Compare and contrast the functions of light microscopes and electron microscopes.
10. Describe the structure and properties of a phospholipid.
a. Define amphipathic.
11. Outline the position and function of membrane proteins (integral vs. peripheral).
12. What specific types of cells utilize cholesterol in their membranes?
a. APPLICATION​: What is the function of cholesterol in cell membranes?
b. What is the source of the cholesterol?
13. SKILL​: What evidence did Davson & Danielli use to propose their model of the plasma membrane?
a. SKILL​: What evidence did Singer & Nicholson use to falsify the Davson-Danielli model
14. Outline passive forms of transport. Include whether a protein is utilized or not, and how the protein
 functions.
a. APPLICATION​: How do potassium channels function in the axons of neurons for facilitated
diffusion?
b. APPLICATION​: Why do tissues and organs need to be bathed in isotonic solutions?
15. Outline active forms of transport. Include whether a protein is utilized or not, and how the protein
functions.
a. APPLICATION​: How do sodium-potassium pumps function in the axons of neurons for active
transport?
16. Outline the endosymbiotic theory of how eukaryotic cells acquired chloroplasts and/or mitochondria.
a. What is the evidence to support this theory?
17. How did the Urey-Miller experiment help show how the first cells must have arisen from nonliving
material?
18. APPLICATION​: Describe Pasteur’s experiments with swan-neck flasks.
a. How did this falsify spontaneous generation, and verify that all cells are formed from
preexisting cells?
19. What are the end products of mitosis?
a. What is supercoiling? When does this occur?
20. Outline the events that occur during the following stages, and draw them:
a. Interphase (I)
i. G1
ii. S (you should be able to outline the steps of DNA replication)
iii. G2
b. Mitosis (M)
i. P
ii. M
iii. A
iv. T
c. Cytokinesis
i. How is this different in plant cells vs. animal cells?
21. What are cyclins? How do they control the cell cycle?
22. What are primary tumors? Secondary tumors?
a. Define ​mutagens​. What role do they have in tumor formation?
b. Define ​oncogenes​. What role do they have in tumor formation?
c. Define ​metastasis​. What role does it have in tumor formation?
d. APPLICATION: what is the correlation between smoking and incidence of cancers?
23. SKILL​: Imagine you are viewing a sample of 742 cells. 671 of them are in interphase, 37 are in
prophase, 16 are in metaphase, 7 are in anaphase, and 11 are in telophase / cytokinesis. What is the
mitotic index of this sample?
 Topic 2 Content Resources
For a complete list of vocabulary that you should be able to define and apply:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UTYDkk5TgNHCQlxWElpX3lLctu74xqx5u_xtcj9C78/edit?usp=sharing
2.1 Molecule to Living organisms control their composition by a complex ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
metabolism web of chemical reactions. Guide
● Classifying carbon compounds ● YouTube videos
● Drawing examples of each biological molecule o 2.1 Nature of Science
o Glucose, Ribose, Saturated Fatty Acid, o That's Why Carbon Is A
Amino Acid, Nucleotide Tramp: Crash Course
● Metabolism (anabolism vs. catabolism) Biology #1
o Metabolism & Nutrition,
part 1: Crash Course A&P
#36
o Overview of metabolism:
Anabolism and catabolism |
Biomolecules | MCAT |
Khan Academy
o Biomolecules (Updated)
2.2 Water Water is the medium of life. ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
● Hydrogen bonding Guide
o Amphipathic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic ● YouTube videos
molecules o 2.2 Water (Applications)
● Properties of water o Water Liquid Awesome:
o Polar covalent molecule Crash Course Biology #2
o Cohesive, adhesive, solvent, thermal o Water vaporization at the
● Compare properties of water to properties of water surface [Molecular
methane Dynamics Simulation]
o How Does Sweat Work?
2.3 Compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are used to ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
Carbohydrates supply and store energy. Guide
and Lipids ● Carbohydrates ● YouTube videos
o Monosaccharide and o Types of Fatty Acids (2016)
Polysaccharides—types, functions, IB Biology
condensation reaction o IB 2.3 Carbs & Lipids
o Glycogen vs. Cellulose vs. Starch o 2.3 Nature of Science
● Lipids o Condensation
o Saturated vs. Unsaturated Polymerisation; Glucose to
o Triglycerides Maltose
o BMI and Nomograms o Starch, Glycogen &
Cellulose
o B.10 Starch, glycogen and
cellulose (HL)
2.4 Proteins Proteins have a very wide range of functions in living ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
things. Guide
● Functions of Proteins ● YouTube videos
● Amino Acids—peptide bond formation, structure o IB 2.4 Proteins
● Protein conformations o 2.4 Nature of Science
● Proteomes ● TYPES OF PROTEINS
2.5 Enzymes Enzymes control the metabolism of the cell ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
● Structure and Substrate-specificity Guide
● Function ● YouTube videos
● Denaturation of enzymes o 2.5 Nature of Science
o How Enzymes Work
Animation
o Enzyme Activity
o How Enzymes Denature |
Biology for All |
FuseSchool
2.6 Structure of The structure of DNA allows efficient storage of genetic ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
DNA and RNA information. Guide
● Structure of both DNA and RNA ● YouTube videos
● Differences between DNA and RNA o 2.6 Nature of Science
o DNA Structure and
 Replication: Crash Course
Biology #10
o The DNA Double Helix
Discovery — HHMI
BioInteractive Video
● BUILD A DNA MOLECULE
2.7 DNA Genetic information in DNA can be accurately copied and ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
Replication, can be translated to make the proteins needed by the cell. Guide
Transcription, ● Replication ● YouTube videos
Translation o Semiconservative (Meselson and Stahl) o DNA Structure and
o Enzymes Replication: Crash Course
● Transcription Biology #10
● RNA types and function o 2.7 Nature of Science
o Process o Meselson-Stahl Experiment
● Translation o Transcription
o Ribosomes and process o DNA, Hot Pockets, & The
o Codons and anticodons Longest Word Ever: Crash
Course Biology #11
o Protein Synthesis and the
Lean, Mean Ribosome
Machines
● TRANSCRIBE AND TRANSLATE
A GENE
● RNA'S ROLE IN THE CENTRAL
DOGMA
2.8 Cell Cell respiration supplies energy for the functions of life. ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
Respiration ● Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Guide
● Structure and Function of ATP, and synthesis ● YouTube videos
● Fermentation (anaerobic conditions) o ATP & Respiration: Crash
o Yeast and ethanol fermentation Course Biology #7
o Humans and lactic acid fermentation o Alcohol or ethanol
fermentation | Cellular
respiration | Biology | Khan
Academy
o Fermentation of Yeast &
Sugar - The Sci Guys:
Science at Home
o Lactic acid fermentation |
Cellular respiration |
Biology | Khan Academy
2.9 Photosynthesis uses the energy in sunlight to produce the ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja, Biology
Photosynthesis chemical energy needed for life. Guide
● Photosynthesis ● YouTube videos
● Properties/Functions of Light –AND—Pigments o Photosynthesis: Crash
o Absorption spectrum Course Biology #8
● Products of photosynthesis, and the effect they o Photosynthesis
have on life o The Magic School Bus -
● Factors that affect rate How a Plant Makes Food
o Photosynthesis
o Photosynthesis Part 6
Action vs Absorption
Spectrum IB Biology
o How Oxygen Came to Exist
on Earth
o Earth and the Early
Atmosphere | Big History
Project
o How Has The Atmosphere
Changed | Chemistry for All
| FuseSchool

● You must be able to draw and:

o Label the following diagrams
 ▪ Molecular diagrams of glucose, ribose, a saturated fatty acid and a generalized amino acid
▪ How water molecules form hydrogen bonds
▪ Molecular diagrams to show the formation of a peptide bond.
▪ Simple diagrams of the structure of single nucleotides of DNA and RNA, using circles,
pentagons and rectangles to represent phosphates, pentoses and bases.
▪ Triglycerides
▪ Absorption spectrum for chlorophyll and an action spectrum for photosynthesis.
o Annotate the following diagrams
▪ Respirometers, as a tool for measuring respiration rates in germinating seeds or invertebrates
▪ Factors that affect enzyme activity
▪ Factors that affect photosynthesis
 Topic 2 Review
1. What are the most abundant elements in living things? Of what molecules do they each help compose?
a. What are the properties of carbon that allow it to be a part of diverse organic compounds?
b. ​APPLICATION​: What role did urea play in falsifying vitalism?
2. Outline the characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
3. What is metabolism?
a. Compare and contrast catabolism and anabolism.
4. Outline hydrogen bonding.
5. Describe what dipolarity means.
6. What are the cohesive, adhesive, thermal and solvent properties of water?
a. How do they support life?
b. ​APPLICATION​: Compare the properties of water to methane.
c. ​APPLICATION​: How can water act as a coolant in sweat?
7. Distinguish between hydrophobic and hydrophilic.
a. ​APPLICATION​: how do hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of substances affect how they are
transported through blood?
i. Include the following: glucose, amino acids, cholesterol, fats, oxygen, sodium chloride
8. Describe the relationship between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Provide two
examples of each carbohydrate and their function in living things.
a. Disaccharides you must understand the structure of function of are sucrose, lactose, maltose
b. Starch is composed of amylose and amylopectin
9. Distinguish between saturated, unsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids
10. Distinguish between cis and trans fatty acids.
a. ​APPLICATION​: what are the health risks involved with consuming trans and saturated fats?
b. ​APPLICATION​: How can we evaluate
evidence and methods used to obtain data
for health claims?
11. ​APPLICATION​: what are the benefits and
drawbacks of using carbohydrates or lipids for
energy storage?
12. ​SKILL​: On the nomogram to the right,
a. What is the upper weight limit for a 180
cm tall person to still be in the normal
range?
b. What is the lower height limit for a 70 kg
person to be overweight?
13. What type of bond is formed between two amino
acids?
a. ​SKILL​: draw an example of this.
14. Why is there such a large range of polypeptides?
a. What are the different functions for
proteins?
i. ​APPLICATION​: What are the functions of (1)Rubisco, (2) insulin, (3) immunoglobulins, (4)
rhodopsin, (5) collagen, and (6) spider silk?
15. How many different amino acids are there, that humans use?
a. Why are there more than just the 20 amino acids?
b. Where are polypeptide bonds formed in cells?
c. Where are the instructions for amino acid sequences?
16. Distinguish between proteins and polypeptides. What do they have in common? In contrast?
17. Distinguish between 1°, 2°, 3°, and 4° structure of polypeptides.
18. What is a proteome?
a. What is gel electrophoresis? How is it related to proteomes? What characteristics of molecules
separates them?
19. Explain the action of enzymes, including the following aspects:
a. Substrate specificity
b. Enzyme-substrate complex
c. Catalysis / catalyze
20. What are the factors that affect enzyme activity?
a. Which of them cause denaturation? What is denaturation? How does this affect enzyme activity?
21. How are immobilized enzymes used in industry?
a. ​APPLICATION​: what are the benefits of producing lactose-free dairy products?
b. Lactase can be immobilized in alginate beads and experiments can then be carried out in which the
lactose in milk is hydrolyzed.
22. Compare and contrast the nucleic acids DNA and RNA.
a. ​APPLICATION​: how did Crick and Watson elucidate the structure of DNA using model making?
23. DNA Replication
a. Where in the cell does this occur?
b. What is semiconservative? Antiparallel? Complementary base pairing?
i. How did Meselson and Stahl contribute to one of these?
c. What is the function of helicase?
d. What is the function of DNA polymerase?
e. ​APPLICATION​: What is PCR? How does Taq Polymerase assist in this process?
f. Outline the process of replication.
24. Transcription
a. Where in the cell does this occur?
b. What types of molecules can be transcribed from DNA?
c. What is the function of RNA polymerase?
d. Outline the process of transcription.
25. Translation
a. Where in the cell does this occur?
b. What is the genetic code? Codons? Anticodons?
What molecules contain each of these?
c. ​APPLICATION​: how can human insulin be produced for people with diabetes?
d. Outline the process of translation.
26. Distinguish between anaerobic and aerobic cell respiration.
27. What is a respirometer? How can it be used to measure rate of respiration?
a. ​APPLICATION​: What happens to humans and yeast in anaerobic environments?
b. There are many simple respirometers that could be used. Students are expected to know that
An alkali is used to absorb CO2, so reductions in volume are due to oxygen use. Temperature should
be kept constant to avoid volume changes due to temperature fluctuations.
28. Describe the structure, function, and production of adenosine triphosphate.
29. What colors of visible light are best absorbed by chlorophylls and other photosynthetic pigments?
a. What is the range of wavelengths for the visible light spectrum?
b. How can this be portrayed using absorption and action spectra?
30. What are the factors that affect photosynthesis?
31. What is the general equation for:
a. Photosynthesis?
i. How and when is oxygen produced?
ii. ​APPLICATION​: how has this process affected Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and rocks?
b. Cell respiration?
 Topic 3 Content Resources
For a complete list of vocabulary that you should be able to define and apply:

Every living organism inherits a blueprint for life from its ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
parents. ● Biology Guide
● Genes ● YouTube videos
o Locus and Alleles o Sickle Cell Disease
o Mutations o 3.1 Nature of Science
o Sickle Cell Anemia o How to sequence the
o The Genome and Human Genome Project human genome - Mark
J. Kiel
o The race to sequence
the human genome -
3.1 Genes
Tien Nguyen
o Mutations: The
Potential Power of a
Small Change
o Mutations in DNA
o What is Type 1
Diabetes?
o GCSE Biology -
Genetic Engineering
Insulin
Chromosomes carry genes in a linear sequence that is shared ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
by members of a species. Biology Guide
● Chromosome structure ● YouTube videos
o Prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes o 3-2 Chromosomes
o Haploid vs. diploid Skills and Applications
3.2 Chromosomes o Sex vs. autosomal chromosomes o 3.2 Nature of Science
● Karyograms o Karyotyping
o Prokaryotic vs.
eukaryotic genomes
o Haploid vs. Diploid
o Karyotype analysis
Alleles segregate during meiosis allowing new combinations ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
to be formed by the fusion of gametes. Biology Guide
● Process ● YouTube videos
o Events in meiosis I vs. meiosis II o Meiosis: Where the
o Outcome and implications Sex Starts Crash
Course Biology #13
o 3.3 Nature of Science
o Formation of Gametes
3.3 Meiosis
o Mitosis vs Meiosis
o Nondisjunction
(Trisomy 21) - An
Animated Tutorial
o Down syndrome
(trisomy 21) - causes,
symptoms, diagnosis,
& pathology
The inheritance of genes follows patterns. ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
● Mendel Biology Guide
o His experiments, and the Nature of Science ● YouTube videos
o Laws of inheritance o 3.4 Applications
● Gametes and Zygotes o Gregor Mendel: Great
● Patterns of inheritance, and alleles Minds
o Simple inheritance o How Mendel's pea
3.4 Inheritance
o Co-dominance (+ ABO blood types) plants helped us
o Punnett Squares and Monohybrid Crosses understand genetics
● Autosomal and sex-linked diseases o monohybrid cross
o Using a pedigree to predict the pattern of o Heredity: Crash
inheritance Course Biology #9
● Mutations o Blood types
● Chi-Square Analysis o Formation of Gametes
 o chi square genetics
o Pedigree Analysis
Practice
o Pedigree Review
Worksheet
Biologists have developed techniques for artificial ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
manipulation of DNA, cells and organisms Biology Guide
● Gel electrophoresis (Process and application) ● YouTube videos
● PCR o 3.5 Nature of Science
o Process and application o The Monarch Butterfly
o Role in DNA profiling (paternity and Controversy
forensic testing) o Steps in Recombinant
● Gene modification DNA technology or
o Process rDNA technology
o Pros (SNIP) and Cons (CHAD) o GCSE Biology -
● Cloning Genetic Engineering
o Natural and laboratory methods Insulin
o Process, as it applies to cloning a sheep o PCR - Polymerase
Chain Reaction
(IQOG-CSIC)
o DNA Gel
electrophoresis -
Simple Animated
Tutorial
o 3.5 Application
3.5 Genetic o PCR - Polymerase
modification and Chain Reaction
biotechnology (IQOG-CSIC)
o Gel electrophoresis |
Chemical processes |
MCAT | Khan
Academy
● PCR
● Click and Clone
● Clones
o An Incredible Way To
Clone Your
Strawberry Plants!
Check Out This
Method!
o How to Clone a Potato
| Biotechnology
Learning Lab | The
Children's Museum of
Indianapolis
o Planaria fission
o Hydra Budding
o Sea Star Regeneration

● You must be able to draw and:

o Label the following diagrams
▪ Homologous chromosomes crossing over / during synapsis
o Annotate the following diagrams
▪ Diagrams to show the stages of meiosis resulting in the formation of four haploid cells.
 Topic 3 Review
1. What is a gene? What is its relationship to a locus?
a. APPLICATION​: How do the numbers of human genes compare to those of other species? ​The
number of genes in a species should not be referred to as genome size as this term is used​ ​for the
total amount of DNA. At least one plant and one bacterium should be included in the
comparison and at least one species with more genes and one with fewer genes than a human
2. What is meant by the term allele?
a. Describe what a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is
b. How are new alleles formed? What types of factors can cause/influence this?
c. APPLICATION​: What are the causes and effects of sickle cell anemia?
Students should be able to recall one specific base substitution that causes glutamic acid to be
substituted by valine as the sixth amino acid in the hemoglobin polypeptide.
3. Define genome.
a. What composes the genome of animals? Plants? Prokaryotes?
b. APPLICATION​: Compare the genome sizes of T2 phage, ​E. coli, D. melanogaster, H. sapiens,​
and ​P. japonica​.
c. APPLICATION​: Outline Cairns’ technique to measure the length of DNA.
4. Describe the Human Genome Project.
a. What are implications of the findings?
5. What is the structure, function, and relevance of plasmids to prokaryotes?
a. What is meant by “naked DNA”
6. Compare and contrast the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes.
a. What are homologous chromosomes? What features distinguish one chromosome type to
another
7. Distinguish between diploid and haploid nuclei. What is the significance of “n,” in relation to these
terms?
a. What do these numbers mean for a species?
b. APPLICATION​: state the diploid number of chromosomes in ​H. sapiens, P. troglodytes, C.
familiaris, O. sativa, and P. equorum.​
8. What is a karyogram, and how are they organized?
*** The terms karyotype and karyogram have different meanings. Karyotype is a property of a cell—the
number and type of chromosomes present in the nucleus, not a photograph or diagram of them.
a. Compare autosomes to sex chromosomes
b. How can a karyogram be used to diagnose Down syndrome?
9. Outline the process of meiosis
a. During which events can nondisjunction occur? Why does this happen
10. Compare and contrast meiosis with mitosis.
11. What are the sources of genetic variation in organisms/populations/etc?
12. Distinguish between somatic and germ cells. What types of cell division do either undergo? What is
the ploidy of the cells produced from either? What is the role or function of these cells after division?
13. What are Mendel’s Laws of Segregation and Independent Assortment? Principle of dominance?
14. Define and distinguish between the following types of alleles. How are these alleles expressed between
individuals?
a. Recessive
i. APPLICATION​: Outline the inheritance of cystic fibrosis. Be able to construct a
Punnett Square to model the inheritance
b. Dominant
i. APPLICATION​: Outline the inheritance of Huntington’s disease. Be able to construct
a Punnett Square to model the inheritance
c. Codominant
i. APPLICATION​: Outline the inheritance of ABO blood groups, using proper notation
for alleles. Be able to construct a Punnett Square to model the inheritance
d. Sex-linked
i. APPLICATION​: Outline the inheritance of colorblindness and hemophilia. Be able to
construct a Punnett Square to model the inheritance
15. Outline the types of genetic diseases that occur in humans, using named-examples.
16. How do radiation and mutagens affect one’s genome?
 a. APPLICATION: Outline the effects of radiation from Hiroshima and Chernobyl
17. SKILL​: Construct Punnett Squares to predict the outcomes of genetic crosses
a. SKILL​: Compare expected and observed outcomes using Chi-Square analysis
18. Outline the relationship between PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA profiling, and genetic modification.
How does one process lead into the others?
a. Explain how gel electrophoresis separates strands of DNA
b. Explain the process of PCR and what it accomplishes
c. APPLICATION​: How can DNA profiling be used? How do you interpret or compare different
profiles?
i. SKILL: Analyze DNA profiles
d. APPLICATION​: How are genes transferred to bacteria?
e. APPLICATION​: What are the benefits and risks associated with genetic modification?
i. SKILL​: Analyze data on the risks from Bt crops to monarch butterflies
19. How are plants and animals able to clone themselves using natural processes? How can clones be
created from embryonic cells? From adult cells?
a. APPLICATION​: Outline the production of clones from somatic nuclear transfer.
 Topic 4 Content Resources
For a complete list of vocabulary that you should be able to define and apply:

4.1 Species, The continued survival of living organisms including humans ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
communities and depends on sustainable communities. Biology Guide
ecosystems ● Levels of organization in ecology ● YouTube videos
● Roles of organisms in an ecosystem o Mould Time-lapse -
o Food chains and food webs The Great British
o Trophic levels Year: Episode 4
● Flow of energy through a food chain
Preview - BBC One
o 5.1.3 Distinguish
between consumers,
detritivores and
saprotrophs
o Food Webs and
Energy Pyramids:
Bedrocks of
Biodiversity
o Food Webs: Crash
Course Kids #21.2
o IB Biology
Mesocosm Project
o Mesocosms (2016)
4.2 Energy flow Ecosystems require a continuous supply of energy to fuel life ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
processes and to replace energy lost as heat Biology Guide
● Energy flow ● YouTube videos
● Pyramids of energy o Energy Flow in
Ecosystems
o Energy Pyramid
● Correct energy pyramid
structure
4.3 Carbon Cycling Continued availability of carbon in ecosystems depends on carbon ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
cycling. Biology Guide
● Draw, label, and analyze the Carbon cycle ● YouTube videos
● Analyzing short-term and long-term patterns in CO​2 o The Global Carbon
concentration in the atmosphere Cycle - Crash
Course Chemistry
#46
o The Carbon Cycle
o How Do
Greenhouse Gases
Actually Work?
4.4 Climate change Concentrations of gases in the atmosphere affect climates ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
experienced at the Earth’s surface. Biology Guide
● Types of Greenhouse gases and the role in the ● YouTube videos
atmosphere o Coral Bleaching
● Greenhouse effect Explained: The
● Evaluating claims on climate change Story of Frank the
● Effect of climate change on coral reefs
Coral
o Coral bleaching
caused by heating
water (time-lapse)
o What Is Coral
Bleaching? | TIME
● Enhanced greenhosue effect
● The 11th Hour​ (2007)
● Before the Flood​ (2016)
● Years of Living
Dangerously​ (2014-present)
● Cowspiracy​ (2014)

● You must be able to draw and:

o Label a food chain and food web
o Pyramids of energy for an ecosystem
o Annotate diagrams of the carbon cycle
 TOPIC 4 REVIEW
1. Define the species concept
2. Outline the levels of ecological organization. Define and distinguish between an organism,
population, community and ecosystem.
3. Outline the feeding strategies of organisms.
a. Differentiate between a heterotroph and autotroph.
b. Differentiate between a consumer, detritivore, and saprotroph.
c. SKILL​: Classify species from knowledge of their mode of nutrition
d. Construct a food chain and web based on data and knowledge of feeding strategy.
4. Describe what gets recycled and not in an ecosystem.
5. Explain the flow of energy through ecosystems.
a. Describe the ways in which energy is lost from ecosystems.
b. SKILL​: Draw pyramids of energy to represent energy flow in ecosystems
6. SKILL​: Construct a diagram of the carbon cycle
a. What factors or processes increase atmospheric CO2 concentrations?
b. What factors or processes decrease atmospheric CO2 concentrations?
c. What factors or processes remove (temporarily or permanently) CO2 from the cycle?
7. APPLICATION​: Analyze the long- and short-term trends with fluctuations in atmospheric CO2.
a. APPLICATION​: Describe correlations between CO2 and temperature.
8. Explain how changes in CO2 concentrations affect reef-building corals and molluscs?
9. State the primary and secondary greenhouse gases, and explain how they function in the atmosphere.
a. What types of radiation pass through the atmosphere? What types get trapped or reflected?
10. Differentiate between the greenhouse and enhanced greenhouse effects.
11. APPLICATION​: Evaluate claims made that human activity has no impact of climate change.
 Topic 5 Content Resources
For a complete list of vocabulary that you should be able to define and apply:

5.1 Evidence for There is overwhelming evidence for the evolution of life on ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
evolution Earth. Biology Guide
● Development of melanistic insects ● YouTube videos
● Evidence for evolution o Evidence for
o Fossil record Evolution
o Homologous structures o Zebra vs Horses:
o Domestication of animals Animal
Domestication
5.2 Natural The diversity of life has evolved and continues to evolve by ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
Selection natural selection. Biology Guide
● Natural selection ● YouTube videos
o Requirements (variation, overproduction, o What is Natural
struggle for survival, differential reproduction) Selection?
● Sources of Variation and How this develops an o Charles Darwin -
adaptation The Theory Of
● Antibiotic resistance in bacteria Natural Selection
o Natural Selection -
Crash Course
Biology #14
5.3 Classification Species are named and classified using an internationally agreed ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
of biodiversity system. Biology Guide
● Classification hierarchy (DKPCOFGs) ● YouTube videos
● Classification system o Animal Phyla
o Benefits Classification
o Binomial nomenclature o Linnaean
● Recognition of features in Classification
o Plants (bryophyta, filicinophyta,
coniferophyta, angiospermophyta)
o Animals (porifera, cnidaria, Platyhelminthes,
Annelida, Mollusca, arthropod, Chordata)
o Chordates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds,
mammals)
5.4 Cladistics The ancestry of groups of species can be deduced by comparing ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
their base or amino acid sequences. Biology Guide
● Clades (Evidence through DNA and amino acids) ● YouTube videos
● Cladograms (How to construct and analyze them) o Cladograms
o Evolution - 7.8 -
Biochemical
Evidence
o Geeky Science!
"You're such a pig"
has new meaning

● You must be able to:

o Construct a basic dichotomous key for use in identifying species

TOPIC 5 REVIEW
1. Define evolution.
2. Outline the evidence used to support evolution, including:
a. The fossil record (what it is, how fossils are formed, how it is interpreted)
b. Selective breeding of domesticated animals and plants (artificial selection)
 c. APPLICATION​: How do pentadactyl limbs offer evidence for evolution?
3. Explain how variation in populations ​and​ environmental pressures lead to divergent evolution of
species.
a. Continuous variation
b. APPLICATION​: How did melanistic moths in the UK arise due to changes in the
environment?
4. Define natural selection. Outline the mechanisms of natural selection.
a. Overproduction
b. Variation and mutation
c. Differential reproduction
d. Competition for resources
e. APPLICATION​: changes in beaks in Galapagos finches
5. APPLICATION​: Explain how natural selection can lead to evolution using antibiotic resistance in
bacteria as an example.
6. Define binomial nomenclature. Outline the different components of this naming system, and
why/how the naming system is developed.
7. List classification taxa from the domain to species levels.
a. State the three domains of living things.
b. APPLICATION​: Classify one plant and one animal species from the domain to species level
8. Differentiate between natural and artificial classification.
a. Outline how and why reclassification occurs due to new evidence. What are the types of
evidence used to reclassify species?
b. APPLICATION​: Discuss how and why the figwort family was reclassified using biochemical
evidence
9. APPLICATION​: Outline and apply the recognition features of different plant and animal groups
a. Bryophyta, filicinophyta, coniferophyta, angiospermophyta
b. Porifera, cnidaria, Platyhelminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, chordate
c. Birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish
10. SKILL​: Construct and use a dichotomous key for identifying species.
11. Define clades, cladistics, and Cladograms.
a. Outline the DNA and amino acid evidence used to define the relationships between clades.
b. Describe how mutation rates can be used to determine when clades diverged.
c. APPLICATION​: Describe and interpret a clade of primate evolution
12. Differentiate between homologous and analogous structures in organisms
a. SKILL​: Analyze Cladograms to deduce evolutionary relationships
 Topic 6 Content Resources
For a complete list of vocabulary that you should be able to define and apply:
6.1 Digestion and The structure of the wall of the small intestine allows it to move, ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
absorption digest and absorb food. Biology Guide
● Structure and function of the pancreas, small intestine ● YouTube videos
● Draw and label the digestive system o What Is the Pancreas?
● Peristalsis function and villus structure - Function, Enzymes
& Role in Digestion
o structure of villi
o How the Body Works
: The Villi
o Small Intestine:
Structure, Digestion,
Absorption
o Through the
Esophagus The
Function of
Peristalsis
o Digestive System
o Digestive Enzymes
o peristalsis visible
o Through the
Esophagus The
Function of
Peristalsis
o Peristaltic Wave in
the Gastric Antrum
● Digestion
6.2 The Blood The blood system continuously transports substances to cells and ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
System simultaneously collects waste products. Biology Guide
● Characteristics of blood vessels ● YouTube videos
o Direction of flow o Types of Blood
o structure and function Vessels
o Identify blood vessels in micrographs o Cardiovascular
● Heart structure System : Types of
o Identifying the chambers and vessels of the Blood Vessels
heart o Heart Anatomy
o SA and AV node’s role in myogenic heart o The Structure Of The
conduction Heart
● Factors affecting heart rate o The cardiac cycle
o Cardiovascular
System: Control of
Heart Rate
o Blood Vessels, part 1 -
Form and Function:
Crash Course A&P
#27
o SA NODE
o Blood Vessel
Structure and Function
o Hemostasis - Helpful
Blood Clotting
6.3 Defense against The human body has structures and processes that resist the ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
infectious disease continuous threat of invasion by pathogens Biology Guide
● Structure and function of the lines of defense ● YouTube videos
o Specific vs. non-specific o Immune Response
o Cells and substances produced by each line o Immunity 1,
● Clotting in humans Introduction, Specific
o Role/function and Non-Specific
o Cells and structures involved, including the o Antigens Vs.
cascade of reactions that produces a clot Antibodies
o Consequences of clotting in coronary arteries o S01E03 Inside
● Pathogens, antigens, and antibodies Ralphie Germs
● Antibiotics and their effectiveness against different types o HIV destroys helper
of pathogens T-cells | Biology |
o HIV effects Anatomy |
Immunology
6.4 Gas Exchange The lungs are actively ventilated to ensure that gas exchange can ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
occur passively Biology Guide
● Ventilation, gas exchange, and cell respiration ● YouTube videos
 o Distinguish between: o What Muscles Are
▪ Passive and active processes Used for Forced
▪ Locations of each process Inspiration Breathing?
▪ Pressure gradients - 3D Muscle Anatomy
● Structure of the human respiratory system & Diagrams
o Alveolus structure (type I and II pneumocytes) o ✔ Gas Exchange
o Antagonist muscle groups Animation - MADE
o Contractions of muscle groups during forced EASY
inspiration and expiration o Antagonistic Muscle
● Pathology of the respiratory system Pairs
o Lung cancer o What is emphysema? |
o Emphysema Respiratory system
o diseases | NCLEX-RN
| Khan Academy
6.5 Neurons and Neurons transmit the message, synapses modulate the message. ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
synapses ● Neuron structure and function Biology Guide
o Effects of myelination ● YouTube videos
o Types of protein transporters in the axon o Acetylcholinesterase
membrane and Insecticide
● Propagation of nerve signals Inhibition
o Resting potential o 2. Insecticide
o Action potential Application
● Synapse structure and function o Action potential
o ACh propagation in an
o Cholinergic synapses in insects unmyelinated axon
o Action potential
propagation in an
unmyelinated axon
o The Nerve Impulse
o Depolarization and
Repolarization
o Action Potentials and
protein channels
6.6 Hormones, Hormones are used when signals need to be widely distributed. ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
homeostasis, and ● Differentiate between positive and negative feedback Biology Guide
reproduction systems ● YouTube videos
● Outline the function and effects of hormones o What is Type 1
o Thyroxin, insulin, glucagon, leptin, melatonin Diabetes?
● Male Reproductive System o Thyroxine :
o Structure Mechanism of Action
o Sex-determination of Thyroid Hormones
o Testosterone o How does the thyroid
● Female menstrual cycle manage your
o Structure metabolism? - Emma
o Sex-determination Bryce
o Estrogen, Progesterone, LH, FSH o What Is Leptin?
o What is melatonin?
o The Menstrual Cycle
o How in vitro
fertilization (IVF)
works - Nassim Assefi
and Brian A. Levine

● You must be able to:

o Draw and label diagrams of:
▪ Digestive system
▪ Alveolus structure + adjacent capillary
▪ Male Reproductive system
▪ Female Reproductive system
o Identify and/or analyze:
▪ Sub-layers of the small intestine
▪ Veins, arteries and capillaries from micrographs
▪ Chambers, valves and blood vessels connected to the heart
▪ Oscilloscope traces of neuron potentials
▪ Female menstrual cycle
 TOPIC 6 REVIEW
1. What is the structure and organization of the human digestive system? What types of digestion occur
in each organ?
a. Outline the roles of longitudinal and circular muscle in peristalsis
b. SKILL​: Draw a labeled diagram of the digestive system
2. What enzymes are produced and released by the pancreas? What are the substrates and products of
these enzyme reactions?
3. How does the structure of the small intestine facilitate digestion and absorption of nutrients?
a. Discuss the adaptations of the small intestine villi.
b. Outline how specific nutrients are absorbed by villi epithelium.
c. SKILL​: Identify the layers of tissues of the small intestine.
4. Differentiate between arteries, veins, and capillaries in terms of:
a. Direction of flow, diameter, O2 concentration
b. Composition of the vessel walls
c. SKILL​: Identify each type of vessel in a micrograph
5. Differentiate between pulmonary and systemic circulation.
6. Identify the SA and AV nodes of the heart, and their roles in heart contraction generation.
a. Explain the influence that the nervous and endocrine systems have on heart rate.
b. APPLICATION​: Outline the changes in the left atrium, left ventricle, and aorta during the
cardiac cycle
c. SKILL​: Identify the chambers, valves and vessels in heart structure
7. Differentiate between a pathogen, antigen, and antibody. Which do our bodies produce and which do
our bodies not produce?
8. Describe the structure and function of the first line of defense. What types of cells and substances are
produced? How does this work as a barrier to disease?
a. How do cuts in our skin affect the ability of our bodies to prevent infection? How does our
body respond to cuts?
b. APPLICATION​: Outline the causes and consequences of coronary artery occlusion.
9. Describe the structure and function of the second line of defense.
10. Describe the structure and function of the third line of defense.
a. How do our cells know what type of antibodies to produce? What are the roles of the B- and
T-lymphocytes? Phagocytes?
11. In our breathing, outline how gas is exchanged in the alveoli.
a. What are the types of cells in the alveoli? What are the functions of each?
b. How does air from the atmosphere reach our alveoli?
c. APPLICATION​: What are each muscle group doing during forced inspiration and forced
expiration? How do the muscles facilitate gas exchange?
12. What are the sources of O2 and CO2 that we breathe in and out? Why do we need to breath in
oxygen?
13. APPLICATION​: What are the causes and consequences of lung cancer?
14. APPLICATION​: What are the causes and consequences of emphysema?
15. Outline the structure and function of a neuron.
a. What is the structure and function of the axon? How are signals transmitted down an axon?
How are signals sped up? What are the roles of Na+/K+ pumps and, Na+ and K+ channels in
signal transmission?
b. SKILL​: Interpret an oscilloscope to identify the process occurring to generate either the
resting or action potential. What is happening to the Na+ and K+ during both?
16. What happens once the signal reaches the end of an axon? What is this region called? How does the
signal travel across the gap?
a. APPLICATION​: Outline the secretion and reabsorption of acetylcholine (ACh) in synapses.
What causes it to be released? What causes it to be reabsorbed?
b. APPLICATION​: how do pesticides paralyze insects?
17. Outline the roles of insulin and glucagon in maintaining blood-sugar levels.
a. What cells and organs synthesize the hormones?
b. APPLICATION​: What are the causes and treatments of type I diabetes? What about type II
diabetes?
18. Explain how thyroxin helps to control body temperature.
19. Describe the source and effects of leptin on hunger.
a. APPLICATION​: to what extent does leptin supplements and testing have on controlling
obesity?
20. What organ or structure secretes melatonin? When is this hormone secreted? What is the role of
melatonin in diurnal animals?
a. APPLICATION​: how can melatonin be used to treat jet lag?
21. What causes fetuses to develop as male? How are genes involved in this process? How are hormones
involved?
a. What are the primary sex characteristics of males? Of females?
b. SKILL​: Annotate a diagram of the male reproductive system with their names and functions
22. What causes fetuses to develop as female? How are genes involved in this process? How are hormones
involved?
a. In what ways do negative feedback systems play a role in the female menstrual cycle? What
events occur during this type of feedback?
b. In what ways do positive feedback systems play a role in the female menstrual cycle? What
events occur during this type of feedback?
c. SKILL​: Annotate a diagram of the female reproductive system with their names and functions
d. APPLICATION​: How can hormone treatments/drugs be used to perform ​in vitro ​fertilization?
 Option C Content Resources
For a complete list of vocabulary that you should be able to define and apply:
Refer to all your structured, guided notes for questions/command terms to review the material
C1 Species and Community structure is an emergent property of an ecosystem. ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
communities ● Limiting factors for species distribution Biology Guide
o Outline one plant and animal example ● YouTube videos
● Outline the roles of species in ecosystems o C1 Roles in
o Symbiotic relationships ecosystems
o Fundamental and realized niches
o Keystone species
● Competition (interspecific and intraspecific)
● Population sampling techniques
o Quadrats
o transects
C2 communities Changes in community structure affect and are affected by ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
and ecosystems organisms Biology Guide
● Biomass ● YouTube videos
o Gross vs. Net primary production o C2 Communities and
o Secondary production ecosystems
o Pyramids of energy
o Gershmel diagrams
● Biomes
● Primary vs. Secondary succession
o Ecological disturbance
● Closed and Open Ecosystems
C3 impacts of Human activities impact on ecosystem function ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
humans on ● Endemic, Alien and Invasive Species Biology Guide
ecosystems ● Evaluation of biological control methods of invasives ● YouTube videos
o Cane toads and a local example o C3 impacts of
● Competitive exclusion humans on
● Biomagnification and Bioaccumulation ecosystems
o DDT and Plastics
● Plastics
o Micro vs Macro
o Effect on the albatross and sea turtles
C4 conservation of Entire communities need to be conserved in order to preserve ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
biodiversity biodiversity Biology Guide
● Indicator species and the biotic index ● YouTube videos
● Biodiversity o C4 conservation of
o Species richness and species evenness biodiversity
o Simpson Diversity Index
● Biogeographic features
o Edge effect
o Island effect
● Conservation methods
o In Situ vs Ex Situ
C5 Population Dynamic biological processes impact population density and ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
ecology ​(HL) population growth Biology Guide
● Sampling techniques ● YouTube videos
o Quadrat sampling o C5 Population
o Catch and release (Lincoln index) ecology
● Factors affecting population sizes
o Natality, mortality, immigration, emigration
o Carrying capacity, population
growth/stability/decline
o Sigmoidal curves
● Sustainable fishing practices
● Limiting factors
o Top-down vs. bottom-up control methods
C6 nitrogen and Soil cycles are subject to disruption ● Edmodo, Notes, Bioninja,
phosphorus cycle ● Nitrogen cycle Biology Guide
(HL) o Forms of nitrogen, roles of specific soil bacteria ● YouTube videos
o Process of nitrogen fixation o C6 nitrogen and
o Effect of waterlogged soil and insectivorous phosphorus cycle
plants o Crash course science
● Phosphorus cycle
o Processes in the P-cycle
o Fertilizers
o Eutrophication
● Testing plants for nutrition deficiencies