Lab Biology Midterm Exam Study Guide

Lab Biology – Midterm Exam Study Guide

Block______Test Date: ______

The midterm exam will consist of multiple choice questions, essay questions and a multiple-task problem to solve. More weight is given to the open-ended essays and problem. The following topics should be reviewed:

Energy, Matter and Organization Bio workbook Chapter 1 – Introduction: Biology Today Chapter 1 & 2 Chapter 2 – Essential Chemistry for Biology Chapter 3 – The Molecules of Life Chapter 3 & 4 Chapter 4 – A Tour of the Cell

Homeostasis in Living Organisms Chapter 5 – The Working Cell Chapter 5

Cell Energy Chapter 6 – Cellular Respiration Chapter 6 Chapter 7 - Photosynthesis

Cell Growth & Differentiation Chapter 8 – Cellular Reproduction Chapter 15, 16

Genetics Chapter 9 – Patterns of Inheritance Chapter 17

How to study: First and foremost – be able to answer the essay questions. Brainstorm vocabulary and outline essays. Use the chapter summaries, study guides, chapter review questions; notes and additional worksheets. The Bio Review Book is also great material for review reading. Your online textbook resources (section quizzes especially) are also available. Test Answer keys and Workbook keys are available for your use.

Online text and interactive review resources - www.masteringbiology.com

Your old tests will be available for study, as well. You must sign out your test folder and may review exam keys by appointment. Test folders are to be returned on midterm exam day or YOUR GRADE WILL BE HELD AS INCOMPLETE.

To ensure an effective review, know what questions YOU want to ask.

Exam Day: Bring a #2 pencil and a pen for essays. You will complete your essay questions first IN PEN, then take the multiple choice portion. Bring study or reading material in case you finish early. You will not be allowed to talk at any time during the test while any single test is still out, nor leave for the bathroom or leave early. Essay Questions: You have the opportunity to prepare for the essay questions prior to the exam. These will be completed prior to the multiple choice portion of the midterm and must be written in PEN. All essays should be thoughtfully worded, using appropriate terminology and completely supported with examples for full credit. Rules of grammar and spelling count. I will gladly review your essay preparation prior to the midterm!!

Be prepared for these potential essay topics:

1. Describe the processes associated with cellular transport to maintain homeostasis; describe how disruption of homeostasis can affect life. (Ch 5, workbook)

2. President Bush has deemed that Mars is the next planet that humans will occupy. Your mission as part of the administration’s Science Team - determine if life currently exists on this planet and if life could be possible? Be sure to answer both parts of the question. (Ch 1-3, all)

3. Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum features lots of “freaks of nature” - strange animals with two heads, the bearded lady, etc. Discuss the true scientific nature of Ripley’s phenomenon. (Ch 8, 9 & 12)

4. Discuss the importance of the four organic compounds to over-all health and well- being. Be specific. Include the importance of inorganic compounds as well (vitamins, minerals, and water). Have your views changed about your diet since our studies? (Ch 2, 3, Ch 6-7)

5. In the old days sailors and settlers, etc. preserved food by smoking it, or storing in salt or a salty fluid called “brine.” Discuss how these processes would have kept foods “safe” against bacterial invaders and preserved for long-term storage. (Ch 5, 3, 1)

6. What is meant by “it takes energy to make energy?” Discuss the energy transformations both as an overall function of diet and processes, but the process of photosynthesis and respiration as well. (use formulas!). (Ch 6, 7, 1 and enzymes)

7. Discuss how structure is related to function, from the cellular level on through the hierarchy of organization. Why do cells bother to differentiate? (Ch 4, All)

8. What is the role of research, the hypothesis, and prediction in any scientific experiment, and their relationship; why do you need all 3 in your experimental design. (Ch 1)

9. What is meant by the great debate over “nature vs. nuture”? Give scientific support for either side or both, and debate which one plays a greater role in our traits. (Ch. 9, 12)

10. Why Sex? Discuss how mitosis and meiosis are related to asexual and sexual reproduction, and how ultimately, they relate to survival of a species? (Ch 1, 8)