Grade 12 Biology Exam 2005: General Information
(FINAL version)

Format: 2.5 hours, multiple choice, written answers, calculations, diagrams.
Topics: 25% of exam covering Strand 1A-C, 75% of exam covering Strand 2A-B, 3 + 4.
Materials: pencil, eraser, pen, calculator, computer card and codon table will be provided.
Studying: please read the study tips on this page.

Strand 1A: Metabolic Processes (Chemical Basis of Life)
- vitalist vs. mechanist philosophy
- scientific method
- variables (independent, dependent, controlled)
- atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds
- isomers
- organic vs. inorganic molecules
- molecular vs. structural formulas
- functional groups
- major types of reactions (condensation, hydrolysis, oxid./reduction, neutralization)
- linkages (ether, amide, anhydride, ester)
- acids, bases, buffers
- biologically important molecules (carbo, lipid, protein, nucleic acid)
- laws of thermodynamics
- exergonic vs. endergonic reactions
- enzymes as catalysts, activation energy, regulation of enzymes, factors affecting
- labs and assignments

Strand 1B: Metabolic Processes (Cellular Respiration)
- cell organelles
- transport through membrane (facilitated diffusion, sodium-potassium pump, coupled channels)
- metabolism, catabolism, anabolism
- Glycolysis, Matrix rxns, ETS (steps, products, locations, reactants, quantities)
- aerobic vs anaerobic cellular respiration
- NADH/NAD+, FAD/FADH2 (electron carriers/coenzymes)
- fermentation (lactic, alcoholic), purpose of fermentation
- entry of foods into metabolism (carbo, lipid, protein)
- labs and assignments

Strand 1C: Metabolic Processes (Photosynthesis)
- equation for photosynthesis
- chloroplasts and pigments
- light-dependent rxns (steps, location, reactants, products)
- light-independent rxns (steps, location, reactants, products)
- NADPH/NADP+, RuBP (roles, locations)
- cyclic vs. non-cyclic photophosphorylation
- C3, C4, CAM plants (steps, enzymes, location, reactants, products, adaptations)
- photorespiration
- cellular respiration vs. photosynthesis
- labs and assignments

Strand 2A: Homeostasis (Feedback and Nervous System)
- homeostasis and feedback loops (positive and negative)
- structure and function of neuron
- human senses
- gates and channels in the neuron
- resting membrane potential
- signalling in the nervous system (graded and action potential)
- propagation of action potentials (non-myelinated vs. myelinated/saltatory conduction)
- synaptic transmission
- pharmacology
- neuron and neuromuscular junction
- sheep brain
- divisions of the nervous system (sympathetic/parasympathetic, CNS/PNS)
- labs and assignments

Strand 2B: Homeostasis (Endocrine System and Kidney)
- exocrine vs. endocrine glands
- classes of hormones
- mode of action of steroid vs. protein/peptide/amino acid hormones
- hypothalamus and pituitary gland
- glands and hormones of the endocrine system
- endocrine histology
- kidney and urine formation
- patient assessments, disorders
- labs and assignments

Strand 3: Molecular Genetics
- scientists and experiments
- structure and function of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
- DNA replication
- transcription
- translation
- genetic code (triplets, codons, anticodons)
- prokaryotic gene control (lac/trp operon)
- eukaryotic gene control
- genetic mutations
- restriction enzymes
- DNA fingerprinting, PCR, gel electrophoresis
- Sanger method of DNA sequencing
- labs and assignments

Strand 4: Evolution
- history of evolutionary thought
- Darwin
- natural selection
- microevolution
- Hardy-Weinberg
- macroevolution
- speciation
- evidence for evolution
- hominid evolution
- labs and assignments

© copyright 2005, E. Kimmel. All rights reserved.