Honors Biology – Midterm Exam Study Guide
Pd.______Test Date: ______
The midterm exam will consist of multiple choice, essay questions, a multiple task problem to solve, and a lab practicum. Questions are based off the topics we have covered in class through labs, notes, discussions, and projects. The following topics should be reviewed:
Energy, Matter and Organization
Chapter 1 – Biology: Exploring Life
Chapter 2 – The Chemical Basis of Life
Chapter 3 – The Molecules of Cells
Chapter 4 – A Tour of the Cell
Homeostasis in Living Organisms
Chapter 5 – The Working Cell
Cell Energy
Chapter 6 – How Cells Harvest Chemical Energy
Chapter 7 – Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food
Cell Growth & Differentiation
Chapter 8 – The Cellular Basis of Reproduction & Inheritance; Cancer
Ecology Topics
Chapter 34 – Biosphere
Chapter 36 – Population Dynamics
Chapter 37 – Communities & Ecosystems
Chapter 38 – Conservation Biology
How to study:
First and foremost, prepare your essays!! Use the packet reviews, chapter summary and review questions, notes and additional worksheets to review. All packet keys and chapter questions keys are available for your use. Don't forget your CD with interactive modules and flashcard mode.
Workbook – use the corresponding chapters to help you grasp big ideas.
Your old tests will be available for signing out.
To ensure an effective review, know what questions YOU want to ask.
Exam Day:
Bring a #2 pencil and a pen to the exam. 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, leave to go to the bathroom, nor will anyone be dismissed early. This is a 2 hour test.
Essay Questions:
You have the opportunity to prepare for the essay questions prior to the exam. These will be completed before you are given the multiple choice portion of the midterm and must be written in pen. All essays should be thoughtfully worded, using appropriate terminology, and rules of grammar and spelling, and completely supported with examples, for full credit. I will gladly review your essay preparation prior to the midterm.
Be prepared for any of these potential essay topics:
1. You are a pharmacist studying cancer drugs that specifically target the cell cycle – discuss where, how and why cancer drugs could slow the detrimental effects of cancer. Where do you think the most effective point would be with the least amount of harmful side effects? (Ch 8, with links to Ch 4 & Ch 5 cell, cell membrane structure)
2. Some unknown particles have been brought back from the Mars exploration expedition. Design an experiment, or series of experiments, that could determine if this unknown particle represents life as we know it. Be sure to use proper scientific method terminology. (Ch 1, all chapters)
3. Disruptions to homeostasis include high fever, alcoholic consumption and smoking –how do these cellular environmental factors disrupt transport and homeostasis? (Ch 2-3, Ch 4, Ch 5, with links to feedback inhibition, enzymes)
4. What is meant by the phrase “it takes energy to make energy”. (Ch 6 & 7)
5. Many catalogs sell mini biosphere bottles – completely enclosed systems of ecological homeostasis. How is long-term stability in that ecosystem dependent upon species richness, complex feeding relationships, and cycling of biotic/abiotic factors. (Ecology, Ch 6 & 7)
6. Present a case to the cafeteria pushing for a “meat-less” day based on economics, nutrition, and environmental effects. How would you convince the cafeteria supervisor and your classmates, to embrace at least one meat-less day a week? (Ch 2, 3 and Ecology)
7. Why is sex good? Discuss the link between mitosis, meiosis and diversity and the connection to evolution and future survival. (Ch 8)
8. Structure = function is a key theme in biology. Use at least 2 specific examples of how a specific structure determines how it functions (all chapters).
9. Playing of the summer Olympics games in Beijing last year was threatened by extremely bad air pollution. Discuss the links between homeostasis, respiration, cellular respiration and athletic performance. (Ch 5, Ch 6-7 Ecology)
10. What do autotrophs think of Global Warming? How will they, ultimately, be the answer to our problems? (Ecology, Ch 7, all)
Honors Biology – Midterm Exam Essays
“A” form
Pick 3 essays. All essays should be thoughtfully worded, using appropriate terminology, and rules of grammar and spelling, and completely supported with examples, for full credit. You must use PEN
1. You are a pharmacist studying cancer drugs that specifically target the cell cycle – discuss where, how and why cancer drugs could slow the detrimental effects of cancer. Where do you think the most effective point would be with the least amount of harmful side effects?
3. Disruptions to homeostasis include high fever, alcoholic consumption and smoking –how do these cellular environmental factors disrupt transport and homeostasis?
4. What is meant by the phrase “it takes energy to make energy”.
5. Many catalogs sell mini biosphere bottles – completely enclosed systems of ecological homeostasis. How is long-term stability in that ecosystem dependent upon species richness, complex feeding relationships, and cycling of biotic/abiotic factors.
7. Ripley’s Believe it or Not museum features the “dog-faced boy”, Siamese twins, extreme dwarfism and gigantism, just to name a few. What is the science behind these circus side-show freaks of nature?
10.Should having an obese child be considered a crime against the parents? Discuss your thoughts based on the scientific basis of obesity
Honors Biology – Midterm Exam Essays
“B” form
Pick 3 essays. All essays should be thoughtfully worded, using appropriate terminology, and rules of grammar and spelling, and completely supported with examples, for full credit. You must use PEN
2. Some unknown particles have been brought back from the Mars exploration expedition. Design an experiment, or series of experiments, that could determine if this unknown particle represents life as we know it. Be sure to use proper scientific method terminology.
3. Disruptions to homeostasis include high fever, alcoholic consumption and smoking –how do these cellular environmental factors disrupt transport and homeostasis?
4. What is meant by the phrase “it takes energy to make energy
5. Many catalogs sell mini biosphere bottles – completely enclosed systems of ecological homeostasis. How is long-term stability in that ecosystem dependent upon species richness, complex feeding relationships, and cycling of biotic/abiotic factors.
- Present a case to the cafeteria pushing for a “meat-less” day based on economics, nutrition, and environmental effects. How would you convince Walter, and your classmates, to embrace at least one meat-less day a week?
10. Should having an obese child be considered a crime against the parents? Discuss your thoughts based on the scientific basis of obesity