Stephanie Zinn - McGraw-Hills SAT Subject Test: Biology E/M

The Top 20 Things You Need to Know for Top Scores in Biology

1. Characteristics of Cells

Know the form and function of the parts of the cell. Be able to identify:

the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

the difference between animal and plant cells

the various organelles on any diagrams provided

the relationship between the function of each organelle and its role in the cell

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2. Cellular Processes

Know the details of cellular respiration and photosynthesis along with the reactants and products. Know the specific parts of each process. Understand:

the relationship between the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis

glycolysis and the Krebs cycle

the conditions required for a process to occur

the materials produced by just a part of the process

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3. DNA

Know the structure and function of DNA. Know the composition of DNA molecules as well as such processes as:

replication

transcription

translation

Understand the relationship between DNA and RNA. Be able to identify complementary strands of DNA and types of mutations.

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4. Cell Cycle

Know the parts of the cell cycle. Be able to identify the stages of mitosis (especially on diagrams) and the events that occur during each stage. Be able to compare mitosis with meiosis and to describe the cells produced by each. Know how to:

calculate the number of chromosomes in a diploid cell given the haploid number

relate a described event to a stage of mitosis

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5. Genetics

Be able to recall:

Mendels experiment

the law of segregation

the law of independent assortment

Be able to compare dominant and recessive alleles to describe genotypes and phenotypes. You should also understand technologies relating to genetics, such as:

DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis

recombinant DNA technology

DNA fingerprinting

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6. Punnett Squares and Pedigrees

Know how to use a Punnett square provided by the test or to make your own Punnett square to discuss a generation of organisms. Be prepared to make predictions about first and second generations given the genotypes of the organisms involved in a cross.

Be able to examine a provided pedigree and draw conclusions about a genetic trait or the traits of a person on the pedigree.

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7. Natural Selection

Know the historical development of the theories of Lamarck and Darwin. You will need to understand the factors of natural selection as well as evidence for evolution. Be able to:

interpret the meaning of fossil or genetic evidence

define evolution

evaluate statements about natural selection

identify examples of evolution

Be comfortable using the HardyWeinberg equation and interpreting processes through which new species are formed.

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8. Origins of Living Things

Be familiar with theories regarding the development of the first living things on Earth and attempts to replicate their formation in the laboratory. Be prepared for questions about fossil evidence and relative or radiometric dating. Review the major events in the development of living things, such as:

the formation of oxygen in the atmosphere

the emergence of eukaryotes

the introduction of multicellular organisms

the Cambrian explosion

the mass extinctions that occurred

the emergence of humans

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9. Taxonomy

Memorize the modern taxonomic groupings from domain to species. Be able to order the group from the most inclusive to the least inclusive. Know the characteristics of each domain and the kingdoms within them. Be able to identify the kingdom in which an organism should be classified based on its characteristics.

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10. Skeletal and Muscular Systems

Review the skeletal and muscular systems, and how they relate to one another. Be able to identify types of bones and muscles and know where they might be found.

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11. Circulatory and Respiratory Systems

Be able to compare open and closed circulatory systems and be familiar with the parts of each. Be able to:

identify parts of the human heart on a diagram

trace the flow of blood through the heart

Review the composition of blood and be able to compare the percentages of substances in a sample of blood. Review the parts of the respiratory system and know how it relates to the circulatory system.

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12. Human Digestive System

Know the parts of the human digestive system. Be able to:

trace the movement of food through the system

identify the role of various organs in the digestive process

describe the role of the human excretory system

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13. Immune System

Know about the role and layers of the skin. Be able to relate the skin to the immune system. Know the types of cells involved in protecting the body from disease.

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14. Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Familiarize yourself with the parts of the human nervous system. Be able to identify the parts of a neuron on a diagram, including the dendrite, cell body, and axon. Understand the process that occurs when a neuron is stimulated. Make sure you are able to:

identify the parts of the brain (such as the cerebellum, cerebrum, medulla oblongata, and hypothamalus) and their functions

compare the differences between the central and peripheral nervous systems

compare the differences between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems

Be able to identify each gland of the human body and describe its role. Know that the endocrine system involves chemical messengers as opposed to the electrical messages transmitted in the nervous system.

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15. Human Reproductive System

Be able to identify and describe the role of the structures of the male and female systems. Understand fertilization and the process of development that occurs afterward. Be prepared to interpret diagrams of a human reproductive system or graphs representing changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle.

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16. Population Growth

Be able to compare exponential and limited population growth. Be prepared to identify the portion of a graph that represents the carrying capacity of a population. Predict how changes in limiting factors will affect the growth of a population.

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17. Food Chains and Food Webs

Familiarize yourself with the differences between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem. Know how ecosystems, communities, and populations are related. Understand the information represented by:

food chain diagrams

food web diagrams

pyramids of energy or biomass

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18. Ecological Relationships

Know how an organisms niche is related to its habitat. Be familiar with different types of symbiotic relationships. Be able to classify a relationship between two organisms as:

mutualism

commensalism

parasitism

Recognize interspecific and intraspecific competition.

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19. Biomes

Review the major biomes on Earth and the factors by which they are classified. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of aquatic biomes. Study the process of ecological succession. Know the conditions under which it occurs and the types of organisms involved in each stage.

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20. Nutrient Cycles

Study diagrams of the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles. Know the processes, such as transpiration, and organisms involved in each.