BIOLOGY SEMESTER EXAM 2026

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    Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

    Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not.

    Identify key organelles and their functions.

    Mitochondria produce energy; the nucleus stores genetic information.

    How do stem cells originate?

    Stem cells arise from mitosis and can differentiate into specialized cells.

    Distinguish between unipotent, multipotent, pluripotent and totipotent stem cells.

    Pluripotent cells can become any cell type; totipotent can form an entire organism.

    How does hierarchical organization benefit multicellular organisms?

    It allows efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal through specialized systems.

    Describe the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane.

    It includes phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, and glycoproteins for flexibility.

    How does the cell membrane regulate substance movement?

    It uses processes like osmosis, diffusion, and active transport.

    Compare active and passive transport.

    Active transport requires energy; passive transport does not.

    Why is cell size limited by surface area-to-volume ratio?

    Larger cells have reduced efficiency in nutrient uptake and waste removal.

    Describe the structure and function of carbohydrates.

    They provide energy and structural support in cells.

    What roles do amylase, protease, and lipase play in digestion?

    They break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, respectively.

    How are metabolic processes regulated by enzymes?

    Enzymes lower activation energy, speeding up chemical reactions.

    Describe the structure of enzymes.

    Enzymes have an active site that binds substrates for catalysis.

    Compare induced-fit and lock-and-key models of enzyme function.

    Induced-fit involves enzyme shape change; lock-and-key does not.

    How do temperature and pH affect enzyme activity?

    Extreme conditions can denature enzymes, reducing their effectiveness.

    Explain how exchange surfaces facilitate nutrient exchange.

    Villi and capillaries increase surface area for efficient absorption.

    How do closed circulatory systems work?

    They transport blood through vessels, ensuring efficient material delivery.

    Identify parts of a nephron and their functions.

    The glomerulus filters blood; the Loop of Henle concentrates urine.

    What contributes to waste removal in the nephron?

    Glomerular filtration and selective reabsorption are key processes.

    How do alveoli and capillaries facilitate gas exchange?

    Their thin walls allow for efficient diffusion of gases.

    Distinguish between catabolism and anabolism.

    Catabolism breaks down molecules; anabolism builds them up.

    How does ATP link catabolic and anabolic reactions?

    ATP provides energy released from catabolic processes for anabolic use.

    Describe aerobic respiration.

    It occurs in mitochondria and produces ATP from glucose and oxygen.

    Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration.

    Aerobic requires oxygen; anaerobic occurs without it.

    What is the process of photosynthesis?

    It converts light energy into chemical energy in chloroplasts.

    Distinguish between infectious and non-infectious disease.

    Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens; non-infectious are not.

    Identify key features of prions and viruses.

    Prions are misfolded proteins; viruses require a host to replicate.

    How do adherence factors affect pathogenesis?

    They help pathogens attach to host cells, initiating infection.

    What is the role of the innate immune response?

    It provides immediate, non-specific defense against pathogens.

    Describe the inflammatory response.

    It involves vasodilation and immune cell recruitment to injury sites.

    Explain the adaptive immune response.

    It targets specific pathogens using B and T lymphocytes.

    What are modes of disease transmission?

    They include direct contact, contaminated food, and vectors.

    How do personal hygiene measures control disease spread?

    They reduce pathogen transmission and lower infection rates.

    Explain how the nervous system maintains homeostasis.

    It uses feedback mechanisms to regulate internal conditions.

    Identify types of sensory receptors.

    They include chemoreceptors, thermoreceptors, and photoreceptors.

    What is the role of hormones in cellular communication?

    They bind to specific receptors, altering cellular activity.

    How do structural features aid thermoregulation in endotherms?

    Insulation and behavioral responses help maintain body temperature.

    Explain how plants maintain water balance.

    Stomata and vacuoles regulate water loss and storage.


      BIOLOGY SEMESTER EXAM 2026 Study Notes | Cramd