Biology · MCAS + Final exam prep
Biology Study Guide
A web version of your paper Quick Reference. Each block has its own page with vocabulary, key rules, diagrams, and the patterns that show up on MCAS and the final exam.
How to use this guide
- Read one topic at a time. Don't try to read it all at once. Your brain needs time.
- Try the practice questions first (in Pear). If you can't answer, come back here and look up the topic.
- Practice without the guide. When you can answer without looking, you're ready.
Most students will not need every page. Use the page that matches what you got stuck on. The cards below are in the order we cover them in class.
Looking for a word? The Vocabulary page has all the key science words in 7 languages, with a search box.
Phase 1 — Fill the gaps (Blocks 1–4)
DNA structure & replication
Double helix, base pairing (A–T, C–G), nucleotides, semiconservative replication, Chargaff's rule.
Block 2Protein synthesis: transcription, translation, codons
Central dogma, codons, codon chart use, transcription vs translation.
Block 3Complex inheritance
Codominance, incomplete dominance, sex-linked traits.
Block 4Mitosis vs meiosis
PMAT order, diploid/haploid math, crossing over and genetic variation.
Phase 2 — Practice with reference (Blocks 5–8)
Molecules to Organisms
Cells, biomolecules, transport, photosynthesis, cellular respiration.
Block 6Heredity full review
DNA, protein synthesis, mutations, mitosis, meiosis, inheritance — all together.
Block 7Evolution
Four conditions of natural selection, evidence ranking, convergent evolution, speciation.
Block 8Ecology, populations, homeostasis
Food webs, energy flow, population formula, feedback loops.
Phase 3 — Practice without (Blocks 9–10)
Full practice MCAS
25–30 question simulation across all four reporting categories.
Targeted review
Drill on your weakest topics from Block 9. Test logistics + pep talk.
Post-MCAS — Final exam prep (Blocks 11–16)
Final exam preview
What's different on the final vs MCAS. Codon chart memorization, mitosis phase ID.
Block 12Codon chart drill
Heavy practice on translation. Codon math, longer chains, transcription review.
Block 13Mitosis phases
Identify each phase from a picture. Mitosis vs meiosis review.
Practice final, part 1
Cells, biomolecules, transport, DNA, protein synthesis. Closed-book practice.
Practice final, part 2
Mitosis, meiosis, genetics, evolution, ecology, populations.
Final review
Class-wide review of most-missed items. Targeted self-directed drill. Q&A and pep talk.