I. Science Skills and the Nature of Science:
* Scientific Method: Hypothesis formation, experimental design (including controls and variables), data analysis (graphs, charts, tables), drawing conclusions, and error analysis. You'll need to interpret experimental data and understand the limitations of scientific studies.
* Lab Safety: Basic lab safety procedures and precautions.
II. The Chemistry of Life:
* Water: Properties of water and its importance to living organisms.
* Organic Molecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; their structures, functions, and importance. Enzyme action and its role in metabolism will be tested.
* pH and Buffers: Understanding acidity, alkalinity, and the importance of maintaining a stable pH.
III. Cell Biology:
* Cell Structure and Function: Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, organelle function (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes, nucleus), cell membranes, and transport across membranes (diffusion, osmosis, active transport).
* Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis: The processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, including equations and energy transfers.
* Cell Division (Mitosis and Meiosis): Understanding the processes of mitosis and meiosis, including the resulting chromosome numbers and their importance in growth, repair, and sexual reproduction.
IV. Genetics:
* Mendelian Genetics: Basic principles of inheritance (dominant and recessive traits, genotypes and phenotypes, Punnett squares, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses).
* Molecular Genetics: DNA structure, replication, transcription, and translation; mutations and their effects.
* Genetic Technology: Basic understanding of techniques like DNA fingerprinting, genetic engineering, and cloning.
V. Evolution:
* Natural Selection: Mechanisms of evolution, including natural selection, adaptation, and speciation. Evidence for evolution (fossil record, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology).
* Classification: Taxonomy and phylogenetic trees.
VI. Ecology:
* Ecosystems: Energy flow (food chains, food webs, energy pyramids), nutrient cycles (carbon, nitrogen), biodiversity, population dynamics (growth curves, limiting factors), human impact on the environment (pollution, climate change, deforestation).
* Interactions within Ecosystems: Symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism), competition, predator-prey relationships.
* Biomes: Characteristics of different terrestrial and aquatic biomes.
VII. Human Biology (often less emphasized than other topics, but still important):
* Human body systems: Basic understanding of major systems (digestive, circulatory, respiratory, excretory, nervous, endocrine, immune, skeletal, muscular, reproductive) and their interrelationships. This is often tested through connections to other topics (e.g., how the circulatory system relates to cell respiration).
Test Format: The exam includes multiple-choice questions, constructed-response questions (short answer), and extended-response questions (essays requiring more detailed explanations). A significant portion will involve interpreting data presented in graphs, charts, and diagrams.
Preparation: Thoroughly review your class notes, textbook, and any supplemental materials provided by your teacher. Practice with past Regents exams is crucial to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions asked. Focus on understanding the concepts rather than just memorizing facts.