I. Science and the Scientific Method:
* The process of science: Understanding the scientific method, experimental design (including controlled experiments, variables, and controls), data analysis, drawing conclusions, and limitations of scientific knowledge.
II. Ecology:
* Ecosystems: Energy flow (food chains, food webs, trophic levels, pyramids of energy, biomass, and numbers), nutrient cycling (carbon, nitrogen, water cycles), biogeochemical cycles, population dynamics (growth curves, limiting factors, carrying capacity), community interactions (competition, predation, symbiosis), succession (primary and secondary), biodiversity, human impact on ecosystems (pollution, habitat destruction, climate change).
III. The Cell:
* Cell structure and function: Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, organelles (their structure and function), cell membrane structure and function (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), cell communication.
IV. Biochemistry:
* Basic chemistry: Atoms, molecules, chemical bonding.
* Organic molecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids (their structure, function, and monomers).
* Enzymes: Their function as biological catalysts and factors affecting enzyme activity.
* Photosynthesis and cellular respiration: The overall equations, reactants, products, and importance of these processes.
V. Genetics:
* Mendelian genetics: Inheritance patterns, genotypes, phenotypes, dominant and recessive alleles, Punnett squares, monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.
* DNA and RNA: Structure and function of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis (transcription and translation).
* Genetic mutations: Types of mutations and their effects.
* Modern genetics: Selective breeding, genetic engineering, biotechnology (cloning, gene therapy).
VI. Human Biology (often less emphasized than other topics, but still important):
* Human body systems: Basic understanding of major systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, excretory, nervous, endocrine, immune, skeletal, muscular) and their interactions.
VII. Evolution:
* Theory of evolution: Natural selection, evidence for evolution (fossil record, comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular biology), adaptation, speciation.
In short: The exam tests your understanding of fundamental biological principles and your ability to apply this knowledge to interpret data, analyze experimental results, and answer questions about various biological systems and processes. It emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than rote memorization. Reviewing past Regents exams is an excellent way to prepare, as it gives you a feel for the types of questions asked.