Science 8 exam prep

• Biology is the scientific study of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution
• Key areas of biology

  • Cell biology
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Botany
  • Zoology
  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary biology
• By studying the fundamental processes of life, biologists aim to understand the living world and apply this knowledge to improve human health, agriculture, environmental protection, and many other areas
• Biology is a dynamic and constantly evolving field that has led to countless important discoveries and advancements over the centuries
• Cell structure


  • Cell membrane
  • Cytoplasm
  • Nucleus
  • Organelles (mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes)
• Cell functions


  • Metabolism
  • Energy production
  • Protein synthesis
  • Cell division
  • Cell signaling
  • Transport
• Understanding the intricate structure and varied functions of cells is fundamental to the biological sciences, from cell biology and genetics to physiology and medicine
• Key aspects of genetics

  • DNA
  • Genes
  • Chromosomes
  • Genotype vs Phenotype
  • Inheritance patterns
  • Mutations
• Key principles of heredity

  • Reproduction
  • Meiosis
  • Fertilization
  • Genetic variation
• Advances in genetics and our understanding of heredity have led to major breakthroughs in fields like medicine, agriculture, forensics, and evolutionary biology
• Key aspects of human anatomy

  • Skeletal system
  • Muscular system
  • Circulatory system
  • Digestive system
  • Nervous system
  • Endocrine system
• Key aspects of human physiology

  • Cell function
  • Organ function
  • System function
  • Metabolic processes
  • Regulatory mechanisms
• A comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology is crucial for fields like medicine, nursing, physical therapy, and exercise science
• Components of the taxonomic system

  • Domains
  • Kingdoms
  • Phyla
  • Classes
  • Orders, Families, Genera, and Species
• This hierarchical taxonomic system allows biologists to organize the incredible diversity of life on Earth, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest animals and plants
• Key aspects of ecology

  • Ecosystems
  • Populations and communities
  • Biomes and biosphere
  • Ecological processes (energy flow, nutrient cycling, succession)
• Understanding ecological principles is crucial for environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and addressing global environmental challenges
• Key aspects of evolutionary theory

  • Natural selection
  • Mutation and genetic variation
  • Speciation
  • Common descent
  • Evolutionary mechanisms
• The modern synthesis of evolutionary theory, integrating Darwin's concept of natural selection with our modern understanding of genetics and molecular biology, provides a robust scientific framework for understanding the history of life on Earth
• Key steps of photosynthesis

  • Light absorption by chlorophyll
  • Light-dependent reactions
  • Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)
• Key steps of cellular respiration

  • Glycolysis
  • Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle)
  • Electron transport chain
• Relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration

  • Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen, which are then used in cellular respiration
  • Cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide, which is then used in photosynthesis
• Types of microorganisms


  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi
  • Protozoans
• Examples of bacterial diseases

  • Pneumonia
  • Strep throat
  • Tuberculosis
  • Food poisoning
• Examples of viral diseases


  • Common cold
  • Influenza
  • HIV/AIDS
  • COVID-19
• Examples of fungal infections

  • Athlete's foot
  • Ringworm
  • Candidiasis
• Examples of protozoan diseases

  • Malaria
  • Giardiasis
  • Toxoplasmosis
• Disease transmission routes


  • Direct contact
  • Airborne droplets
  • Contaminated food/water
  • Insect vectors
• Disease prevention and treatment

  • Good hygiene
  • Vaccination
  • Proper sanitation
  • Antibiotics
  • Antiviral medications
• Key aspects of atomic structure

  • Nucleus (protons, neutrons)
  • Atomic number
  • Electrons and energy levels
• Key aspects of the periodic table

  • Organization by atomic number and chemical properties
  • Groups and periods
  • Periodicity of properties
• The periodic table has distinct regions - metals, nonmetals, and metalloids
• Atomic number


  Defines the element
• Atomic number


  • Hydrogen has 1 proton, helium has 2 protons, etc.
• Electrons


  • Orbiting the nucleus
  • Have a negative charge
  • Number of electrons equals the number of protons in a neutral atom
• Electron shells


  • Innermost shell can hold up to 2 electrons
  • Next shell up to 8
  • Then 18, and so on
• Electron arrangement and number

  Determines an element's chemical properties and reactivity
• Periodic table


  • Organizes elements based on atomic number and chemical properties
  • Elements arranged in increasing order of atomic number from left to right
  • Divided into groups (vertical columns) and periods (horizontal rows)
  • Elements in same group have similar chemical properties due to same electron configuration
  • Periodicity observed in atomic radius, electronegativity, ionization energy, and other properties
• Regions of the periodic table

  • Metals
  • Nonmetals
  • Metalloids
• Understanding the periodic table


  Allows predictions about an element's behavior and how it will form compounds