SA · SACE BoardQ&A
BiologyQ&A by dot point
A short Q&A bank for every SA Biology syllabus dot point. Each question and answer is drawn directly from our worked dot-point page, so you can scan key concepts before opening the long-form answer.
Topic 1: DNA and Proteins
- DNA is a double helix of nucleotides whose complementary base pairing allows semi-conservative replication.1Q&A pairs
- Describe the principles of PCR, gel electrophoresis and the production of genetically modified organisms1Q&A pairs
- Explain how enzymes catalyse reactions via the active site and how temperature, pH, concentration and inhibitors affect their activity5Q&A pairs
- Explain how transcription produces mRNA from a gene and how translation uses that mRNA to build a polypeptide0Q&A pairs
- Explain how gene expression is regulated, including the lac operon in prokaryotes and differential expression in eukaryotes0Q&A pairs
- Describe gene and chromosomal mutations, their causes (mutagens), and how they affect proteins and phenotype0Q&A pairs
- Proteins fold from amino acid chains into specific 3D shapes that determine their function.4Q&A pairs
- The genetic code is a triplet, degenerate, near-universal code that maps codons to amino acids.0Q&A pairs
Topic 2: Cells as the Basis of Life
- Describe the structure and function of the major eukaryotic cell organelles8Q&A pairs
- Explain how aerobic and anaerobic respiration release energy from glucose to produce ATP1Q&A pairs
- Explain how photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose3Q&A pairs
- Compare the structure and organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells0Q&A pairs
- Explain how the surface area to volume ratio limits cell size and affects the rate of exchange0Q&A pairs
- Describe the stages of the cell cycle and mitosis and explain how they produce genetically identical cells0Q&A pairs
- Explain the fluid mosaic model and the mechanisms of passive and active transport across the membrane3Q&A pairs
Topic 3: Homeostasis
- Explain how insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose by negative feedback, and how diabetes disrupts this1Q&A pairs
- Explain transpiration and how plants regulate water loss through stomata and guard cells0Q&A pairs
- Explain how the kidney and ADH regulate water balance through filtration, reabsorption and negative feedback0Q&A pairs
- Explain the principle of homeostasis and how negative feedback maintains a stable internal environment1Q&A pairs
- Describe how the endocrine system uses hormones to coordinate responses and compare it with the nervous system0Q&A pairs
- Describe the structure of neurons and explain how nerve impulses and synaptic transmission carry information0Q&A pairs
- Explain how the body regulates core temperature through negative feedback and the responses to heat and cold0Q&A pairs
Topic 4: Evolution
- Explain how antibiotic resistance in bacteria evolves through natural selection and how it spreads0Q&A pairs
- Describe the lines of evidence that support evolution, including fossils, comparative anatomy, biochemistry and biogeography0Q&A pairs
- Explain how genetic drift and gene flow change allele frequencies in populations1Q&A pairs
- Explain natural selection and how it produces adaptation through differential survival and reproduction0Q&A pairs
- Explain allele frequencies and gene pools, and use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to detect change0Q&A pairs
- Explain how reproductive isolation leads to speciation, including allopatric speciation0Q&A pairs