§-Biology Q&A
SA · SACE Board← Biology
Biology Q&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.
Describe the principles of PCR, gel electrophoresis and the production of genetically modified organisms
Explain how enzymes catalyse reactions via the active site and how temperature, pH, concentration and inhibitors affect their activity
Explain how transcription produces mRNA from a gene and how translation uses that mRNA to build a polypeptide
Explain how gene expression is regulated, including the lac operon in prokaryotes and differential expression in eukaryotes
Describe gene and chromosomal mutations, their causes (mutagens), and how they affect proteins and phenotype
Proteins fold from amino acid chains into specific 3D shapes that determine their function.
The genetic code is a triplet, degenerate, near-universal code that maps codons to amino acids.
Topic 2: Cells as the Basis of Life
Describe the structure and function of the major eukaryotic cell organelles
Explain how aerobic and anaerobic respiration release energy from glucose to produce ATP
Explain how photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose
Compare the structure and organisation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Explain how the surface area to volume ratio limits cell size and affects the rate of exchange
Describe the stages of the cell cycle and mitosis and explain how they produce genetically identical cells
Explain the fluid mosaic model and the mechanisms of passive and active transport across the membrane
Topic 3: Homeostasis
Explain how insulin and glucagon regulate blood glucose by negative feedback, and how diabetes disrupts this
Explain transpiration and how plants regulate water loss through stomata and guard cells
Explain how the kidney and ADH regulate water balance through filtration, reabsorption and negative feedback
Explain the principle of homeostasis and how negative feedback maintains a stable internal environment
Describe how the endocrine system uses hormones to coordinate responses and compare it with the nervous system
Describe the structure of neurons and explain how nerve impulses and synaptic transmission carry information
Explain how the body regulates core temperature through negative feedback and the responses to heat and cold
Topic 4: Evolution
Explain how antibiotic resistance in bacteria evolves through natural selection and how it spreads
Describe the lines of evidence that support evolution, including fossils, comparative anatomy, biochemistry and biogeography
Explain how genetic drift and gene flow change allele frequencies in populations
Explain natural selection and how it produces adaptation through differential survival and reproduction
Explain allele frequencies and gene pools, and use the Hardy-Weinberg principle to detect change
Explain how reproductive isolation leads to speciation, including allopatric speciation