Biology 182 – Study Guide – Final Exam

2 hours
***You are allowed a simple calculator***
Composition: Multiple choice, matching, short answers, diagrams, problem-solving (calculations) written
online
Note 1: Ensure that you have reviewed all the course content, including your textbook, PowerPoints and
supporting materials, quizzes and assignments. This study guide outlines key material that may be covered,
but you should make sure that you study all the material in preparation for your exam.
Note 2: The final exam is comprehensive. Therefore, you should study all the material covered from the
beginning of the course. The exam focuses a bit more on Module 4 (approximately 30% to 35% of the total
marks).
Nervous System
• Review all theory regarding action potentials. Be able to graph an action potential and label it
thoroughly and clearly.
• Structure and function of nerve cells/neurons, as well as the synapse. Know the steps in
neurotransmitter release and uptake at the synapse.
• Review some of the major neurotransmitters, as well as their major functions
• Electrical signalling in nerve cells, resting nerve potential, the channels that open, sodium potassium
pump, etc.
• Review all structures of the eye and ear and know their functions/roles
• Review the parts of the brain and know their functions

Endocrine System
• Review negative and positive feedback systems
• Review the major endocrine hormones (in particular insulin, ADH, LH, FSH, thyroxine, oxytocin,
epinephrine, etc.), know what gland releases them, what they do, etc.
• Understand role of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland
• Review hormones and their role in the male and female reproductive systems and development
• Understand the steps in follicle development and be able to label a diagram of follicle development,
etc.

Human Reproduction
• Review all the structures in the male and female reproductive systems. You should also know their
functions and roles.
• Menstrual cycle/hormonal controls
• Spermatogenesis and oogenesis
• Review potential causes of infertility
• Review the development of the zygote and all important stages (morula, gastrulation, main cell layers
such as mesoderm, endoderm, etc.)
• Review the extraembryonic membranes and their roles/functions

DNA and Gene Expression

• Differences between DNA and RNA. Know the different types of RNA and relevant theory (codons,
anti-codons),
 • Know all the steps, players (helicase, ligase, polymerases, etc.), and functions in DNA replication and
protein synthesis (transcription, translation)
• Structure of DNA and RNA, terms for the replication of DNA (ex: semi-conservative replication)
• Must know how to convert DNA sequence into mRNA sequence and obtain the tRNA sequence. Must
also be able to name the amino acid protein sequence based on mRNA.
• If given a % of a certain base (e.g., C), you need to know how to calculate the % of another base

Mitosis/Meiosis
• Know all parts/steps of the cell cycle in order
• End results of mitosis and meiosis
• Differences between diploid (2n) and haploid (n)
• Be able to count/determine the number of chromosomes and pairs of chromosomes
• Know the number of chromosomes and pairs of chromosomes in a human cell
• Be able to identify the stage in mitosis or meiosis when shown a picture/diagram or draw a diagram
of the stages of these processes
• Know terminology such as sister chromatids, homologous chromosomes, etc., and differences
between them

Genetics
• Must know theory/interactions of dominant, recessive, co-dominant, incomplete dominance
• Sex-linked and autosomal inherited traits, differences and how to distinguish
• Must know how to assign symbols to dominant, recessive alleles
• Must understand simple and more complex Punnet squares and be able to solve problems. Make
sure you understand dihybrid crosses and how to assign gametes and complete these Punnett
squares. Ensure that you know how to determine genotypes and phenotypes (and %) of offspring.
• Review and understand pedigrees and be able to answer simple questions
• Review and understand how to calculate answers to genetics questions (i.e., be able to complete
genetics problems)
• Review pedigree charts and understand the symbols

Evolution
• Know the differences between the three different types of selection (directional, stabilizing,
disruptive) and be able to diagram each/Identify them
• Must know how the use the Hardy-Weinberg equation, p2 + 2pq + q2 = 1, and be able to solve
problems and show calculations/steps
• Know the conditions that must apply for evolution NOT to occur
• Population sizes and calculations for birth rate, death rate and growth rate, etc.
• Review the age structure diagrams and what the different shapes mean
• Explain and differentiate between mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, natural selection, etc.
• Explain and differentiate between predation, parasitism, mutualism, competition, symbiosis
• Know the various premating and postmating isolating mechanisms (temporal, mechanical, etc.)
• Review the spatial distributions of populations
• Density-dependent and density independent factors
• Review the important population growth and regulation concepts: carrying capacity, growth rate, J-
curves, S-curve
• Review the causes of genetic drift and the Hardy-Weinberg principle