CSS General Science and Ability Biological Sciences Syllabus

Biological Sciences syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Biological Sciences in CSS General Science and Ability, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Basis of Life

   2 topics

   • Cell Structure and Function
   • Cell Organelles
2. 2

   Biomolecules

   3 topics

   • Carbohydrates
   • Proteins and Lipids
   • Enzymes and Their Functions
3. 3

   Diversity of Life

   2 topics

   • Plant Kingdom
   • Animal Kingdom
4. 4

   Human Physiology

   3 topics

   • Digestive and Respiratory Systems
   • Circulatory and Nervous Systems
   • Excretory and Reproductive Systems
5. 5

   Common Diseases and Epidemics

   3 topics

   • Viral Diseases
   • Parasitic and Bacterial Diseases
   • Causes, Prevention and Control
6. 6

   Biotechnology and Biofuels

   2 topics

   • Introduction to Biotechnology
   • Biofuel Production

Biological Sciences flashcards for CSS General Science and Ability

18 of 50 cards from the Biological Sciences deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the cell theory, and who proposed it?

   The cell theory states that: (1) all living organisms are composed of cells, (2) the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life, and (3) all cells arise from pre-existing cells. It was proposed by Schleiden, Schwann, and later expanded by Virchow.

2. What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

   Prokaryotic cells lack a true (membrane-bound) nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g. bacteria). Eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus enclosed by a membrane and contain membrane-bound organelles (e.g. plant, animal, fungal cells).

3. What is the function of the cell (plasma) membrane?

   The cell membrane is a selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, providing protection and maintaining homeostasis. It is described by the fluid mosaic model.

4. List three structural features found in plant cells but absent in animal cells.

   Cell wall (made of cellulose), chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole are present in plant cells but absent in animal cells.

5. What is the function of the nucleus?

   The nucleus controls all cellular activities, stores genetic material (DNA), and directs protein synthesis. It is bounded by a nuclear envelope and contains the nucleolus, which makes ribosomes.

6. What is the function of mitochondria, and why are they called the 'powerhouse of the cell'?

   Mitochondria carry out aerobic respiration, producing ATP (energy) from glucose and oxygen. They are called the powerhouse of the cell because they generate most of the cell's energy.

7. What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

   Rough ER is studded with ribosomes and synthesizes proteins. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and synthesizes lipids, stores calcium, and detoxifies drugs.

8. What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?

   The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, packages, and ships proteins and lipids received from the ER, forming vesicles for secretion or transport within the cell.

9. What is the function of ribosomes, and what are they made of?

   Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis (translation). They are made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, and can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.

10. What is the function of lysosomes?

    Lysosomes contain digestive (hydrolytic) enzymes that break down waste materials, worn-out organelles, and foreign particles. They are sometimes called the 'suicide bags' of the cell.

11. What is the function of chloroplasts, and what pigment do they contain?

    Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy to convert CO2 and water into glucose.

12. What is the general molecular formula of carbohydrates, and what are their building blocks?

    Carbohydrates have the general formula (CH2O)n, i.e. Cx(H2O)y. Their basic building blocks (monomers) are monosaccharides (simple sugars) such as glucose.

13. Distinguish between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides with examples.

    Monosaccharides are single sugar units (e.g. glucose, fructose). Disaccharides are two units joined (e.g. sucrose, lactose, maltose). Polysaccharides are many units joined (e.g. starch, glycogen, cellulose).

14. What is the difference between starch, glycogen, and cellulose?

    All are polysaccharides of glucose. Starch is the storage carbohydrate in plants; glycogen is the storage carbohydrate in animals (stored in liver and muscles); cellulose is a structural carbohydrate forming plant cell walls.

15. What are the building blocks (monomers) of proteins, and what bond joins them?

    The building blocks of proteins are amino acids, joined together by peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains.

16. How many amino acids commonly make up proteins, and what distinguishes essential amino acids?

    There are 20 common amino acids. Essential amino acids cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet, whereas non-essential amino acids can be made by the body.

17. What are the four levels of protein structure?

    Primary (sequence of amino acids), secondary (alpha-helices and beta-pleated sheets via hydrogen bonds), tertiary (overall 3D folding), and quaternary (assembly of multiple polypeptide subunits).

18. What are lipids, and what are their main building blocks?

    Lipids are nonpolar, water-insoluble organic molecules. Fats and oils (triglycerides) are made of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acids.

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