HEC USAT Biology Syllabus

Biology syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Biology in HEC USAT, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Cell Biology

   3 topics

   • Cell Structure and Organelles
   • Cell Membrane and Transport
   • Cell Cycle and Division
2. 2

   Biomolecules and Enzymes

   3 topics

   • Carbohydrates, Lipids and Proteins
   • Nucleic Acids
   • Enzyme Action and Regulation
3. 3

   Genetics

   3 topics

   • Mendelian Inheritance
   • DNA Structure and Replication
   • Protein Synthesis
4. 4

   Human Physiology

   4 topics

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

   Diversity of Life

   3 topics

   • Classification and Taxonomy
   • Microbiology and Viruses
   • Plant Biology
6. 6

   Ecology and Evolution

   3 topics

   • Ecosystems and Energy Flow
   • Biodiversity and Conservation
   • Theory of Evolution

Biology flashcards for HEC USAT

22 of 59 cards from the Biology deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is the function of mitochondria in a cell?

   They are the site of aerobic respiration, producing ATP through oxidative phosphorylation; known as the 'powerhouse of the cell'.

2. Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis, and where is it found?

   The ribosome; found free in the cytoplasm or bound to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

3. What are the main structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

   Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and have a circular DNA; eukaryotes have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles with linear DNA.

4. What is the function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum versus the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

   Rough ER synthesizes and processes proteins (has ribosomes); smooth ER synthesizes lipids/steroids and detoxifies substances (no ribosomes).

5. What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?

   It modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids into vesicles for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

6. What enzymes do lysosomes contain and what is their function?

   They contain hydrolytic (digestive) enzymes that break down waste materials, worn-out organelles, and engulfed particles.

7. Which organelle is the site of photosynthesis and what pigment does it contain?

   The chloroplast; it contains the green pigment chlorophyll.

8. Name two organelles found in plant cells but not in animal cells.

   The cell wall (made of cellulose) and chloroplasts (a large central vacuole is also typical of plant cells).

9. What is the difference between passive transport and active transport across the cell membrane?

   Passive transport moves substances down their concentration gradient without energy; active transport moves substances against their gradient using ATP.

10. Define osmosis.

    The net movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from a region of higher water potential (lower solute concentration) to lower water potential (higher solute concentration).

11. What does the fluid mosaic model describe about the cell membrane?

    It describes the membrane as a phospholipid bilayer with proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates embedded or attached, where components move laterally like a fluid mosaic.

12. What is the difference between endocytosis and exocytosis?

    Endocytosis brings materials into the cell by engulfing them in vesicles; exocytosis releases materials out of the cell by fusing vesicles with the membrane.

13. What happens to an animal cell placed in a hypotonic solution?

    Water enters the cell by osmosis, causing it to swell and potentially burst (lyse/hemolysis).

14. What is facilitated diffusion?

    Passive movement of molecules across the membrane through specific carrier or channel proteins, down the concentration gradient, without using ATP.

15. List the phases of the cell cycle in order.

    G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis/replication), G2 (growth/preparation), and M (mitosis), with G0 as a resting phase.

16. During which phase of the cell cycle is DNA replicated?

    The S (synthesis) phase of interphase.

17. List the four stages of mitosis in order.

    Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT).

18. What happens during anaphase of mitosis?

    Sister chromatids separate at the centromere and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers.

19. What is the key difference in chromosome number between the products of mitosis and meiosis?

    Mitosis produces two diploid (2n) cells genetically identical to the parent; meiosis produces four haploid (n) cells that are genetically varied.

20. What two processes during meiosis increase genetic variation?

    Crossing over (recombination) during prophase I and independent assortment of homologous chromosomes during metaphase I.

21. During which stage of meiosis does crossing over occur?

    Prophase I, when homologous chromosomes pair to form bivalents (tetrads) and exchange segments at chiasmata.

22. What are the three main classes of carbohydrates based on the number of sugar units?

    Monosaccharides (single sugar), disaccharides (two sugars), and polysaccharides (many sugars).

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