BIO101 – General Biology Exam Preparation Guide
© Lesuyai Organic Guides 2025
1. Cell Structure and Function
Key Points:
• Cell theory: All living organisms are made of cells; the cell is the basic unit of life; all cells
come from pre-existing cells.
• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic cells: Differences in nucleus, organelles, DNA, size.
• Organelles & functions:
- Nucleus: DNA storage, gene expression
- Mitochondria: Cellular respiration, ATP production
- Chloroplast: Photosynthesis in plant cells
- Ribosomes: Protein synthesis
- Endoplasmic reticulum: Protein/lipid processing
- Golgi apparatus: Protein modification and transport
• Cell membrane: Structure (phospholipid bilayer), selective permeability.
Diagram Practice: Label a plant cell and an animal cell.
Sample Exam Question: Explain how mitochondria contribute to energy production in
cells.
2. Biomolecules
Key Points:
• Carbohydrates: Energy source (glucose), structural role (cellulose)
• Proteins: Enzymes, structural support (collagen), hormones (insulin)
• Lipids: Energy storage, membrane structure (phospholipids), signaling molecules
• Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
Sample Exam Question: Describe the role of enzymes in biological reactions.
3. Enzymes and Metabolism
Key Points:
• Enzymes speed up reactions without being consumed.
• Factors affecting enzyme activity: temperature, pH, substrate concentration.
• Metabolism: Sum of all chemical reactions.
• Catabolism: Break down molecules (releases energy).
• Anabolism: Builds molecules (requires energy).
© Lesuyai Organic Guides 2025
1. Cell Structure and Function
Key Points:
• Cell theory: All living organisms are made of cells; the cell is the basic unit of life; all cells
come from pre-existing cells.
• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic cells: Differences in nucleus, organelles, DNA, size.
• Organelles & functions:
- Nucleus: DNA storage, gene expression
- Mitochondria: Cellular respiration, ATP production
- Chloroplast: Photosynthesis in plant cells
- Ribosomes: Protein synthesis
- Endoplasmic reticulum: Protein/lipid processing
- Golgi apparatus: Protein modification and transport
• Cell membrane: Structure (phospholipid bilayer), selective permeability.
Diagram Practice: Label a plant cell and an animal cell.
Sample Exam Question: Explain how mitochondria contribute to energy production in
cells.
2. Biomolecules
Key Points:
• Carbohydrates: Energy source (glucose), structural role (cellulose)
• Proteins: Enzymes, structural support (collagen), hormones (insulin)
• Lipids: Energy storage, membrane structure (phospholipids), signaling molecules
• Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA store and transmit genetic information.
Sample Exam Question: Describe the role of enzymes in biological reactions.
3. Enzymes and Metabolism
Key Points:
• Enzymes speed up reactions without being consumed.
• Factors affecting enzyme activity: temperature, pH, substrate concentration.
• Metabolism: Sum of all chemical reactions.
• Catabolism: Break down molecules (releases energy).
• Anabolism: Builds molecules (requires energy).
