IB Biology Exam Review

Front

What is the function of enzymes in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur.

Front

Define homeostasis.

Back

Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions despite external changes.

Front

What is the role of DNA in cells?

Back

DNA contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

Front

Explain the process of photosynthesis.

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Back

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles.

Front

Define osmosis.

Back

Osmosis is the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

Front

What is the significance of the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is crucial for growth, development, and repair in organisms, as it regulates cell division and ensures proper DNA replication.

Front

What are the main components of the cell membrane?

Back

The cell membrane is primarily composed of a phospholipid bilayer, proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

Front

Explain the concept of natural selection.

Back

Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary changes.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes?

Back

Ribosomes are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis, translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into polypeptide chains.