SBI3C Biology Exam Cheat Sheet

This cheat sheet summarizes key concepts for the SBI3C Biology exam, covering cell biology, macromolecules, and enzyme function. It also outlines exam format, allowed materials, and important dates.

Core Principles

• Understand fundamental biological terms: atoms, molecules, elements, compounds, ions, monomers, polymers.
• Know the primary atoms composing living things, especially carbon's properties.
• Grasp the hierarchy of living things.
• Identify and describe the four major macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
• Understand water's properties, including hydrogen bonding, and the concepts of hydrophilic and hydrophobic.
• Explain enzyme function, including substrates, active sites, and factors affecting activity.
• Differentiate between DNA and RNA structures and their components.

Action Steps

• Review all unit tests and class notes for diagrams.
• Create a 5-page study sheet, focusing on concepts, not diagrams.
• Memorize key terms and definitions.
• Practice labeling diagrams without your study sheet.
• Understand the structure and function of all major macromolecules.
• Study enzyme mechanisms and factors affecting their activity.
• Prepare for all exam sections: multiple choice, matching, short answer, extended response, and diagrams.

Key Terms

• Atom: The basic unit of a chemical element.
• Molecule: A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.
• Element: A pure substance consisting only of atoms that all have the same numbers of protons in their atomic nuclei.
• Compound: A substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together.
• Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
• Monomer: A molecule that can be bonded together to form a polymer.
• Polymer: A large molecule composed of repeating structural units, typically connected by covalent chemical bonds.
• Macromolecule: A very large molecule, such as a protein or nucleic acid, composed of many smaller repeating units.
• Hydrophilic: Having a tendency to mix with, dissolve in, or be attracted to water.
• Hydrophobic: Tending to repel or fail to mix with water.
• Enzyme: A biological catalyst, typically a protein, that speeds up chemical reactions.
• Substrate: The molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
• Nucleotide: The basic structural unit of DNA and RNA, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Pro Tips

• Focus your 5-page study sheet on definitions, processes, and comparisons.
• Practice drawing and labeling common biological diagrams from memory.
• Understand the 'why' behind biological processes, not just the 'what'.
• Relate macromolecule structures to their functions.
• Be prepared to explain enzyme kinetics and factors influencing them.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Bringing disallowed electronics to the exam.
• Exceeding the 5-page limit for study sheets.
• Including diagrams on your study sheet.
• Rushing through questions; ensure all are answered.
• Forgetting to hand in all exam papers.
• Not returning your textbook on the exam day.

Timeline

• Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026, 8:15 a.m.: SBI3C Exam begins in ROOM 108.
• Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026: Textbooks must be returned.
• Exam Duration: Students cannot leave for 1.5 hours after the exam starts.

Quiz

• What is the maximum number of study sheet pages allowed?: 5 pages
• Which of the following is NOT allowed on the study sheet?: Diagrams
• What is the minimum time a student must remain in the exam room?: 1.5 hours