COMPLETE SCIENCE REVIEWER
A. BIOLOGY
1. Cell Parts and Functions
• Cell – the smallest unit of life capable of carrying out all life processes.
• Cell membrane – selectively permeable barrier that controls substances entering and leaving the
cell.
• Cytoplasm – jelly-like fluid where organelles are suspended and reactions occur.
• Nucleus – contains DNA and controls cell activities.
• Mitochondria – site of cellular respiration; produces ATP (energy).
• Ribosomes – synthesize proteins.
• Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum – transports proteins.
• Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum – produces lipids and detoxifies substances.
• Golgi apparatus – modifies, packages, and distributes proteins.
• Lysosome – contains enzymes that digest wastes and old organelles.
• Vacuole – stores water, food, and waste materials.
• Chloroplast – contains chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis (plant cells).
• Cell wall – rigid outer layer providing support and protection (plant cells).
2. Genetics Basics
• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) – molecule that carries genetic instructions.
• Gene – a segment of DNA that codes for a specific trait.
• Chromosome – tightly coiled DNA found in the nucleus.
• Alleles – different versions of the same gene.
• Dominant allele – expressed even if only one copy is present.
• Recessive allele – expressed only when two copies are present.
• Genotype – genetic makeup of an organism.
• Phenotype – observable physical characteristics.
• Heredity – transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
• Punnett Square – tool used to predict possible genetic outcomes.
3. Human Body Systems
• Digestive system – breaks down food into nutrients.
• Circulatory system – transports oxygen, nutrients, and wastes using blood.
• Respiratory system – exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• Nervous system – controls body activities and responds to stimuli.
• Skeletal system – supports the body and protects organs.
• Muscular system – allows movement.
• Excretory system – removes metabolic wastes.
• Reproductive system – enables reproduction.
4. Ecology
• Ecology – study of interactions between organisms and their environment.
• Ecosystem – community of organisms and nonliving factors.
• Population – group of the same species living in an area.
• Community – different populations living together.
• Producer – organism that makes its own food (plants).
• Consumer – organism that eats other organisms.
• Decomposer – breaks down dead organisms.
• Food chain – linear transfer of energy.
• Food web – interconnected food chains.
5. Evolution
• Evolution – gradual change in species over time.
• Natural selection – organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce.
• Adaptation – inherited trait that increases survival.
• Variation – differences among individuals.
• Fossils – preserved remains that provide evidence of evolution.
B. CHEMISTRY
1. Matter and Changes
• Matter – anything that has mass and occupies space.
• States of matter – solid, liquid, gas, plasma.
• Physical change – change in form without changing substance.
• Chemical change – produces new substances.
• Chemical properties – ability to react.
2. Acids and Bases
• Acid – substance that releases hydrogen ions (H+).
• Base – substance that releases hydroxide ions (OH-).
• pH scale – measures acidity or basicity from 0–14.
• Strong vs weak acids and bases.
• Indicators – substances that change color based on pH.
3. Periodic Table Trends
• Atomic number – number of protons.
• Atomic mass – average mass of atoms.
• Groups – vertical columns with similar properties.
• Periods – horizontal rows.
• Metals – good conductors.
• Nonmetals – poor conductors.
• Metalloids – properties of both.
4. Chemical Reactions
• Reactants – starting materials.
• Products – substances formed.
• Types – synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, combustion.
• Law of Conservation of Mass – matter is neither created nor destroyed.
C. PHYSICS
1. Motion
• Motion – change in position over time.
• Distance – total path traveled.
• Displacement – straight-line distance.
• Speed = distance ÷ time.
• Velocity – speed with direction.
• Acceleration – change in velocity.
2. Energy
• Energy – ability to do work.
• Kinetic energy – energy of motion.
• Potential energy – stored energy.
• Mechanical energy – sum of kinetic and potential.
• Law of Conservation of Energy.
3. Forces
• Force – push or pull.
• Net force – total force acting on an object.
• Gravity – attraction between masses.
• Friction – force resisting motion.
• Newton’s Three Laws of Motion.
4. Electricity
• Electric charge – property of matter.
• Current – flow of electrons.
• Circuit – closed loop path.
• Voltage – electric potential difference.
• Conductor – allows electrons to flow.
• Insulator – resists flow of electrons.
D. EARTH SCIENCE
1. Climate Change
• Climate – long-term weather patterns.
• Greenhouse effect – trapping of heat by gases.
• Greenhouse gases – CO2, methane, water vapor.
• Human activities contributing to climate change.
• Effects – extreme weather, melting ice, sea level rise.
2. Natural Hazards
• Earthquakes – movement of tectonic plates.
• Volcanoes – magma reaching the surface.
• Typhoons – intense tropical storms.
• Floods – overflow of water.
• Landslides – movement of soil and rocks.
3. Environmental Ethics
• Environmental ethics – moral responsibility to protect nature.
• Conservation – wise use of resources.
• Preservation – protecting nature from use.
• Sustainability – meeting present needs without harming future generations.
• 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.