Biology EOC — Quick Reference

FLORIDA BIOLOGY 1 · ALL 18 SECTIONS · FIGURES CITED FROM PACKET

🔬 Scientific method & experimental design
SC.912.N.1.1 · Fig. 1.1 — The Scientific Method Flowchart (Bing Images)
Fig. 1.1 — Scientific Method Flowchart Observation Question Hypothesis (if … then) Experiment Data Collection & Analysis Conclusion Communication Independent variable what I deliberately change Dependent variable what I measure
Fig. 1.1 — The Scientific Method Flowchart
Change ONE independent variable. Use a control group with multiple trials and a large sample size. No penalty for guessing on the EOC — never leave blank.
TermDefinition
Independent variableDeliberately changed — "I change it" — only ONE per experiment
Dependent variableMeasured in response — "depends on the change"
Control groupNo treatment applied; baseline for comparison
TheoryWell-supported explanation backed by extensive evidence
LawDescribes a consistent pattern — explains what, not why
Quantitative dataBased on numbers — can be measured or counted (height, mass, time). Contrast: Qualitative = descriptions (color, texture).
💧 Chemistry of water
SC.912.L.18.12 · Source: Study.com — Water Molecule Polarity & Hydrogen Bonding
Water molecule polarity and hydrogen bonding — Study.com Molecule 1 O δ− H δ+ H δ+ 104.5° bond angle H-bond Molecule 2 O δ− H H Key properties ✓ Cohesion (H₂O↔H₂O) ✓ Adhesion (H₂O↔other) ✓ High specific heat ✓ Universal solvent ✓ Ice less dense (floats) ✓ Surface tension All due to H-bonds & polarity
Water molecule polarity & hydrogen bonding — adapted from Study.com
PropertyCauseReal-world example
CohesionH₂O attracts H₂O (H-bonds)Water droplets, stream flow
AdhesionH₂O attracts other substancesCapillary action in plants
High specific heatResists temperature changeCoastal climates; body temp regulation
Universal solventPolar — dissolves ionic/polar moleculesBlood carries nutrients
Ice floatsH-bonds space molecules apart → less denseLakes freeze top-down; organisms survive below
Surface tensionCohesion creates a surface "skin"Insects walk on water
pH scale: Acids (0–6) high H⁺ · Neutral (7) pure water · Bases (8–14) high OH⁻. Each unit is 10× more acidic/basic than the next.
🧬 Biological macromolecules
SC.912.L.18.1 · Source: Biomolecules Reference Chart
Four biological macromolecules — Biomolecules Reference Chart Carbohydrates MONOMER Monosaccharides ELEMENTS C · H · O Quick energy; structural support glucose · starch · cellulose Lipids MONOMER Fatty acids + glycerol ELEMENTS C · H · O Long-term energy; cell membranes fats · oils · waxes Proteins MONOMER Amino acids (20 types) ELEMENTS C · H · O · N · S Enzymes; structure; transport; immunity hemoglobin · insulin Nucleic Acids MONOMER Nucleotides ELEMENTS C · H · O · N · P Store & transmit genetic information DNA · RNA · ATP
Four biological macromolecules — adapted from Biomolecules Reference Chart
Dehydration synthesis BUILDS (removes water). Hydrolysis BREAKS (adds water). Denatured enzyme = shape destroyed → non-functional. Temp, pH, and substrate concentration all affect enzyme activity.
🦠 Cell theory & cell structure
SC.912.L.14.1, SC.912.L.14.3 · Fig. 4.1 — Plant vs. Animal Cell (Biology Education Diagram)
Cell theory — tenet 1
All living things are made of one or more cells
Cell theory — tenet 2
The cell is the basic unit of structure & function
Cell theory — tenet 3
All cells come from pre-existing cells
Figure 4.1 — Plant cell vs. animal cell comparison Plant cell Animal cell Nucleus (contains DNA) cell wall ✓ chloroplast ✓ large central vacuole ✓ mitochondria Nucleus (contains DNA) no cell wall centriole ✓ mitochondria lysosome ✓ small vacuole
Fig. 4.1 — Plant vs. animal cell — adapted from Biology Education Diagram
FeaturePlantAnimal
Cell wall (cellulose)✓✗
Chloroplasts✓✗
Central vacuoleLargeSmall / absent
Centrioles✗✓
Energy storageStarchGlycogen
Golgi apparatusPackages and ships proteins from the cell — the cell's "post office"
Prokaryotes (Bacteria & Archaea) = no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes (plants, animals, fungi, protists) = membrane-bound nucleus. Mitochondria = powerhouse (ATP). Ribosomes = protein builders — found in ALL cells.
🚪 Transport across cell membranes
SC.912.L.14.2 · Fig. 5.1 — Active vs. Passive Transport (Cell Biology Diagram)
Figure 5.1 — Passive vs. active transport across the cell membrane Passive Transport (no ATP) Active Transport (needs ATP) Phospholipid bilayer — cell membrane OUTSIDE CELL (extracellular) INSIDE CELL (intracellular) HIGH concentration LOW concentration Diffusion / Osmosis Protein pump ATP⚡ LOW → pumping against gradient HIGH — building up inside Active Transport
Fig. 5.1 — Passive vs. active transport — adapted from Cell Biology Diagram
SolutionWater movementAnimal cell resultPlant cell result
Hypotonic (less solute outside)INTO cellSwells / lyses (bursts)Turgid — firm ✓
Isotonic (equal solute)BalancedNormal shapeFlaccid
Hypertonic (more solute outside)OUT of cellCrenation (shrinks)Plasmolysis / wilts
SALT SUCKS — salt draws water out (hypertonic solution). "Hippo"tonic → cell gets hippo-sized (swells). Osmosis = diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane — always passive, no ATP.
⚡ Energy in living systems
SC.912.L.18.9, SC.912.L.18.10 · Fig. 6.1 — Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration Relationship (Biology Diagram)
Figure 6.1 — Photosynthesis and cellular respiration relationship Photosynthesis 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ 📍 Chloroplasts · Autotrophs only Cellular Respiration C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ~36–38 ATP 📍 Mitochondria · ALL organisms O₂ + glucose CO₂ + H₂O ☀️ Input: sunlight ⚡ Output: ~36–38 ATP Products of one reaction = reactants of the other — they are opposites
Fig. 6.1 — Photosynthesis & cellular respiration — adapted from Biology Diagram
Photosynthesis — Reactants (inputs): water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) + light. Products (outputs): glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) + oxygen (O₂).
Stage of respirationLocationInputsATP yield
GlycolysisCytoplasmGlucose2 ATP
Krebs cycleMitochondrial matrixPyruvate → Acetyl-CoA2 ATP
Electron transport chainInner mitochondrial membraneNADH, FADH₂, O₂32–34 ATP
Total~36–38 ATP
Fermentation (anaerobic — no O₂) yields only 2 ATP. Lactic acid: muscle cells, yogurt, some bacteria. Alcoholic: yeast → bread, beer, wine. Light-dependent reactions in thylakoids → Calvin cycle in stroma. Aerobic respiration total yield: ~36–38 ATP (also written 36-38 ATP) per glucose.
🧬 DNA — the blueprint of life
SC.912.L.16.3 · Fig. 7.1 — Structure of DNA Reference Diagram
Figure 7.1 — DNA double helix, base pairing, central dogma, and mutations DNA double helix A T G C T A C G A — T · 2 hydrogen bonds "Apples in the Tree" G — C · 3 hydrogen bonds "Car in the Garage" ↑ sugar-phosphate backbone ↑ Central Dogma DNA nucleus Transcription mRNA nucleus Translation Protein ribosome Mutations Substitution One base swapped 1 amino acid may change Insertion Extra base added Frameshift ⚠ all shift Deletion Base removed Frameshift ⚠ all shift Frameshifts (insertion/deletion) alter every codon after the mutation — far more harmful DNA vs. RNA SugarDeoxyriboseRibose BasesA T G CA U G C (U not T) StrandsDouble-strandedSingle-stranded DNA RNA
Fig. 7.1 — DNA structure & central dogma — adapted from Structure of DNA Reference Diagram
Full names of the four DNA bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G). Base-pairing rules: A pairs with T, C pairs with G.
DNA replication is semi-conservative (also written semiconservative) — each new molecule has one original strand + one new strand. Helicase unzips the double helix; DNA Polymerase builds the new complementary strand (5'→3').
🔁 Cell division — mitosis & meiosis
SC.912.L.16.17 · Fig. 8.1 — Mitosis vs. Meiosis Stages Comparison (Cell Division Diagram)
Figure 8.1 — Mitosis vs. meiosis comparison Mitosis — 1 division → 2 identical diploid (2n) cells Parent 2n diploid Prophase chromatin condenses Metaphase line up in Middle Anaphase chromatids Apart Telophase Two nuclei reform Cytokinesis cytoplasm divides Daughter cell 1 2n · identical to parent Daughter cell 2 2n · identical to parent Meiosis — 2 divisions → 4 unique haploid (n) gametes Parent 2n diploid Meiosis I homologs separate · crossing over ✓ Cell A · n Cell B · n Meiosis II (like mitosis) G1 · n G2 · n G3 · n G4 · n 4 haploid gametes — genetically unique Mitosis vs. Meiosis PurposeGrowth & repairProduce gametes Divisions12 Daughter cells2 identical 2n4 unique n Crossing overNoYes — Prophase I Genetic variationNone (clones)Yes (crossing over + indep. assort.) MITOSIS MEIOSIS
Fig. 8.1 — Mitosis vs. meiosis — adapted from Cell Division Diagram
Mnemonic — PMAT: Prophase · Metaphase (Middle) · Anaphase (Apart) · Telophase. Mitosis = body/somatic cells. Meiosis = seX cells (gametes). Cancer = uncontrolled mitosis from checkpoint failure.
Cell cycle phases: G₁ (growth) → S phase / synthesis (DNA is copied / replicated) → G₂ (prep) → M (mitosis). Mitosis produces two (2) genetically identical diploid daughter cells. Meiosis produces four (4) unique haploid gametes. During metaphase, chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell along the metaphase plate (also called the equator).
🎲 Genetics — science of heredity
SC.912.L.16.1 · Source: Genetics Education Diagram — Monohybrid Cross Punnett Square
Punnett square Tt x Tt and pedigree chart symbols Punnett square showing TT, Tt, Tt, tt with 3:1 ratio. Right side shows inheritance patterns and pedigree symbols. Punnett square: Tt × Tt T t T t TT Tt Tt tt Genotype: 1 TT : 2 Tt : 1 tt Phenotype: 3 Tall : 1 Short Inheritance patterns Complete dominanceTt = Tall (masks t) Incomplete dominanceRed × White = Pink CodominanceRed AND White spots Sex-linked traitsgene on X chromosome Pedigree symbols female male affected carrier aff. male Horiz. line = mating · Vert. = offspring Carrier = heterozygous, does NOT show trait
Monohybrid Punnett square & pedigree symbols — adapted from Genetics Education Diagram
Allele typeDefinition
DominantTrait expressed when at least one dominant allele is present (CAPITAL letter). Only one copy needed (e.g., Bb shows the dominant trait).
RecessiveOnly expressed when homozygous (bb) — needs two copies of the recessive allele (lowercase letter).
Law of Segregation: alleles separate during gamete formation. Law of Independent Assortment: genes for different traits sort randomly. Type O = universal donor (no antigens). Type AB = universal recipient.
🧪 Biotechnology & genetic engineering
SC.912.L.16.10 · Source: Biology LibreTexts — Gel Electrophoresis & DNA Fingerprinting
Gel electrophoresis diagram Gel with five labeled wells at the top negative end. DNA fragments migrate downward toward the positive end. Smaller fragments travel farther, creating distinct band patterns for comparison. LABCD − (neg.) + (pos.) How it works: 1. Load DNA into wells (top) 2. Apply electric current 3. DNA (−) migrates toward + pole 4. Smaller fragments travel FARTHER 5. Compare banding patterns Uses: forensics, paternity testing, DNA fingerprinting
Gel electrophoresis — adapted from Biology LibreTexts
TechnologyHow it worksUsed for
Gel electrophoresisSeparates DNA fragments by size using electric currentDNA fingerprinting, forensics, paternity
PCRAmplifies DNA using heat cycling + DNA polymeraseCrime scenes, ancient DNA, medical diagnosis
Recombinant DNADNA inserted into another organism using restriction enzymes + plasmidsInsulin production, GMOs, gene therapy
EOC may ask you to evaluate both BENEFITS and RISKS of biotechnology (GMOs, cloning, gene therapy). Know both sides.
🌳 Classification of living things
SC.912.L.15.6 · Source: HubPages — Domains & Kingdoms of Life Classification
Linnaean classification hierarchy and three domains Tapering funnel showing 8 levels from Domain down to Species with human example. Three domain cards for Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya. DomainEukarya KingdomAnimalia PhylumChordata ClassMammalia OrderPrimates FamilyHominidae GenusHomo Speciessapiens ← broadestmost specific → BacteriaProkaryoticpeptidoglycan wall ArchaeaProkaryoticno peptidoglycan EukaryaEukaryoticnucleus + organelles Mnemonic: Dear King Philip Came Over For Good Spaghetti More levels shared = more closely related
Classification hierarchy & three domains — adapted from HubPages Taxonomy Overview
Dichotomous key: series of yes/no questions to identify organisms. Cladogram: branching diagram showing evolutionary relationships — shared derived characteristics at each node.
🦕 Evolution & natural selection
SC.912.L.15.1, SC.912.L.15.8, SC.912.L.15.13 · Source: Evidence for Evolution Diagram — Homologous Structures
Homologous structures and natural selection types Left: bone diagrams for human arm, whale flipper, and bat wing showing same bone structure different function. Right: bell curve overlays for directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection. Homologous structures → common ancestor Human arm grasping / lifting Whale flipper swimming Bat wing flying Same structure, different function → divergent evolution from common ancestor Analogous (bird wing vs. butterfly wing) → convergent evolution, NOT common ancestry Selection types Directional extreme favored Stabilizing middle favored Disruptive extremes favored
Homologous structures & selection types — adapted from Evidence for Evolution Diagram
"Fitness" = reproductive success, NOT physical strength. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium = NO evolution. Five conditions: large population, no mutations, no migration, random mating, no natural selection.
🌿 Ecology — organisms & their environment
SC.912.L.17.5, SC.912.L.17.9, SC.912.L.17.20 · Fig. 13.1 — Ecological Energy Pyramid & Trophic Levels (Ecology Diagram)
Figure 13.1 — Energy pyramid showing trophic levels Green triangle divided into four levels. Producers at base 10000 kcal, primary consumers 1000, secondary 100, tertiary 10. Right side shows symbiosis and succession. Producers (autotrophs) — 10,000 kcal 1° consumers (herbivores) — 1,000 kcal 2° consumers — 100 kcal 3° consumers — 10 kcal top predator 10% transferred 90% lost as heat Symbiosis Mutualism (+/+)bee + flower Commensalism (+/0)barnacles/whale Parasitism (+/−)tapeworm/human Succession Primarybare rock → soillichens first Secondarysoil presentgrasses first
Fig. 13.1 — Energy pyramid & trophic levels — adapted from Ecology Diagram
TermDefinition
HabitatThe physical location where an organism lives — its "address".
NicheThe functional role an organism plays — its "job" in the ecosystem.
Memory aid: Habitat = address, Niche = profession.
Autotrophs (producers) make their own food from sunlight — plants, algae. Heterotrophs (consumers) obtain energy by consuming other organisms — herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, decomposers.
10% rule: 10,000 kcal producers → 1,000 primary → 100 secondary → 10 tertiary. Logistic growth (S-curve) levels off at carrying capacity K. J-curve = exponential (unlimited resources).
♻️ Cycles of matter
Biogeochemical cycles · Source: OER Commons / Ecology Education — Biogeochemical Cycles Overview
Carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle Left: carbon cycle with CO2 atmosphere box, plants box, combustion box, and respiration box connected by labeled arrows. Right: nitrogen cycle with N2 atmosphere, ammonia, nitrates, and plants boxes with fixation, nitrification, assimilation, and denitrification arrows. Carbon cycle CO₂ (atmosphere) Plants (glucose) Combustion Respiration photosyn. combustion Nitrogen cycle N₂ in atmosphere (78%) NH₃ (ammonia) NO₃⁻ (nitrates) Plants + animals fixation nitrification assim. denitrif.
Carbon & nitrogen cycles — adapted from OER Commons / Ecology Education Biogeochemical Cycles
💧 Water cycle
Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation → Collection
Driven by the sun's energy. Plants release water back into the atmosphere through transpiration. Cycle repeats continuously between Earth's surface and the atmosphere.
Phosphorus has NO gaseous phase — cycles only through rocks, soil, and water. Excess fertilizer → eutrophication (algal blooms → O₂ depletion → dead zones). Human impact: burning fossil fuels ↑ CO₂ → greenhouse effect.
🫀 Human body systems
SC.912.L.14.26, SC.912.L.14.36, SC.912.L.14.52 · Source: Anatomy Education Diagram — Human Body Organ Systems Overview
SystemMajor organsFunction
NervousBrain, spinal cord, nervesDetects stimuli; controls body functions
CardiovascularHeart, blood vessels, bloodTransports O₂, nutrients, hormones, waste
RespiratoryLungs, trachea, diaphragmGas exchange — O₂ in, CO₂ out
DigestiveMouth → intestines, liver, pancreasBreaks down food; absorbs nutrients
Excretory/UrinaryKidneys, bladderRemoves metabolic waste; water balance
EndocrinePituitary, thyroid, pancreas, gonadsHormones regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction
Immune/LymphaticWBCs, lymph nodes, spleenDefends against pathogens
MuscularSkeletal, smooth, cardiac muscleMovement, posture, heat production
SkeletalBones, cartilage, ligaments, tendonsSupport, protection, movement, blood cell production
Homeostasis feedback loops
Negative and positive feedback homeostasis loops Negative feedback shows temp rise leading to sweating leading to temp decrease with return arrow. Positive feedback shows contraction to oxytocin to delivery endpoint. Negative feedback (most common) Temp rises Sweating Temp returns to set pt. reverses the change → returns to set point Positive feedback (rare) Contraction More oxytocin Delivery amplifies the change until endpoint is reached
Innate immunity = immediate, nonspecific (skin, mucus, fever). Adaptive immunity = specific, slow to develop but creates memory cells → lasting protection. Active immunity = long-lasting. Passive = temporary.
🌱 Plant biology
SC.912.L.14.7 · Source: Plant Biology Diagram — Xylem & Phloem Transport in Plants
Xylem and phloem vascular transport with tropisms Cross-section of plant stem showing xylem transporting water upward and phloem transporting sugars bidirectionally. Tropism examples on right. Vascular transport Tropisms Xylem dead cells water & minerals ↑ Phloem living cells sugars (food) ↕ up and down XYlem = eXtra uPward PHloem = PHood flows Phototropism stems grow toward light ☀️ Gravitropism roots ↓ · stems ↑ gravity Thigmotropism vines wrap on touch 🌿
Xylem & phloem transport — adapted from Plant Biology Diagram
Flower parts — male (stamen): anther (makes pollen) + filament. Female (pistil/carpel): stigma (sticky, catches pollen) + style + ovary (contains ovules → seeds).
🌍 Humans & the environment
SC.912.L.17.20 · Source: Climate & Environmental Science Diagram — The Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect Sun emits radiation to Earth. Atmosphere traps outgoing infrared heat. Human fossil fuel burning adds excess CO2 enhancing the warming effect. Sun solar radiation Atmosphere CO₂, methane, H₂O vapor — trap heat Earth's surface absorbs radiation → emits infrared heat heat trapped ↑ Human impact: burning fossil fuels → excess CO₂ → enhanced warming
The greenhouse effect — adapted from Climate & Environmental Science Diagram
IssueCauseEffect
DeforestationAgriculture, logging, developmentHabitat loss, ↑ CO₂, soil erosion, biodiversity loss
Climate changeExcess greenhouse gases from fossil fuelsRising temperatures, sea level rise, extreme weather
EutrophicationFertilizer/detergent runoff (excess N/P)Algal blooms → O₂ depletion → dead zones
Invasive speciesNon-native species introducedOutcompete natives; disrupt food webs; reduce biodiversity
OverharvestingExcess hunting, fishing, collectingPopulation decline, possible extinction
Renewable: solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass. Nonrenewable: coal, oil, natural gas, uranium. Greater biodiversity = greater ecosystem stability and resilience.
✏️ EOC test-taking tips & strategies
~60–66 questions · 160 minutes · ~2.5 min per question · No penalty for guessing
Key words to watch for

BESTMOST LIKELYLEASTNOTEXCEPTALWAYSNEVER WHICHALLONLY

LEAST / NOT / EXCEPT → you are looking for the WRONG answer. ALWAYS / NEVER → often incorrect, use caution.

Data typeStrategy
GraphsRead title, axis labels, and legend first. Identify trends (increasing, decreasing, constant). Look for where lines intersect or level off.
Data tablesRead column and row headers. Compare values. Look for patterns, outliers, highest/lowest values.
DiagramsRead all labels and arrows. Understand what process is being shown. Trace the flow from start to finish.
Experimental resultsIdentify the independent and dependent variables. Find the control group. Ask: "What was the effect of the change?"
Read carefully
Read the full question before looking at the answer choices — the stem often contains essential clues.
Eliminate wrong answers
Cross out clearly wrong options first. If two remain, re-read the question for the more complete answer.
Skip & flag
If stuck, skip the question and return later. Never spend more than 2–3 minutes on a single question.
Always guess
No penalty for guessing on the Biology EOC. Never leave a question blank.
You've got this! You have worked hard all year. Trust your preparation, read carefully, and take your time. You are ready for this exam.