Biology
What the exam tests
Kankor biology covers cell structure and function, transport across membranes, photosynthesis and respiration, genetics and inheritance, human body systems, and basic ecology.
Concepts to master
- Cell types: prokaryote versus eukaryote; plant versus animal cell features (cell wall, chloroplasts, large vacuole).
- Organelles: mitochondria for respiration, ribosomes for protein synthesis, nucleus for genetic control.
- Photosynthesis and respiration as complementary processes with opposite inputs and outputs.
- Genetics: dominant and recessive alleles, genotype versus phenotype, Punnett squares, and the 3:1 monohybrid ratio.
- Body systems: circulation, digestion, respiration, and excretion, plus their main organs.
Common traps
- Reversing the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis and respiration.
- Confusing genotype (alleles present) with phenotype (visible trait).
- Forgetting that plants respire as well as photosynthesize.
- Mixing up arteries and veins by oxygen content rather than direction of flow.
- Assuming dominant alleles are always more common in a population.
Worked example
Cross two heterozygous tall pea plants (Tt × Tt). Offspring genotypes: TT, Tt, Tt, tt - a 1:2:1 genotypic ratio and a 3:1 phenotypic ratio (three tall, one short). Rule of thumb: in a monohybrid cross of two heterozygotes, expect 3:1 phenotypes and 1:2:1 genotypes.