Državna Matura Biology study plan

Draw and label the full DNA replication fork from memory, naming the role of helicase, primase, DNA polymerase III, DNA polymerase I, ligase and topoisomerase in prokaryotes.

Contrast transcription and translation in prokaryotes versus eukaryotes, listing at least four concrete differences (coupling, RNA processing, ribosome type, mRNA lifetime).

Define the key terms of biological molecules (monosaccharide, disaccharide, polysaccharide, amino acid, peptide bond, fatty acid, triglyceride, phospholipid, nucleotide) and give one structural function and one metabolic role for each class.

Solve five monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, including one test-cross and one case of incomplete dominance, showing genotype, gametes and phenotype ratios.

Build a one-page summary sheet linking ATP structure to its role as an energy carrier in both photosynthesis and respiration.

Complete ten pedigree problems covering autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked recessive and X-linked dominant inheritance, and justify each mode from the pedigree.

Classify at least eight mutation types (substitution, missense, nonsense, silent, frameshift, deletion, duplication, chromosomal nondisjunction) and predict the effect of each on the protein product.

Describe the stages of mitosis and meiosis and state the chromosome and DNA content at each stage for a cell with 2n = 6.

Explain three applications of gene technology (for example PCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant plasmid production) and outline the steps of each in the correct order.

Label a diagram of the cell cycle and identify the checkpoint where a mutation would most likely lead to uncontrolled division.

Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure in a table covering nucleus, ribosomes, membrane-bound organelles, cell wall composition and size range.

Explain the fluid mosaic model and predict the direction and mechanism (simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport, osmosis) of movement for six given scenarios.

Interpret enzyme kinetics graphs and describe the effect of temperature, pH, substrate concentration, competitive inhibitor and non-competitive inhibitor on rate and on Km and Vmax.

Write the balanced overall equations for photosynthesis and aerobic respiration and state where each stage occurs in the eukaryotic cell.

Trace the fate of carbon and of electrons through glycolysis, the link reaction, the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and the light-dependent and light-independent reactions.

Identify the independent, dependent and controlled variables and a plausible confounding factor in five described experiments.

Distinguish a hypothesis from a prediction and a theory, and write one testable hypothesis for a given observation.

Choose the appropriate statistical test (chi-square, t-test or correlation) for four described datasets and state the null hypothesis for each.

Calculate and interpret a chi-square value for one given dataset, including degrees of freedom and the meaning of a p-value threshold.

Describe how energy and matter flow through an ecosystem and calculate a simple energy-transfer efficiency between trophic levels.

Model population growth with exponential and logistic curves and explain carrying capacity, density-dependent and density-independent factors.

Interpret survivorship curves and age-structure pyramids and predict the short-term population trend from each.

Explain the four mechanisms of evolution (mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, natural selection) and give an example of each.

Distinguish allopatric from sympatric speciation and identify prezygotic and postzygotic isolating mechanisms in four described cases.

Read a simple cladogram and identify shared derived characters, common ancestors and the most closely related taxa.

Compare viruses, bacteria, protists and fungi on genetic material, cell organisation, nutrition and reproduction.

Describe the lytic and lysogenic cycles of a bacteriophage and explain how the two differ in outcome for the host cell.

Compare the life cycles of a moss, a fern and an angiosperm, naming the dominant generation in each.

Relate three plant tissue systems (dermal, vascular, ground) and three animal tissue types (epithelial, connective, muscle, nervous) to their functions.

List the defining features of the main animal phyla and place five described organisms into the correct phylum with justification.

Order a set of organisms on a phylogenetic tree using at least three lines of evidence (molecular, anatomical, fossil).

Describe the structure and function of the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and excretory systems and link each to one homeostatic mechanism.

Explain negative feedback using blood glucose regulation and thermoregulation, naming the sensors, control centre and effectors.

Distinguish innate from adaptive immunity and describe the roles of macrophages, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, B cells, plasma cells, antibodies and memory cells.

Explain how a vaccine produces immunity and distinguish active from passive, natural from artificial immunity.

Describe the menstrual cycle and the roles of FSH, LH, oestrogen and progesterone, and explain one method of hormonal contraception.

Relate one named non-infectious disease (for example type 2 diabetes or atherosclerosis) to its risk factors and prevention.

Complete two full timed mock papers under exam conditions and record the score per domain.

Review every incorrect answer from the mocks and write the correct reasoning for each in a corrections log.

Re-derive the five highest-yield diagrams (replication fork, respiration flowchart, mitosis versus meiosis, immune response, feedback loop) from memory.

Practise data-analysis questions that require reading a graph, calculating a rate or percentage change, and stating a conclusion with uncertainty.

List your three weakest sub-topics and complete targeted practice on each before the exam.