Maharashtra HSC Biology study plan

Distinguish the Mendelian laws of dominance, segregation and independent assortment, and solve monohybrid, dihybrid and test-cross problems with correct genotypic and phenotypic ratios.

Explain deviations from Mendelian ratios, including incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles (ABO blood groups) and pleiotropy, with one worked example each.

Describe the chromosomal theory of inheritance and solve linkage and recombination problems using crossover frequencies.

Identify the structure of DNA and RNA monomers, and explain the Watson-Crick double-helix model with the significance of complementary base pairing.

Outline the Meselson-Stahl experiment and state why it supports semi-conservative replication.

Trace the events of DNA replication, transcription and translation, naming each enzyme and the direction of synthesis at each step.

Explain the lac operon as a model of gene regulation, distinguishing structural, promoter, operator and regulatory genes.

Describe the one gene-one enzyme hypothesis and the genetic code, including its degeneracy and non-overlapping nature.

Solve translation problems converting a given DNA template into mRNA and a peptide sequence using a codon table.

Summarise the Human Genome Project's aims and the meaning of DNA fingerprinting and its applications.

Explain the tools of recombinant DNA technology: restriction endonucleases, ligase, vectors and selectable markers, and describe how a recombinant plasmid is built.

Describe the polymerase chain reaction and state the role of each component and each temperature step.

Outline biotechnological applications in agriculture, medicine and industry, including Bt cotton, RNA interference and gene therapy.

Compare mitosis and meiosis stage by stage, including chromosome behaviour, crossing over and the significance of each.

Describe the cell cycle phases and the meaning of checkpoints and uncontrolled division in cancer.

Describe asexual reproduction modes, vegetative propagation and the phases of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, including microsporogenesis and megasporogenesis.

Explain pollination, double fertilisation and the development of endosperm and embryo, and distinguish self- and cross-pollination.

Label and describe the male and female reproductive systems and trace the path of sperm and the site of fertilisation.

Outline gametogenesis, the menstrual cycle and its hormonal control, and the stages of embryonic development up to implantation.

Define reproductive health and describe contraception methods, sexually transmitted infections and assisted reproductive technologies.

Explain water potential, osmosis, plasmolysis and imbibition, and interpret experiments on water movement in plant cells.

Describe the ascent of sap, transpiration and the role of stomata, and explain the cohesion-tension theory.

List the essential macro- and micronutrients, their deficiency symptoms and the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Write the overall equation of photosynthesis and describe the light reaction, photolysis of water and photophosphorylation.

Explain the Calvin cycle and the Hatch-Slack pathway, and compare C3 and C4 plants with examples.

Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration, describe glycolysis, the Krebs cycle and the electron transport chain, and state the ATP yield.

Explain the respiratory quotient and the differences between respiration in plants and animals.

Describe plant growth regulators, photoperiodism and the phases of growth, and distinguish growth from development.

Describe the human digestive system, the role of enzymes and the absorption of nutrients.

Explain the mechanism of breathing, gas transport in blood and the cardiac cycle, and define blood pressure and ECG.

Describe nephron structure and the process of urine formation, including filtration, reabsorption and secretion, and explain dialysis.

Explain the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction and the structure of the sarcomere.

Trace a nerve impulse, describe the synapse and neurotransmitter release, and outline the human brain's major regions.

Explain the endocrine glands, their hormones and feedback control, and describe how homeostasis maintains temperature and glucose.

Give examples of innate and learned animal behaviour and the role of pheromones.

Explain the origin of life, the evidence for evolution and the mechanisms of natural selection, isolation and speciation.

Describe ecosystem components, food chains, energy flow, ecological pyramids and biogeochemical cycles.

Summarise major environmental issues, including pollution, global warming, deforestation and biodiversity loss, with their causes and remedies.

Revise the highest-weight domains by re-solving previously missed genetics and reproduction questions until each is correct without notes.

Complete two timed full-syllabus mock papers and record the score and error type for every wrong answer.