MTLE Life Science (Grades 9-12) study plan

Build a concept map linking the four macromolecule classes to their monomers, bonds, and cellular functions, reciting each from memory by week's end.

Diagram the endomembrane system and label the path a secreted protein takes from ribosome to extracellular space.

Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures in a side-by-side table covering at least eight features.

Explain how the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane constrains the movement of ions and polar molecules, using the terms diffusion, osmosis, and facilitated transport.

Trace the inputs and outputs of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation, stating where each occurs in the cell.

Calculate the net ATP yield per glucose molecule under aerobic versus anaerobic conditions and identify where the accounting differs.

Describe how enzymes lower activation energy and predict the effect of temperature, pH, and a competitive inhibitor on reaction rate.

Contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration in terms of electron carriers, proton gradients, and energy flow.

Sequence the stages of mitosis and meiosis and state the chromosome and DNA content at each checkpoint.

Explain how crossing over and independent assortment generate genetic variation in gametes.

Describe the central dogma and distinguish transcription from translation in terms of location, template, and product.

Predict the phenotypic consequence of a specified point mutation (silent, missense, nonsense, frameshift) in a coding sequence.

Solve monohybrid and dihybrid crosses using Punnett squares and verify ratios with the product rule.

Distinguish complete dominance, incomplete dominance, codominance, and sex-linked inheritance using worked examples.

Interpret a pedigree to determine the most likely mode of inheritance and justify the reasoning.

Apply Hardy-Weinberg equations to calculate allele and genotype frequencies and identify which assumptions a given scenario violates.

Summarize the evidence for evolution from fossils, comparative anatomy, molecular homology, and biogeography.

Explain natural selection as a mechanism by distinguishing it from genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation.

Describe speciation pathways (allopatric, sympatric) and the role of reproductive isolating mechanisms.

Construct a cladogram from a small character matrix and interpret shared derived traits.

Compare plant and animal organ systems in terms of transport, gas exchange, and waste removal.

Explain how homeostasis is maintained through negative feedback, using at least two physiological examples with sensors and effectors identified.

Analyze energy flow and trophic levels in a food web, calculating the approximate energy transferred between levels.

Describe population growth models (exponential, logistic) and the factors that produce carrying capacity.

Predict how removing a keystone species alters community structure and species richness.

Design a controlled experiment on a life science question, specifying independent, dependent, and controlled variables plus a negative control.

Evaluate a described experimental setup for sources of bias, confounding variables, and adequacy of sample size.

Interpret data presented as a table or graph, identifying trends and stating whether the data support the proposed hypothesis.

Write a laboratory safety plan covering chemical handling, biohazard disposal, and emergency procedures for a high school classroom.

Construct a standards-aligned lesson outline for one life science topic that includes a phenomenon, an investigation, and an assessment check.

Create a rubric that scores scientific explanation using claim, evidence, and reasoning.

Complete a timed 60-question mixed practice test across all four domains and log every missed item by domain.

Re-teach your three weakest concepts from the practice test in short written summaries without notes.