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CLEP cheat sheet

CLEP Biology cheat sheet

A condensed reference for the formulas, graph-reading rules, and must-know facts most worth reviewing before exam day.

Cell and molecular biology

  • Nucleus stores DNA; ribosomes build proteins; rough ER processes proteins; Golgi modifies and ships products.
  • Mitochondria make ATP through cellular respiration; chloroplasts perform photosynthesis in plants and algae.
  • Cell membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with selective permeability.
  • Diffusion moves down a concentration gradient; active transport uses energy to move against a gradient.
  • DNA -> RNA -> protein: transcription makes RNA; translation builds a polypeptide at the ribosome.

Genetics and cell division

  • Mitosis makes genetically identical body cells; meiosis makes gametes and halves chromosome number.
  • Dominant allele shows with one copy; recessive phenotype usually requires two recessive alleles.
  • Genotype is allele combination; phenotype is observable trait.
  • Independent assortment separates homologous chromosomes; crossing over creates new allele combinations.
  • Mutation changes DNA sequence; not every mutation changes the protein or phenotype.

Evolution, physiology, and ecology

  • Natural selection requires variation, heritability, and differential survival or reproduction.
  • Fitness means reproductive success in a specific environment, not strength.
  • Negative feedback stabilizes a variable; positive feedback amplifies a change.
  • Energy flows through ecosystems; matter cycles through systems such as carbon, nitrogen, and water.
  • Food webs show feeding relationships; arrows point from food source to consumer.

Use the sheet, then check readiness

Passers are usually hitting about 70-80% on realistic practice before they sit for CLEP. The exam costs about $93, and a failed attempt usually means a 3-month retake lockout, so do not guess on readiness.