Science
"Science sa UPCAT? Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, at Physics ang coverage! Comprehensive review ang kailangan dito, besh. Let's tackle the essential concepts!"
1. Biology - Life Sciences
Biology is the most heavily tested science in UPCAT! Focus on cells, genetics, and ecology.
Cell Structure & Function
| Organelle | Function | Found In |
|---|---|---|
| Nucleus | Controls cell activities, contains DNA | Both |
| Mitochondria | Powerhouse - ATP production | Both |
| Ribosome | Protein synthesis | Both |
| Chloroplast | Photosynthesis | Plant only |
| Cell Wall | Structural support | Plant only |
| Lysosome | Digestion, waste removal | Animal mainly |
Photosynthesis
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
- • Occurs in chloroplasts
- • Light-dependent: Thylakoid
- • Light-independent (Calvin): Stroma
Cellular Respiration
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
- • Glycolysis: Cytoplasm (2 ATP)
- • Krebs Cycle: Mitochondria matrix
- • ETC: Inner membrane (32-34 ATP)
2. Genetics & Heredity
Genetics questions appear regularly in UPCAT! Master Mendel's laws and Punnett squares.
Mendel's Laws
Law of Dominance
In a heterozygote, one allele may mask the expression of the other (dominant vs recessive)
Law of Segregation
Allele pairs separate during gamete formation (meiosis)
Law of Independent Assortment
Genes for different traits sort independently (for genes on different chromosomes)
Punnett Square Ratios to Memorize:
- • Monohybrid (Aa × Aa): 3:1 phenotypic, 1:2:1 genotypic
- • Dihybrid (AaBb × AaBb): 9:3:3:1 phenotypic
- • Test cross (Aa × aa): 1:1 ratio
3. Chemistry Fundamentals
Chemistry basics are essential! Know the periodic table, chemical bonding, and reactions.
Types of Chemical Bonds
| Bond Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ionic | Transfer of electrons (metal + nonmetal) | NaCl, MgO |
| Covalent | Sharing of electrons (nonmetal + nonmetal) | H₂O, CO₂ |
| Metallic | Sea of electrons (metal + metal) | Fe, Cu, Au |
| Hydrogen Bond | H bonded to F, O, or N | Water molecules |
pH Scale
- • pH 0-6: Acidic (more H⁺)
- • pH 7: Neutral
- • pH 8-14: Basic/Alkaline (more OH⁻)
- • pH + pOH = 14
Balancing Equations
- • Conservation of mass
- • Same atoms on both sides
- • Balance metals first, then nonmetals
- • Balance O and H last
4. Physics Principles
Basic physics concepts appear in UPCAT! Focus on mechanics, energy, and waves.
Newton's Laws of Motion
1st Law (Inertia)
Object at rest stays at rest; object in motion stays in motion (unless acted upon by force)
2nd Law (F = ma)
Force equals mass times acceleration
3rd Law (Action-Reaction)
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction
Kinematic Equations
- • v = v₀ + at
- • d = v₀t + ½at²
- • v² = v₀² + 2ad
- • d = ½(v + v₀)t
Energy Forms
- • KE = ½mv² (Kinetic)
- • PE = mgh (Gravitational Potential)
- • W = Fd (Work)
- • P = W/t (Power)
5. Earth Science & Ecology
Earth Science covers geology, atmosphere, and environmental concepts.
Types of Rocks
| Type | Formation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Igneous | Cooled magma/lava | Granite, Basalt, Obsidian |
| Sedimentary | Compressed sediments | Limestone, Sandstone, Shale |
| Metamorphic | Heat & pressure transform existing rocks | Marble, Slate, Quartzite |
Plate Tectonics
- • Convergent: Plates collide (mountains, trenches)
- • Divergent: Plates separate (mid-ocean ridges)
- • Transform: Plates slide past (earthquakes)
- • Philippines: Pacific Ring of Fire
Ecological Hierarchy
- • Organism → Population → Community
- • → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere
- • Food chain: Producer → Consumer → Decomposer
- • 10% energy transfer rule
6. Human Body Systems
Know the major organ systems and their functions!
| System | Main Organs | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Circulatory | Heart, Blood, Vessels | Transport nutrients & oxygen |
| Respiratory | Lungs, Trachea, Diaphragm | Gas exchange (O₂ in, CO₂ out) |
| Digestive | Stomach, Intestines, Liver | Break down food, absorb nutrients |
| Nervous | Brain, Spinal Cord, Nerves | Control body, process information |
| Excretory | Kidneys, Bladder, Skin | Remove waste products |
| Endocrine | Glands (Pituitary, Thyroid) | Hormone production & regulation |
7. Practice Questions
1. What is the powerhouse of the cell?
Show Answer
Mitochondria - produces ATP through cellular respiration.
2. In a monohybrid cross Aa × Aa, what is the phenotypic ratio?
Show Answer
3:1 (3 dominant : 1 recessive). Genotypic ratio is 1:2:1 (AA:Aa:aa).
3. A car accelerates from rest at 2 m/s². What is its velocity after 5 seconds?
Show Answer
10 m/s. Using v = v₀ + at: v = 0 + (2)(5) = 10 m/s.
4. Which type of rock is formed from cooled magma?
Show Answer
Igneous rock. Examples: granite (intrusive), basalt (extrusive).
UPCAT Science Exam Tips
- • Biology is the most tested - prioritize cell biology and genetics
- • Memorize key formulas for physics and chemistry
- • Understand concepts, not just facts - UPCAT tests application
- • Know the periodic table groups (alkali metals, halogens, noble gases)
- • Review Philippine geography and natural disasters (typhoons, earthquakes)
- • Practice interpreting graphs and diagrams
- • Don't spend too long on one question - mark and move on
Test Your Knowledge! 🧠
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