Biology I · Cell Structure and Function
Virginia SOL BIO.3
Virginia SOL BIO.3 is part of the Cell Structure and Function strand in Biology I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate the structure and function of cells and their role in life processes. Below is what BIO.3 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice BIO.3 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL BIO.3 means
Investigate the structure and function of cells and their role in life processes.
Practice Biology I SOL questions
Free Biology I questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on BIO.3 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. Which of the following best describes a conclusion drawn from an investigation rather than a prediction, inference, or hypothesis?
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Answer: A — A conclusion
2. In squash plants, yellow fruit (Y) is dominant to white fruit (y). If two plants heterozygous for yellow fruit are crossed, what are the possible genotypes of the offspring?
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Answer: D — YY, Yy, and yy
3. A world map shows the typical habitats of four marine mammals. Manatees are found in warm, shallow coastal waters near the equator. Walruses are found in cold Arctic waters. Right whales are found in cold and temperate oceans. Bottlenose dolphins are found in temperate and tropical oceans. According to this information, which animal would most likely avoid cold waters?
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Answer: A — Manatee
4. Meiosis is the process by which gametes are produced. In which of the following human organs does meiosis occur?
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Answer: A — Testis
Skills you’ll practice for BIO.3
- Explain the cell theory and its supporting evidence.
- Compare structures in unicellular and multicellular organisms and their interdependent roles in carrying out life processes.
- Describe cell structures and processes involved in cell growth and division, including mitosis and cytokinesis.
- Explain how the structure and function of the cell membrane support cell transport, including passive and active transport mechanisms.
- Describe how cell specialization leads to the development of different types of cells.
Key concepts covered by BIO.3
- cell theory
- cell structure
- cell function
- evidence-based theory
- unicellular organisms
- multicellular organisms
- cell specialization
- interdependence
- cell growth
- cell division
- mitosis
- cytokinesis
- cell cycle
- cell membrane
- transport mechanisms
- passive transport
- active transport
- osmosis
- diffusion
- differentiation
- tissue formation
- organ development
How to study and practice SOL BIO.3
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether BIO.3 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL BIO.3
What is Virginia SOL BIO.3?
SOL BIO.3 is a Biology I Standard of Learning in the Cell Structure and Function strand. It expects students to investigate the structure and function of cells and their role in life processes.
What skills does SOL BIO.3 cover?
SOL BIO.3 is assessed on 5 skills: explain the cell theory and its supporting evidence; compare structures in unicellular and multicellular organisms and their interdependent roles in carrying out life processes; describe cell structures and processes involved in cell growth and division, including mitosis and cytokinesis; explain how the structure and function of the cell membrane support cell transport, including passive and active transport mechanisms; describe how cell specialization leads to the development of different types of cells.
What strand of Biology I is SOL BIO.3 in?
SOL BIO.3 belongs to the Cell Structure and Function reporting strand of the Biology I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL BIO.3?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether BIO.3 is already solid, then work the 5 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.