Biology I · Mechanisms for Inheritance
Virginia SOL BIO.5
Virginia SOL BIO.5 is part of the Mechanisms for Inheritance strand in Biology I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate common mechanisms for inheritance and genetic variation. Below is what BIO.5 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice BIO.5 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL BIO.5 means
Investigate common mechanisms for inheritance and genetic variation.
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.5 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A student’s experiment showed that earthworms move away from light. This statement should be classified as —
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Answer: D — a conclusion
2. What is the function of enzymes in biological systems?
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Answer: C — Enzymes act as catalysts to drive chemical reactions forward.
3. In Pasteur’s experiment, sterile nutrient broth remained sterile when exposed to air through a curved tube that trapped microorganisms, but became contaminated when microorganisms were allowed to enter directly. The results of Pasteur’s experiment helped him to —
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Answer: A — reject the theory of spontaneous generation
4. Scientists hypothesize that oxygen began to accumulate in Earth’s atmosphere after the appearance of living things with the ability to —
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Answer: C — photosynthesize
Skills you’ll practice for BIO.5
- Describe the structure of DNA and its role as the foundation for protein synthesis.
- Explain how the structural model of DNA has developed over time.
- Explain how the variety of traits in an organism results from the expression of various combinations of alleles.
- Explain the role of meiosis in genetic variation between generations.
- Discuss the biological and ethical implications of synthetic biology.
Key concepts covered by BIO.5
- DNA structure
- double helix
- nucleotides
- genetic code
- protein synthesis
- DNA history
- Watson-Crick model
- scientific discovery
- model refinement
- genetic traits
- alleles
- genotype
- phenotype
- Mendelian genetics
- meiosis
- genetic variation
- crossing over
- independent assortment
- gamete formation
- synthetic biology
- genetic engineering
- ethical considerations
- biotechnology
How to study and practice SOL BIO.5
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether BIO.5 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.5
What is Virginia SOL BIO.5?
SOL BIO.5 is a Biology I Standard of Learning in the Mechanisms for Inheritance strand. It expects students to investigate common mechanisms for inheritance and genetic variation.
What skills does SOL BIO.5 cover?
SOL BIO.5 is assessed on 5 skills: describe the structure of DNA and its role as the foundation for protein synthesis; explain how the structural model of DNA has developed over time; explain how the variety of traits in an organism results from the expression of various combinations of alleles; explain the role of meiosis in genetic variation between generations; discuss the biological and ethical implications of synthetic biology.
What strand of Biology I is SOL BIO.5 in?
SOL BIO.5 belongs to the Mechanisms for Inheritance reporting strand of the Biology I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL BIO.5?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether BIO.5 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.