22/3/2016: Biology Term Exam

Today I had my Term Exam, which tested us on the following chapters:

Chapter 2: DNA & RNA
Chapter 4: OCPEG
Chapter 5: Genetic Basis of Variation
Chapter 6: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry

What happened:
I have always been a consistent student in biology and never accumulated doubts and misconceptions when I have them. However, recently I am finding some difficulty in memorising the content and regurgitating it during exams and tests. I understand that biology is more of an understanding subject than a memorising one but there are some things that you simply have to memorise.

One question tested me on the gaseous exchange of O2 and CO2 between cellular respiration and photosynthesis within a cell. I understand that this question tests me on the processes that (i) produce O2 and CO2; (ii) makes use of O2 and CO2.

Gaseous Exchange between Respiration and Photosynthesis

All I know about this question is:
1. (i) Produce O2:
Photolysis of water in photosynthesis to produce electrons to replace the electron deficit in photosystems II does produce O2 as well.

2. (ii) Takes in O2:
In cellular respiration, O2 is the final electron acceptor of the electron transport chain and requires O2 in oxidative phosphorylation.

3. (i) Takes in CO2:
CO2 is required in carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle.

What I completely forgot is:
1. How is CO2 produced in cellular respiration.
2. What exactly happens during carbon fixation in the Calvin Cycle.

I was going to revise my work after I type out my reflection to add on to what I know about the question. However, just after typing, I remembered that:
1. CO2 is produced during link reaction of cellular respiration, and oxidative decarboxylation reactions in Krebs cycle.
I have missed out this point in the exam. I still do not remember what happens during carbon fixation, though.

After revising my work, I realise that:
1. During carbon fixation, CO2 is added to RuBP(5C), catalysed by RuBP carboxylase. It is then split into 3PGA(3C) (3-phosphoglycerate).

My Reflection:
Previously, my methods of studying include memorising the notes in chronological order, something like a story. I feel that this method of studying has limitations such as unconsciously thinking that the content near the end of the notes are less important than that of the start. I think a more effective way of studying is to compartmentalise information.

For example, memorise in terms of O2 and CO2 production and uptake in cellular respiration and photosynthesis, memorise in terms of in which processes are NAD and NADP reduced, in which processes are reduced NAD and reduced NADP oxidised in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.