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Exam Review

Key Facts: DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology Exam

Biology EOC

Official DC CAPE 2.0 tested grade/course (OSSE FAQ Q4)

osse.dc.gov CAPE 2.0 FAQ

58 items

Items per science form: two units of 29; 40 operational items / 58 points

DC CAPE 2.0 Science Blueprint

Free

No student exam fee for standard school administration

OSSE Assessments policy

SY 2026–27

First DC CAPE 2.0 administration (spring 2027)

OSSE CAPE 2.0 page / FAQ

OSSE

State education agency administering DC CAPE 2.0

osse.dc.gov

Pearson

Administration platforms ADAM / TestNav; science content vendor

OSSE CAPE 2.0 FAQ Q3

NGSS Biology

Content standards alignment

OSSE CAPE 2.0 FAQ Q5

4 levels

Performance levels; Level 3 = met expectations

OSSE CAPE 2.0 page

Untimed

Official tests designed as untimed with estimated session lengths

OSSE System Overview Feb 2026

DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology is DC's free OSSE CAPE 2.0 statewide science summative for Biology (first admin spring 2027); practice here is English MCQ study only.

Sample DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 108+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which organelle is the primary site of ATP production by aerobic cellular respiration in eukaryotic cells?
A.Golgi apparatus
B.Ribosome
C.Chloroplast
D.Mitochondrion
Explanation: Mitochondria carry out the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, producing most cellular ATP. Their folded inner membranes (cristae) house the electron transport chain.
2Which macromolecule is the primary long-term energy storage molecule in animal cells and tissues?
A.Monosaccharides only
B.Proteins
C.Lipids (fats and oils)
D.Nucleic acids
Explanation: Fats (triglycerides) store more energy per gram than carbohydrates and are the main long-term energy reserves in animals. Glycogen is shorter-term carbohydrate storage.
3In plant cells, where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis primarily occur?
A.Mitochondrial matrix
B.Nuclear envelope
C.Cytoplasm only
D.Thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast
Explanation: Light-dependent reactions take place in thylakoid membranes, where chlorophyll and the electron transport chain convert light energy into ATP and NADPH.
4Which statement is a core part of modern cell theory?
A.All cells contain chloroplasts
B.All cells have a cell wall
C.All living organisms are composed of one or more cells
D.New cells form spontaneously from nonliving matter
Explanation: Cell theory holds that living things are made of cells, the cell is the basic unit of structure and function, and new cells arise from existing cells—not spontaneous generation.
5What is the main function of ribosomes in a cell?
A.Digest worn-out organelles
B.Package lipids for export
C.Store genetic information as DNA
D.Synthesize proteins by translating mRNA
Explanation: Ribosomes read messenger RNA and assemble amino acids into polypeptides, making them the site of protein synthesis in all domains of life.
6Homeostasis refers to an organism's ability to do which of the following?
A.Reproduce as quickly as possible
B.Eliminate all genetic variation
C.Absorb unlimited nutrients without regulation
D.Maintain relatively stable internal conditions despite external changes
Explanation: Homeostasis is the regulation of internal variables (such as temperature, pH, and blood glucose) within a range compatible with life, often via feedback mechanisms.
7Which molecule carries genetic instructions from DNA in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm?
A.Phospholipid
B.ATP
C.Messenger RNA (mRNA)
D.Starch
Explanation: Transcription produces mRNA complementary to a gene; mRNA exits the nucleus and is translated by ribosomes into protein.
8Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions primarily by doing what?
A.Increasing the temperature of the entire cell permanently
B.Consuming themselves so they must be remade each reaction
C.Lowering the activation energy required for the reaction
D.Changing the overall free energy (ΔG) of reactants and products
Explanation: Enzymes are biological catalysts that lower activation energy by stabilizing the transition state, allowing reactions to proceed faster at cellular temperatures without being consumed.
9Which organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport within or out of the cell?
A.Golgi apparatus
B.Centriole
C.Nucleolus
D.Peroxisome only
Explanation: The Golgi apparatus receives products from the ER, modifies them (for example by glycosylation), and packages them into vesicles for delivery or secretion.
10During aerobic respiration, which stage produces the most ATP per glucose molecule under typical cellular conditions?
A.The citric acid cycle alone
B.Lactic acid fermentation
C.Oxidative phosphorylation (electron transport chain and chemiosmosis)
D.Glycolysis alone
Explanation: Most ATP from aerobic respiration comes from oxidative phosphorylation as the electron transport chain pumps protons and ATP synthase uses the gradient. Glycolysis and the citric acid cycle yield far less net ATP per glucose.

About the DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology Exam

District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education (DC CAPE) 2.0 Science — High School Biology is the District of Columbia's grade/course-level DC CAPE 2.0 statewide summative assessment administered by OSSE beginning SY 2026–27 (first operational window spring 2027). It is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) adopted by DC; science content is provided by Pearson with a redesigned two-section cluster/standalone design. Students test on Pearson TestNav (ADAM management). Official forms mix selected-response, technology-enabled, and constructed-response/performance tasks. OpenExamPrep free practice is an English-language four-option MCQ study adaptation covering topics from public OSSE/Smarter Balanced/NGSS frameworks—not official secure items, not a full TE/CR/PT simulation, and not a substitute for classroom instruction or the official assessment.

Exam sponsor: District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE); ELA and math content from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium; science content and ADAM/TestNav administration platforms via Pearson. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

58 questions

Time Limit

Official unit timing for DC CAPE 2.0 science was listed as forthcoming in OSSE System Overview materials (Feb 2026); the redesigned science form has two sections with reduced constructed-response load (OSSE FAQ Q6). Do not treat local practice session length as official timing.

Passing Score

DC CAPE 2.0 reports four performance levels for ELA, math, and science; Level 3 indicates the student met grade-level (or course-level) expectations (OSSE CAPE 2.0 page). After the first 2026–27 administration, OSSE will conduct a summer 2027 standard-setting event for high school ELA and math end-of-course assessments and redesigned science assessments before cut scores are finalized for those forms (OSSE CAPE 2.0 FAQ, Dec 2025).

Exam / Certification Fees

Free for District of Columbia public and public charter school students; DC CAPE 2.0 is the required statewide summative assessment administered through LEAs at no student exam fee (OSSE Assessments Participation & Performance Policy; OSSE CAPE 2.0 materials).

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%-35% of Biology items (DC CAPE 2.0 Science Blueprint tested domain)

Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics

Ecosystem carrying capacity and dynamics, cycling of matter and energy transfer, trophic structure, group behavior, and ecosystem stability and biodiversity (NGSS HS-LS2 plus related engineering connections).

25%-35% of Biology items (DC CAPE 2.0 Science Blueprint tested domain)

From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

Cell structure and function, DNA and protein synthesis, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, transport across membranes, feedback mechanisms, and homeostasis (NGSS HS-LS1).

20%-30% of Biology items (DC CAPE 2.0 Science Blueprint tested domain)

Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

Common ancestry evidence, natural selection, adaptation, speciation and reproductive isolation, genetic drift, and biodiversity change over time (NGSS HS-LS4).

10%-15% of Biology items (DC CAPE 2.0 Science Blueprint tested domain)

Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

Chromosome behavior in meiosis, inheritance patterns and probability, mutation, and the sources of genetic variation (NGSS HS-LS3).

Preparing for the DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: DC CAPE 2.0 reports four performance levels for ELA, math, and science; Level 3 indicates the student met grade-level (or course-level) expectations (OSSE CAPE 2.0 page). After the first 2026–27 administration, OSSE will conduct a summer 2027 standard-setting event for high school ELA and math end-of-course assessments and redesigned science assessments before cut scores are finalized for those forms (OSSE CAPE 2.0 FAQ, Dec 2025).
  • Exam length: 58 questions
  • Time limit: Official unit timing for DC CAPE 2.0 science was listed as forthcoming in OSSE System Overview materials (Feb 2026); the redesigned science form has two sections with reduced constructed-response load (OSSE FAQ Q6). Do not treat local practice session length as official timing.
  • Exam / certification fees: Free for District of Columbia public and public charter school students; DC CAPE 2.0 is the required statewide summative assessment administered through LEAs at no student exam fee (OSSE Assessments Participation & Performance Policy; OSSE CAPE 2.0 materials). Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 108 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology: Suggested Study Strategy

1Use OSSE-linked practice/sample resources and Smarter Balanced sample items so students learn digital tools and item interactions.
2Align review to grade-level Common Core (ELA/math) or NGSS (science) expectations named in OSSE CAPE 2.0 materials—not only generic worksheets.
3Review wrong answers by claim or science domain (reading/writing/research; concepts/procedures; life/physical/Earth) to target instruction.
4Use short, frequent practice sessions across the year rather than cramming only in the spring window.
5For performance-task and constructed-response skills, practice evidence selection, planning, modeling, and revision even when using MCQ study items.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology assessment?

DC CAPE 2.0 Science Biology is part of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education (DC CAPE) 2.0 general statewide assessment system administered by OSSE beginning in school year 2026–27 (first spring 2027 administration). It measures student progress relative to DC educational standards (NGSS).

Is DC CAPE 2.0 free for students?

Yes. DC CAPE 2.0 is the District’s required statewide summative assessment for eligible public and public charter school students and is administered through LEAs without a student exam fee.

How long is the official test?

Official unit timing for DC CAPE 2.0 science was listed as forthcoming in OSSE System Overview materials (Feb 2026); the redesigned science form has two sections with reduced constructed-response load (OSSE FAQ Q6). Do not treat local practice session length as official timing.

What item types appear on the official assessment?

Official science forms use phenomena-based item clusters, selected-response, technology-enabled, and constructed-response items in a redesigned two-section design (OSSE FAQ). OpenExamPrep provides English four-option MCQ study adaptations only—not an official-format simulation.

How are results reported?

DC CAPE 2.0 reports four performance levels for ELA, math, and science; Level 3 indicates the student met grade-level (or course-level) expectations (OSSE CAPE 2.0 page). After the first 2026–27 administration, OSSE will conduct a summer 2027 standard-setting event for high school ELA and math end-of-course assessments and redesigned science assessments before cut scores are finalized for those forms (OSSE CAPE 2.0 FAQ, Dec 2025).

Are these practice questions official OSSE or Smarter Balanced items?

No. These free practice questions are original study aids covering topics from DC standards and publicly described CAPE 2.0 / Smarter Balanced / NGSS frameworks. They are not secure official items and do not replace OSSE/Pearson practice resources, classroom instruction, or the official spring assessment.

Does this bank replace constructed-response or performance tasks?

No. Official DC CAPE 2.0 includes performance tasks and (for science) constructed-response items. This bank adapts the underlying knowledge and judgment into multiple-choice study items only.