Study of Life: Introduction/Chapter 1

Biology

“I Can” Statements

Study of Life: Introduction/Chapter 1

Discuss safety features of science classroom
Correctly identify and use lab equipment
Correctly demonstrate proper use of a compound light microscope
Use SI units of measurement for mass, volume, length, area, volume and describe the relationship among SI unit prefixes (centi-, milli-, kilo-) and how SI units are related to analogous English units
Organize the steps of the scientific method in logical order
Identify examples of quantitative and qualitative (descriptive) data
Describe the biological criteria that need to be met in order for an organism to be considered alive
Define and provide examples of each level of organization (subatomic-biosphere)

Chemistry of Life

Given atomic number and atomic mass, diagram two isotopes of the same element
Explain the difference between organic and inorganic compounds
Explain the fundamental principles of the pH scale and the consequences of having different concentrations of hydrogen and hydroxide ions
Describe the difference between ions and atoms and the importance of ions in biological processes
Relate water’s structure to its unique characteristics.
Define diffusion and list 3 factors that affect the rate of diffusion.
Describe how polymers are formed and broken down.
Describe the structure and function of each major macromolecule (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids)
Explain enzyme functions

Cells

Discuss the differences in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Compare different types of cells using a compound light microscope
Analyze the structure of the plasma membrane and explain how the membrane controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell and within the cell
Explain how the cell maintains homeostasis

Describe the function of eukaryotic cell organelles
Compare and contrast structures of plant and animal cells
Discuss why researchers prefer embryonic stem cells – Stem Cell Research Project

Cellular Transport and Cell Cycle

Predict the effect of a hypotonic, hypertonic, and isotonic solution on a cell
Describe and contrast the different forms of cell transport (osmosis, diffusion, facilitated diffusion and active transport)
Compare and contrast active and passive transport
Predict the effects of different solutions on a cell
Discuss the importance of cell division
Explain the different phases of interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitosis (PMAT)
Identify ways to reduce the risk of cancer
Describe in detail one specific cancer

Cellular Energy

Write the correct chemical equation for photosynthesis and respiration
Explain the purpose and location of the light-dependent reactions
Explain the purpose and location of the dark (light-independent ) reactions
Relate the structure of chloroplast to the events in photosynthesis
Relate the structure of mitochondria to the events of cellular respiration
Compare and contrast cellular respiration and fermentation
Compare and contrast photosynthesis and respiration
List the three stages of cellular respiration, in order, and discuss the purpose of each
Describe how energy is stored and released by ATP

Mendel and Meiosis

Describe a perfect flower and explain why Mendel used them in his genetics studies
Identify and explain Mendel’s rules and laws
Predict the possible offspring of a monohybrid cross by using a Punnett square
Predict the possible offspring of a dihybrid cross by using a Punnett square
Describe the basic process of meiosis
Analyze how meiosis maintains a constant number of chromosomes within a species
Infer how meiosis leads to variation in a species

DNA and Genes

Analyze the structure and function of DNA, mRNA, tRNA, amino acids, polypeptides and proteins
Explain the replication process
Explain how genes are related to DNA nucleotide sequences
Illustrate how cells work together by describing the step by step process of translation
Categorize the different kinds of mutations that can occur in DNA
Describe the experiments of major scientists in determining the DNA structure and central dogma
Use a mRNA codon chart to determine the amino acid sequence from a DNA strand
Use a mRNA codon chart to determine mutations

Patterns of Heredity and Human Genetics

Interpret a pedigree
Explain co-dominance and incomplete dominance inheritance patterns
Analyze the pattern of sex-linked inheritance
Describe the mode of inheritance in commonly inherited disorders (sickle cell, Down syndrome, Turner syndrome, PKU…)

Genetic Technology

Biological Change

Describe the experiments of Redi, Needham, Spallanzani and Pasteur to support or reject the hypothesis of spontaneous generation
Summarize Darwin’s Theory of natural selection (4 principles)
Design, perform and analyze a lab simulation of natural selection
Describe one piece of evidence that supports the theory of evolution
Differentiate the three types of natural selection
Explain the influence of other scientist on Darwin (Malthus, Lamarck, Lyell, Wallace)
Contrast Lamarck’s and Darwin’s ideas about changes in organisms over time
Explain the endosymbiont theory
Distinguish between catastrophism, gradualism and punctuated equilibrium
Discuss alternative views to evolution

Classification/Taxonomy

Plant and Animal Systems

Ecology

Analyze relationships and interactions among organisms in ecosystems (competition, symbiosis and predation)
Explain the concept of carrying capacity
Predict the consequences of changes in resources to a population
Construct and analyze energy flow using food chains, webs and pyramids
Differentiate different forms of succession and give examples of each form
Analyze how nutrients (elements) are cycled in the abiotic and biotic parts of the biosphere
Explain energy flow through an ecosystem in one direction
Describe the growth of populations including exponential (J shaped curve) and logistic (S shaped curve) models