2: Structures and Functions of Living Systems

2.1: Recognize that cellular processes are based on the interactions of organic molecules composed mostly of a few elements (e.g., carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur). Describe the basic molecular structure and function of the four major categories of biomolecules (i.e., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids). Describe how the majority of the chemical processes essential to the function of the cell is performed by proteins whose function depends on the amino acid sequence and subsequent shape of the molecule.

RNA and Protein Synthesis

3: Structures and Functions of Living Systems

3.1: Describe features that all cells have in common and contrast those with distinctive features that allow them to carry out specific functions. Relate organelles and other distinctive cellular structures (e.g., plasma membranes, ribosomes) with their functions.

Cell Structure
Paramecium Homeostasis
RNA and Protein Synthesis

4: Structures and Functions of Living Systems

4.1: Describe how the sun?s energy is captured by photosynthetic pigments in chloroplasts and used by plant cells to transform carbon dioxide and water into sugar molecules. Compare and contrast how all producers and consumers transform energy stored in sugar molecules into high energy bonds in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules. Explain that sugar molecules can also be transformed into a variety of other biologically important molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates.

Cell Energy Cycle
Photosynthesis Lab

6: Structures and Functions of Living Systems

6.1: Describe the living and nonliving components of ecosystems and how they interact to create a balanced system. Describe how the relationship between these components is constantly in flux and how natural changes and changes caused by humans can upset the balance.

Coral Reefs 1 - Abiotic Factors
Coral Reefs 2 - Biotic Factors
Pond Ecosystem

7: Changes in Living Systems

7.1: Describe the basic structure of DNA , its role as the molecule of inheritance and how it directs the production of proteins. Describe how every cell controls its structure and function by controlling the expression of its genes. Explain that proteins determine the characteristics of individuals by determining the characteristics of cells and by controlling the detailed process of embryonic development.

Building DNA
DNA Analysis
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)
RNA and Protein Synthesis

9: Changes in Living Systems

9.1: Describe how biological traits are passed from parents to off spring, producing variations that may not be obvious for generations. Explain how genetic variation within a population (a species) can be attributed to mutation and gene recombination. Recognize the process of meiosis and explain how the process creates a great variety of gene combinations to be passed to off spring during sexual reproduction. Demonstrate the utility of the Punnett square in predicting the likelihood of specific combinations of alleles in the off spring. Describe how pedigrees may be used to illustrate phenotypic relationships over multiple generations.

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

10: Changes in Living Systems

10.1: Describe how biochemical, fossil, anatomical and genetic findings are used to determine relationships of organisms, producing modern classification systems. Describe how the combined evidence can be explained by genetic evolution, and describe the different mechanisms by which evolution can occur. Explain how natural selection occurs through differences in the reproductive success of specific organisms within a particular environment.

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection
Microevolution
Rainfall and Bird Beaks