B: Biology I

B.1: Students work with the concepts, principles, and theories that enable them to understand the living environment. They recognize that living organisms are made of cells or cell products that consist of the same components as all other matter, involve the same kinds of transformations of energy, and move using the same kinds of basic forces. Students investigate, through laboratories and fieldwork, how living things function and how they interact with one another and their environment.

B.1.2: Explain that every cell is covered by a membrane that controls what can enter and leave the cell. Recognize that in all but quite primitive cells, a complex network of proteins provides organization and shape. In addition, understand that flagella and/or cilia may allow some Protista, some Monera, and some animal cells to move.

Cell Structure
Osmosis

B.1.3: Know and describe that within the cell are specialized parts for the transport of materials, energy capture and release, protein building, waste disposal, information feedback, and movement. In addition to these basic cellular functions common to all cells, understand that most cells in multicellular organisms perform some special functions that others do not.

Cell Structure
RNA and Protein Synthesis

B.1.4: Understand and describe that the work of the cell is carried out by the many different types of molecules it assembles, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

RNA and Protein Synthesis

B.1.8: Understand and describe that all growth and development is a consequence of an increase in cell number, cell size, and/or cell products. Explain that cellular differentiation results from gene expression and/or environmental influence. Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis.

Cell Division

B.1.21: Understand and explain that the information passed from parents to offspring is transmitted by means of genes which are coded in DNA molecules.

Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

B.1.22: Understand and explain the genetic basis for Mendel's laws of segregation and independent assortment.

Mouse Genetics (One Trait)

B.1.23: Understand that and describe how inserting, deleting, or substituting DNA segments can alter a gene. Recognize that an altered gene may be passed on to every cell that develops from it, and that the resulting features may help, harm, or have little or no effect on the offspring's success in its environment.

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection

B.1.24: Explain that gene mutations can be caused by such things as radiation and chemicals. Understand that when they occur in sex cells, the mutations can be passed on to offspring; if they occur in other cells, they can be passed on to descendant cells only.

Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection

B.1.26: Demonstrate how the genetic information in DNA molecules provides instructions for assembling protein molecules and that this is virtually the same mechanism for all life forms.

DNA Fingerprint Analysis

B.1.29: Understand that and explain how the actions of genes, patterns of inheritance, and the reproduction of cells and organisms account for the continuity of life, and give examples of how inherited characteristics can be observed at molecular and whole-organism levels - in structure, chemistry, or behavior.

Chicken Genetics
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Mouse Genetics (One Trait)
Mouse Genetics (Two Traits)

B.1.31: Describe how natural selection provides the following mechanism for evolution: Some variation in heritable characteristics exists within every species, and some of these characteristics give individuals an advantage over others in surviving and reproducing. Understand that the advantaged offspring, in turn, are more likely than others to survive and reproduce. Also understand that the proportion of individuals in the population that have advantageous characteristics will increase.

Evolution: Mutation and Selection
Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection

B.1.32: Explain how natural selection leads to organisms that are well suited for survival in particular environments, and discuss how natural selection provides scientific explanation for the history of life on Earth as depicted in the fossil record and in the similarities evident within the diversity of existing organisms.

Evolution: Natural and Artificial Selection
Rainfall and Bird Beaks

B.1.34: Explain that evolution builds on what already exists, so the more variety there is, the more there can be in the future. Recognize, however, that evolution does not necessitate long-term progress in some set direction.

Evolution: Mutation and Selection

B.1.37: Explain that the amount of life any environment can support is limited by the available energy, water, oxygen, and minerals, and by the ability of ecosystems to recycle the residue of dead organic materials. Recognize, therefore, that human activities and technology can change the flow and reduce the fertility of the land.

Food Chain
Rabbit Population by Season

B.1.44: Describe the flow of matter, nutrients, and energy within ecosystems.

Food Chain

B.1.46: Recognize and describe that a great diversity of species increases the chance that at least some living things will survive in the face of large changes in the environment.

Natural Selection
Rainfall and Bird Beaks