York Memorial Collegiate Institute
Grade 12 Biology, University – SBI4U Course Outline 2013-2014
This course is designed for students to discover:
o
Biological molecules and their chemical properties affect cellular processes, biochemical reactions, and play an important structural
role in all living organisms.
o
All metabolic processes involve chemical changes and energy conversions, which informs our understanding of a range of personal,
societal and environmental issues.
o
The genetic information, DNA is the set of instructions for proteins which control a wide variety of cellular processes, and genetic
research and biotechnology have social, legal, and ethical implications.
o
Environmental factors can affect homeostasis, the strict limits on the internal conditions that can be tolerated by organisms, which
they maintain using feedback mechanisms.
o
Population growth follows predictable patterns which are followed by increased consumption of resources and production of waste
resulting in specific stresses that affect Earth’s sustainability. Technological developments can contribute to or help offset the
ecological footprint associated with population growth and the consumption of natural resources.
Reference: Biology 12 (Nelson)
Strand: Biochemistry
Chapter 1
Biochemistry of Water and Buffers
Cell organelles
 explain the roles of various organelles in cellular processes
Chemical Bonding
 examine intramolecular bonds vs. intermolecular forces of attraction and their importance
on biological molecules (e.g. protein structure, substrate-enzyme binding)
Water and Properties
 review molecular structure and polarity of water
 describe hydrogen bonding to properties of water: cohesion, adhesion, high specific heat
capacity, high heat of vaporization, density, universal solvent
Text
Reference
Page(s)
11-14, 17
18-19
Assessment
& Evaluation
 Acids and Bases
 discuss self-ionization of water, and acid vs. base at it relates to [H 3O+] vs. [OH-]
 calculate pH using formula pH= - log[H3O+(aq)]
 compare strong vs. weak acids and baes and the dynamic equilibrium in weak acids/bases
 identify conjugate acid-base pairs for weak acids and bases
Lab: Demonstration Properties of water
20-21
Section 1.1 Review Questions
23
Biochemistry of Macromolecules
Functional Groups
 Identify and draw the following functional groups:
- hydroxyl, carbonyls (aldehyde vs. ketone) carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl,
phosphate
 Emphasize their contribution to the chemical properties of biological molecules
Carbohydrates
 identify structure, sub-unit, properties, functions, and examples
 distinguish between monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, and contrast
between the various forms in terms of structure, key linkages, function, and stored location
 draw α-glucose and β-glucose, synthesis of maltose and sucrose while classifying reaction
type and characteristic linkages
 build a 3D model of biochemical compounds (for all macromolecules) (CF2.02)
Lipids
 identify sub-unit, properties, functions, and examples
 draw synthesis of a triglyceride while classifying the rx type and identifying the linkage
 distinguish between saturated and unsaturated fats
 contrast between HDL and LDL with respect to impact on human health
Proteins
 identify sub-unit, properties, functions, and examples
 identify and draw the general structure of an amino acid and compare the chemical
properties of assorted amino acids based on side chains based on functional groups
 draw the synthesis of a dipeptide, tripeptide given the specific side chains, and classify the
type of reaction and identify the linkage
Text
Reference
Page(s)
25, 27
Summativ
e
Quiz
Assessment
& Evaluation
Formative:
Group the
molecules.
29-34
35-39
Formative:
Article on
Fats
40-48
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 discuss levels of protein structure: primary  quaternary
 contrast native conformation vs. denatured protein
Nucleic Acids
 compare DNA and RNA in terms of cellular location, function, and nitrogenous bases
 draw the general structure of a dNTP vs. rNTP
 contrast purine vs. pyrimidine structure; classify nitrogenous bases
 describe double helix, antiparallel structure of DNA stabilized with H-bonding
Lab: Investigation 1.2.1 – Biological macromolecules in 3-D (Part II)
Section 1.2 Review Questions
Introduction to Metabolism
Thermodynamics
 concept of metabolism as sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions
 explore concept of bond energy as potential energy
 introduce concept of entropy (S) and give examples of chemical rx. in which S
 state 1st and 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics; explore concept of free energy
 compare exergonic and endergonic rxns; draw characteristic free energy profiles for both
rxn. types
 discuss the significance of activation energy and the resulting transition state for reactants
for both exergonic and endergonic rxns.
 explore the concept of coupled reactions
Section 1.3 Review Questions
Enzymes
Enzymes
 define catalysts and discuss role of enzymes in reducing activation energy (EA)
 refine free energy profiles of endergonic and exergonic reactions when enzymes are
involved; compare G in given energy profiles
Enzyme Activity
 describe in detail the induced fit model of enzyme activity
 explore factors that affect enzyme activity: [enzyme], [substrate], pH and temperature
Enzyme Regulation
 define and explain competitive inhibition; discuss impact on metabolic processes; give
52-54
81
56-57
Text
Reference
Page(s)
58 – 67
?Move to
molecular
genetics,
cover later?
Assessment
& Evaluation
68
69 – 70
70 – 72
73 – 74
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biological examples of inhibition
 define allosteric site within enzyme and explain its role in non-competitive inhibition (give
examples) vs. activator (or effector) binding;
 explore the role of cofactors and coenzymes as activators of enzyme activity
 introduce feedback inhibition through enzyme regulation of metabolic processes
Lab: Investigation 1.4.1 – Factors Affecting the Rate of Enzyme Activity
Cell Membranes
 identify characteristics and structure of cell membranes according to fluid mosaic model,
use examples from mitochondrial membranes
 describe the processes of passive diffusion, facilitated diffusion, and active diffusion, as
seen in cellular respiration
 discuss the process of osmosis and compare differences to other forms of diffusion; relate
examples
 define exocytosis: phagocytosis and pinocytosis, and endocytosis, with examples
Lab: Movement of Substances Across a Membrane
Section 1.4 Review Questions
END of CHAPTER 1
Chapter 1 Self Quiz
END of UNIT 1: Chapter 1 Review
82 -83
Refer to
Nelson 11
77
Text
Reference
Page(s)
85
86 – 87
Assessment
& Evaluation
Unit Test
Strand: Metabolic Processes
Chapter 2
Cellular Respiration
Cell Respiration Overview
 identify ATP as energy carrier molecule for cell, outline process of phosphorylation – ATP
recycling
 define cellular locations for each stage
 identify each stage including: key reactants/inputs, products, net energy
Glycolysis
 detail the cellular location of this stage
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
90 – 92
97 – 99
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 outline specific steps that are crucial to energy transfer reactions
 distinguish between resulting gross and net products
Energy Transfers
 discuss 2 methods of energy transfers in cellular respiration
o substrate level phosphorylation
o oxidative phosphorylation (NAD+/NADH and FAD/FADH2)
Pyruvate Oxidation
 describe structure of mitochondria; location of stage
 outline specific steps in process that are crucial to energy transfers;
 state resulting net products
Kreb’s Cycle
 detail cellular location
 outline specific steps in the process that are crucial to energy transfers
 state resulting net products
Electron Transport Chain
 describe the structure of the mitochondria: cristae, inner membrane, outer membrane,
inner membrane space, mitochondrial matrix
 detail components of ETC and arrangements of enzymes and carrier molecules
 describe the operation of the ETC using embedded protein pumps to drive oxidative
phosphorylation of ATP
 define and explain the principle of chemiosmosis
 outline the importance of stages and individual steps that lead to oxidative phosphorylation
in terms of energetic
Aerobic Respiration – Balance Sheet
 summarize the gross and net products from each stage of cellular respiration
 calculate the total ATP generated as a result of energy extraction steps via NADH/FADH2
 calculate the efficiency of energy conversion for aerobic respiration
Regulating Aerobic Respiration
 outline and contrast negative and positive feedback mechanisms within aerobic respiration;
cite key examples
Section 2.2 Review Questions
Related Pathways
 identify key entry points for products of triglyceride decomposition and different amino
acids resulting from protein breakdown
95 – 96
99 – 101
101 – 103
103 – 109
109 – 110
112
115
117 – 118
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 calculate net ATP produced
Anaerobic Pathways: Fermentation
 discuss reliance on glycolysis alon and need to regenerate NAD+
 contrast ethanol fermentation vs. lactic acid fermentation in terms of reactions, and
examples of eukaryotes that carry out each process
 describe oxygen debt in animals
Lab: Fermentation of Yeast in the Production of Ginger Ale
Lab: Investigation 2.1.1 – Oxygen Consumption in Germinating and
Nongerminating Pea seeds
END of CHAPTER 2
118 – 120
126 – 127
Text Reference
Page(s)
Chapter 2 Self Quiz
Chapter 2 Review
Chapter 3
Photosynthesis
113
134 – 135
Photosynthetic Organisms
 contrast autotrophic prokaryotes vs. autotrophic eukaryotes
 explore internal anatomy of plant’s leaf including different types of cells found
 detail gas exchange; H2O absorption and loss; regulation via stomata opening/closing
 describe structure of chloroplasts and chlorophyll; relate to their functions
 outline the structural features of chlorophyll a and b that lead to their functions
Photosynthesis Overview
 Describe photosynthesis within chloroplasts and the relationship between the lightdependent reactions and Calvin cycle (light independent rxns)
The Role of Light in Photosynthesis
 review EMR spectrum with special emphasis on visible light spectrum
 discuss photons and specific wavelengths for given colours of light energy
 explain the significance of an absorption spectrum for different pigments: chlorophylla,
chlorophyll b and carotenoids
 contrast roles of primary photosynthetic prigment (chlorophyll a) and the accessory
pigments including chlorophyll b, xanthophylls and anthocyanins
138 – 144
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
Assessment
&
Evaluation
140 – 154
154 – 155
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 explain the significance of a PAR spectrum
Lab: Investigation 3.2.1 – Identifying Plant Pigments by Chromatography
Light Reactions
 explain light reactions in terms of 3 aspects:
o photoexcitation of photosystems; highlight structural anatomy of a photosystem;
contrast PSI (P700) with PSII (P680)
o Electron Transport Chain – Components of ETC; detail and contrast non-cyclic
and cyclic photophosphorylation
o Chemiosmosis – production of ATP
The Calvin Cycle
 detail cellular location of this stage
 outline 3 major phases of this cycle, and key steps within: carbon fixation, reduction
reactions, and RuBP regeneration
 emphasize energy transfer reactions involved; state resulting net products
 explore importance of G3P as key intermediate in photosynthesis
Lab: Exercise 3.3.1 – The Hill Reaction
Section 3.3 Review Questions
Alternate Mechanisms of Carbon Fixation
 define and explain photorespiration in terms of the role of RUBISCO
 discuss factors that affect degree to which photorespiration competes with photosynthesis
 outline structural adaptations made within leaves of C4 plants and contrast with features of
C3 plants
 detail process of carbon fixation in C4 plants
 describe CAM plant adaptations and contrast with both C3 and C4 plants
Section 3.4 Review Questions
Factors that Affect Rate of Photosynthesis
 using graphical analysis, explore the effect of the following variables on the rate of
photosynthesis: light intensity, temperature and oxygen saturation
 define light compensation point, and light saturation point
Lab: Investigation 3.3.1 – Factors Affecting the Rate of Photosynthesis
Section 3.5 Review Questions
Comparing Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
184 – 185
No material
available
156 – 160
162 – 162, 163
186 – 187
166 – 167
172
173 – 177
188 – 189
178
179 – 180
Position
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
Paper:
Tropical
Rain Forest
Depletion –
Is there
cause for
concern
Position
Paper (pg
180)
compare and contrast aspects of both metabolic processes given as many criteria as
possible, examples:
o number of ATP produced/forms
o coenzymes involved
o locations of electrochemical gradient
Section 3.6 Review Questions
END of CHAPTER 3
182
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
Chapter 3 Self Quiz
END of UNIT Chapter 3 Review
191
192 – 193
Unit Test
DNA: The Molecular Basis of Life
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
The Discovery of DNA
 outline historical investigations that have led to the understanding of the structure and
function of DNA
 detail modern understanding of DNA structural features
206 – 209
210 – 215
Diagnostic
Quiz on
DNA
structure
and
function
Lab: Lab Exercise 4.1.1 – Evidence of Hereditary Material
Section 4.2 Review Questions
DNA Replication
 outline Meselson-Stahl experiment into mode of DNA replication
 detail modern understanding of DNA structural features
Section 4.3 Review Questions
226 – 227
216
217 – 222
Strand: Molecular Genetics
Chapter 4
223
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END of CHAPTER 4
Text Reference
Page(s)
Chapter 4 Self Quiz
Chapter 4 Review Questions
Chapter 5
Protein Synthesis
229
230 – 231
Protein Synthesis: An Overview – The Central Dogma
 review concepts of DNA as information storage and central dogma
 review differences between DNA and RNA; between 3 types of RNA
Transcription
 identify key enzymes used during transcription and define: replication fork, etc
 detail specific steps in prokaryotic transcription: initiation, elongation, termination
 contrast prokaryotic transcription with eukaryotic
 describe eukaryotic post-transcriptional modifications
Section 5.3 Review Questions
Translation
 describe the structures involved: both ribosomes and tRNAs; relate structure to function
 elaborate of the genetic code, wobble hypothesis
 detail specific steps in prokaryotic translation: initiation, elongation, termination
 briefly outline post-translational modifications
Section 5.4 Review Questions
Lab: Activity 5.4.1 – Synthesis of Insulin: A Simulation of Protein Synthesis
Lab: Activity 5.7.1 – Protein Synthesis: A Very Close Look
Gene Regulation
 identify the components of both lac and trp operons; outline positive and negative
feedback with both operons
Section 5.5 Review Questions
DNA Mutations
 describe different types of mutations and their resulting effect on a growing polypeptide
chain
 describe causes of genetic mutations
237 – 239
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
Assessment
&
Evaluation
242 – 244, 265
249
250 – 253
255 – 265
254
269 – 270
270 – 271
258
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Section 5.6 Review Questions
Gene Organization and DNA Packing
 define: telomeres, pseudogenes, variable number tandem repeats, and discuss the location
within DNA’s organization
 explain significance of telomeres on human health (aging, cancer)
 contrast chromatin vs. chromosomes
 describe packing of DNA (histones, nucleosomes, supercoiling)
END of CHAPTER 5
263
Chapter 5 Self-Quiz
Chapter 5 Review
Chapter 6
Biotechnology
273
274 – 275
Biotechnological Tools
 define and explain the use of: restriction endonucleases, recombinant DNA, plasmids
 describe the techniques of gel electrophoresis and transformation
Section 6.1 Review Questions
Advanced Molecular Biological Techniques
 describe methods and applications of modern genetic engineering techniques (in medicine,
agriculture, and forensic science): polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length
polymorphism, DNA sequencing, genetic screening/therapy
Lab: Investigation 6.1.1 – Restriction Enzyme Digestion of Bacteriophage DNA and Separation
of Fragments using Gel Electrophoresis
OR
Lab: Activity 6.1.1. – Constructing a Plasmid Map, AND
Lab: Activity 6.3.1 – Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis
END of CHAPTER 6
Chapter 6 Self Quiz
Chapter 6 Review
END of UNIT: Unit 2 Review
278 – 290
Text Reference
Page(s)
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
Assessment
&
Evaluation
291 – 292
293 – 308
310 – 313
316 – 317
317
319
320 – 321
324 – 327
UNIT
TEST
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Strand: Homeostasis
Chapter 7
Maintaining an Internal Balance
Text Reference
Page(s)
Activity: Detecting Temperature Changes
Homeostasis
 define: homeostasis & dynamic equilibrium; thermoregultion
 use concept of negative & positive feedback to explain thermoregulation
Section 7.2 Review Questions
Excretory System
 describe the importance of excreting wastes; describe process of deamination and the
need for urea and uric acid production
 outline the urinary system, with emphasis on nephron structure and function
 describe, in detail, process of urine formation (globular filtration, reabsorption, secretion)
 discuss role of hormones in osmoregulation: ADH & aldosterone; and, maintenance of
blood pH balance via bicarbonate buffer system (review of Unit 1 – Biochemistry)
Lab: Lab Exercise 7.5.1 – Comparing Solutes in the Plasma, Nephrom and Urine
Section 7.3, 7.4, 7.5 & 7.6 Review Questions
333
337,
338 – 340
Kidney Disease
 describe the formation of kidney stones
 discuss metabolic failure of homeostasis resulting in: diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus,
Bright’s disease
 explain application of dialysis technology;
 explore issue of kidneys transplants
END of CHAPTER 7
Chapter 7 Self-Quiz
Chapter 7 Review
Chapter 8
Role of Chemical Signals in Maintaining Homeostasis
Assessment
&
Evaluation
341
342 – 343
346 – 351
353 – 356
363
345, 348, 352,
356
676 – 687
Text Reference
Page(s)
Position
Paper:
The Issue
of
Xenotransp
lants
Assessment
&
Evaluation
367
368 – 369
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
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Endocrine System
 define endocrine gland & hormone; identify and label the different endocrine glands
 contrast steroid vs. peptide hormone in terms of structure and signalling action
 describe the pituitary gland as “master gland”; identify the different hormones released
from the pituitary gland – their target structures/organs – and, their primary functions
Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels
 compare and contrast glucose vs. insulin, in term of how they are produced, stored, factors
that lead to their release, and their primary functions
 explain feedback mechanisms involved in increasing vs. decreasing blood glucose levels
 explain failure of homeostatic regulation of blood glucose levels resulting in diabetes (refer
to Chapter 7)
 explore contributions of Banting and Best
Lab: Lab Exercise 8.2.1 – Effects of Hormones on Blood Sugar
Section 8.2 Review Questions
Maintaining Metabolism
 explain role of thyroid glands and identify the different types of hormones involved in
thyroid hormone regulation (TRH, TSH, T4 & T3)
 explore feedback mechanisms involved in the secretion of thyroid hormones
Lab: Lab Exercise 8.3.1 – Hormonal Control of Metamorphosis, OR see below
Section 8.3 Review Questions
Female Reproductive Hormones
 identify the different female reproductive system and outline the feedback mechanisms
involved in ovulation and in the menstrual cycle
689 – 704
Lab: Lab Exercise 8.5.1 – Hormone Levels During the Menstrual Cycle
Section 8.5 Review Questions
END of CHAPTER 8
404 – 405
339
Quiz
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
Chapter 8 Self-Quiz
Chapter 8 Review
Chapter 9
Role of Nerve Signals in Maintaining Homeostasis
407
408 – 409
378 – 380
401
384 – 385
387
395 – 399
Text Reference
Diagnostic
– Review
of Gr 9/10
Reproducti
ve
Assessment
12 of 15
Page(s)
Nervous System
 describe the vertebrate nervous system in terms of CNS PNS
 describe the structure of a neuron (i.e. axon, dendrites, myelin sheath, Schwann cells,
nodes of Ranvier, neurilemma); contrast sensory neurons vs. motor neurons
 outline the simplest nerve pathway: the reflex arc
 explore new technologyies in reacttaching and regenerating nerves
Lab: Investigation 9.1.2 – Reflex Arcs
Section 9.1 Review Questions
Electrochemical Impulse
 detail and describe an action potential in terms of initiation and propagation; discuss roles
of Na+/K+ pumps and ion channels
 define and contrast: resting potential, polarization, depolarization, repolarization,
refractory period
 graphically analyze an action potential
 describe the concept of “all-or-none” and define threshold level
 explain the process of synaptic transmission; define: synapses, neurotransmitters, presynaptic neuron, post-synaptic neuron
 outline the role of both acetylcholine and cholinesterase in synaptic transmission
 define both hyperpolarized and summation as they apply to synaptic transmission
Section 9.2 Review Questions
END of CHAPTER 9
412 – 417
Chapter 9 Self-Quiz
Chapter 9 Review
Chapter 10
Role of Immune Response in Maintaining Homeostasis
457
458 – 459
&
Evaluation
452 – 453
417
418 – 425
426
Text Reference
Page(s)
Text Reference
Page(s)
Assessment
&
Evaluation
Assessment
&
Evaluation
First Line of Defence
 define and explain the role of the following in maintaining the 1st line of defence:
leukocytes, phagocytes, macrophages
 define and describe an inflammatory response
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Section 10.1 Review Questions
An Immune Response
 define and explain the role of the following in initiating an immune response: antigens,
lymphocytes, antibodies, T cells, B cells
 detail the structure/function relationship within antibodies (proteins) in establishing
specificity between its binding sites and given antigens
 outline the process in which the body recognizes and organizes an immune response, using
the terms stated above AND helper T cells, lymphokines and killer T cells
 discuss the immune system’s memory capability through memory B cells
Lab: Activity 10.1.1 – Diagnosing Disease by Examining Blood Cells
Section 10.2 Review Questions
END of CHAPTER 10
Chapter 10 Self-quiz
Chapter 10 Review
Unit 5 – Performance Task: Determining the Effects of Caffeine on Homeostasis
465
467 – 470
Unit 5 Review
500 – 501
492 – 493
472
495
496 – 497
498 – 499
SUMMATI
VE
UNIT
TEST
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Students will be assessed in an ongoing manner throughout the year. Evaluations will be conducted according to
the four categories indicated on the achievement chart below (i.e. term and summative evaluations). Tests,
quizzes, labs, small assignments and/or presentations are possible forms of evaluations.
ACHIEVEMENT CATEGORY
WEIGHTING
TERM
KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING
30%
70%
 subject-spefic content
 comprehension and significance of topics
INQUIRY
10%
 laboratory design, skills and tests
 application of scientific method
COMMUNICATION
25%
 comprehension and significance of topics
 assignments that impart information in various forms
 laboratory reports – in various formats
APPLICATION
5%
 using knowledge and skills to make connections within and between
various contexts in projects, case studies, position papers and
presentations
SUMMATIVE
FINAL EXAM: June
30%
EVALUATION
COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND POLICY:
The deadline for assignments and lab reports is at the beginning of class. Once evaluated work has been handed back, work
handed in late will NOT be accepted. A mark of ZERO will be given.
If a student knows he/she will be absent for a class (due to an appointment, field trip, sports event, etc.) then, they MUST
inform the teacher beforehand. This shows that you are organized, conscientious and that you have initiative. The sooner you
discuss the conflict, the more likely an acceptable alternative arrangement can be made. Failure to do so will jeopardize any
such consideration.
Missing a test is a serious matter. The teacher should be informed as soon as possible. A parental phone call
AND message MUST be left (416-394-3000 x 20095) on the day of your absence explaining why you missed the
test. You will then be permitted to write a makeup test at a date and time arranged by the teacher...however, students MUST
also come prepared to write the test the day that they return from the absence. Failure to do so will result in a mark of ZERO.
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