AP Biology Unit 6 Syllabus
Timing, Coordination, & Feedback of Life
Chapters 38, 39, 40, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, & 51
Date
Class Discussion
Topic/Activity
Wednesday
January 27
Review
Cell Communication
Timing & Coordination in
Prokaryotes, Protists &
Fungi
Thursday
January 28
Timing & Coordination in
Plants
Friday
January 29
Quiz – quorum sensing, ch.
38
Timing & Coordination in
Plants
Learning Targets
I can explain how cells communicate over short distances by using
local regulators that target cells in the vicinity of the emitting cell,
such as:
a.
Quorum sensing in bacteria
2. I can explain that in single-celled organisms, signal transduction
pathways influence how a cell responds to its environment, such as:
a.
Use of chemical messengers by microbes to communicate
with other nearby cells and to regulate specific pathways
in response to population density (quorum sensing).
3. I can explain that in fungi, protists, and bacteria, internal and external
signals regulate a variety of physiological responses that synchronize
with environmental cycles and cues, such as:
a.
Fruiting body formation in fungi, slime molds, and certain
types of bacteria
b. Quorum sensing in bacteria
4. I can explain how organisms respond to changes in their environment
through behavioral and physiological mechanisms, such as:
a.
Chemotaxis in bacteria, sexual reproduction in fungi
Chapter 38: Angiosperm Reproduction & Biotechnology (section 38.1
only)
1. I can explain how cells communicate by cell-to-cell contact, such as:
a.
Plasmodesmata between plant cells that allow material to
be transported from cell to cell.
2. I can explain that reproduction and rearing of offspring require free
energy beyond that used for maintenance and growth. Different
organisms use various reproductive strategies in response to energy
available, such as:
a.
Seasonal reproduction in plants
b. Life history strategy (biennial plants)
3. I can explain temperature and availability of water determine seed
germination in most plants.
4. I can explain how cooperative behavior within or between
populations contributes to the survival of the populations, such as:
a. Biology of pollination
Chapter 39: Plant Responses to Internal & External Signals (skip section
39.4)
1. I can explain how, in plants, physiological events involve interactions
between environmental stimuli and internal molecular signals,
including:
a.
Phototropism, or response to the presence of light.
b. Photoperiodism, or the response to the change in the
length of the night, that results in flowering in long-day
and short-day plants.
2. I can explain how responses to information and communication of
information are vital to natural selection.
a.
In photoperiodism in plants, changes in the light source
lead to differential growth, resulting in maximum exposure
of leaves to light for photosynthesis.
b. In photoperiodism in plants, changes in the length of night
regulate flowering and preparation for winter.
3. I can explain how negative feedback mechanisms maintain dynamic
homeostasis for a particular condition (variable) by regulating
physiological processes, returning the changing condition back to its
target set point, such as:
a.
Plant responses to water limitations
4. I can explain how p ositive feedback mechanisms amplify responses
and processes in biological organisms. The variable initiating the
response is moved farther away from the initial set-point.
Amplification occurs when the stimulus is further activated, which, in
turn, initiates an additional response that produces system change.
An example in plants includes:
a.
Ripening in fruit
5. I can explain how organisms respond to changes in their environment
through behavioral and physiological mechanisms, such as:
a.
Photoperiodism and phototropism in plants
6. I can explain that plants, invertebrates and vertebrates have multiple,
Assignment
(Unless otherwise noted assignments
are due the next day class meets)
1.


Read chapter 39
Chapter 39 one-pager due Monday,
2/1
Monday
February 1
Timing & Coordination in
Animals
nonspecific immune responses, such as:
a.
Plant defenses against pathogens include molecular
recognition systems with systemic responses; infection
triggers chemical responses that destroy infected and
adjacent cells, thus localizing the effects.
7. I can explain how signal transmission within and between cells
mediates gene expression, such as:
a.
Ethylene levels cause changes in the production of
different enzymes, allowing fruit to ripen
b. Seed germination and gibberellin
Chapter 40: Animal Form and Function
1. I can explain how organisms use various strategies to regulate body
temperature and metabolism, such as:
a.
Endothermy (the use of thermal energy generated by
metabolism to maintain homeostatic body
temperatures)
b. Ectothermy (the use of external thermal energy to
help regulate and maintain body temperature)
2. I can explain that there is a relationship between metabolic rate per
unit body mass and the size of multicellular organisms – generally,
the smaller the organism, the higher the metabolic rate.
3. I can explain how negative feedback mechanisms maintain dynamic
homeostasis for a particular condition (variable) by regulating
physiological processes, returning the changing condition back to its
target set point, such as:
a.
Temperature regulation in animals
4. I can explain how positive feedback mechanisms amplify responses
and processes in biological organisms. The variable initiating the
response is moved farther away from the initial set-point.
Amplification occurs when the stimulus is further activated, which, in
turn, initiates an additional response that produces system change.
Examples in animals include:
a.
Lactation in mammals
b. Onset of labor in childbirth
5. I can explain how organisms respond to changes in their environment
through behavioral and physiological mechanisms, such as:
a.
Nocturnal and diurnal activity: circadian rhythms
b. Shivering and sweating in humans
6. I can explain how continuity of homeostatic mechanisms reflects
common ancestry, while changes may occur in response to different
environmental conditions.
7. I can explain how organisms have various mechanisms for obtaining
nutrients and eliminating wastes, such as:
a.
Digestive mechanisms in animals such as food
vacuoles, gastrovascular cavities, one-way digestive
systems
b. Respiratory systems of aquatic and terrestrial
animals
c.
Nitrogenous waste production and elimination in
aquatic and terrestrial animals
8. I can explain how homeostatic control systems of microbes, plants,
and animals support common ancestry, such as:
a.
Excretory systems in flatworms, earthworms, and
vertebrates
b. Osmoregulation in bacteria, fish and protists
c.
Circulatory systems in fish, amphibians, and
mammals
d. Thermoregulation in aquatic and terrestrial animals
(countercurrent exchange mechanisms)
9. I can explain how within multicellular organisms, specialization of
organs contributes to the overall functioning of the organism, such
as:
a.
Exchange of gases
b. Circulation of fluids
c.
Digestion of food
d. Excretion of wastes
10. I can explain how interactions and coordination between organs
provide essential biological activities, such as:
a.
Stomach and small intestines
b. Kidney and bladder
Chapter 47: Animal Development (section 47.3 only)
1. I can explain how homeotic genes are involved in developmental
patterns and sequences.
2. I can explain how embryonic induction in development results in the



Mastering Biology Chapter 39 quiz by
11:59pm
Read chapter 40
Chapter 40 one-pager due
Wednesday, 2/3!
3.
4.
Tuesday
February 2
correct timing of events.
I can explain how genetic mutations can result in abnormal
development.
I can explain how signal transmission within and between cells
mediates cell function, such as:
a.
HOX genes and their role in development

Feedback Mechanisms in
Animals

Wednesday
February 3
Endocrine System
Thursday
February 4
Endocrine System
Friday
February 5
Quiz – ch. 40/45
Immune System
Chapter 45: Hormones and The Endocrine System (sections 45.1-45.2
only)
1. I can explain that in multi-cellular organisms, signal transduction
pathways coordinate activities within individual cells that support the
function of the organism as a whole, such as:
2. Epinephrine stimulation of glycogen breakdown in mammals
3. I can explain how signals released by one cell type can travel long
distances to target cells of another cell type.
a.
Endocrine signals are produced by endocrine cells that
release signaling molecules, which are specific and can
travel long distances through the blood to reach all parts
of the body, such as:
i. Insulin
ii. Human growth hormone
iii. Thyroid hormones
iv. Testosterone
v. Estrogen
4. I can explain how alteration in the mechanisms of feedback often
results in deleterious consequences, such as:
a.
Diabetes mellitus in response to decreased insulin
b. Dehydration in response to decreased antidiuretic
hormone (ADH)
c.
Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism)
d. Blood clotting




Chapter 43: The Immune System
1. I can explain how disruptions at the molecular and cellular levels
affect the health of the organism, such as:
a.
Immunological responses to pathogens, toxins, and
allergens
2. I can explain that plants, invertebrates and vertebrates have multiple,
nonspecific immune responses, such as:
a.
Invertebrate immune systems have nonspecific response
mechanisms and may possess pathogen-specific defense
responses.
b. Vertebrate immune systems have nonspecific defense
mechanisms against pathogens.
3.
I can explain how cells communicate by cell-to-cell contact, such as:
a.
Immune cells interact by cell-cell contact, antigenpresenting cells (APCs), helper T-cells and killer T-cells.
4. I can explain how mammals use specific immune responses triggered
by natural or artificial agents that disrupt dynamic homeostasis.
5. I can explain how the mammalian immune system includes two types
of specific responses: cell mediated and humoral.
6. I can explain how in the cell-mediated response, cytotoxic T cells, a
type of lymphocytic white blood cell, “target” intracellular pathogens
when antigens are displayed on the outside of cells.
7. I can explain how in the humoral response, B cells, a type of
lymphocytic white blood cell, produce antibodies against specific
antigens.
8. I can explain how antigens are recognized by antibodies to the
antigen.
9. I can explain that antibodies are proteins produced by B cells, and
each antibody is specific to a particular antigen.
10. I can explain how a second exposure to an antigen results in a more
rapid and enhanced immune response.




Prezi On Homeostasis and Physiology
(focus on the very last part of this)
Videos to watch:
o
Homeostasis Loops
o
Positive and Negative
Feedback
o
Organ Systems
Mastering Biology chapter 40 quiz by
11:59pm
Read Chapter 45.1-45.2
Prezi on Hormonal Control
Videos to watch:
o
Endocrine System
o
Crash Course: Endocrine
System
Read chapter 43
Chapter 43 one-pager due Monday,
2/9
Prezi on Immune System
Crash course:
Immune System
Monday
February 8

Immune System


Tuesday
February 9
Nervous System
Wednesday
February 10
Thursday
February 11
Nervous System
Friday
February 12
Quiz – ch. 48-49
Monday
February 15
Nervous System
Nervous System
No School – President’s
Day
Chapter 48: Neurons Synapses and Signaling
1. I can explain how cells communicate over short distances by using
local regulators that target cells in the vicinity of the emitting cell,
such as:
a.
Neurotransmitters
2. I can explain how the neuron is the basic structure of the nervous
system that reflects function.
3. I can explain how a typical neuron has a cell body, axon, and
dendrites. Many axons have a myelin sheath that acts as an electrical
insulator.
4. I can explain how the structure of the neuron allows for the
detection, generation, transmission, and integration of signal
information.
5. I can explain how Schwann cells, which form the myelin sheath, are
separated by gaps of unsheathed axon over which the impulse travels
as the signal propagate along the neuron.
6. I can explain how action potentials propagate impulses along
neurons.
7. I can explain how membranes of neurons are polarized by the
establishment of electrical potentials across the membranes.
8. I can explain how in response to a stimulus, Na+ and K+ gated
channels sequentially open and cause the membrane to become
locally depolarized.
9. I can explain how Na+/K+ pumps, powered by ATP, work to maintain
membrane potential.
10. I can explain how the transmission of information between neurons
occurs across synapse.
11. I can explain how, in most animals, transmission across synapses
involves chemical messengers called neurotransmitters, such as:
a.
Acetylcholine
b. Epinephrine
c.
Norepinephrine
d. Dopamine
e. Serotonin
f.
GABA
12. I can explain how transmission of information along neurons and
synapses results in a response and that the response can be
stimulatory or inhibitory.
13. I can explain how interactions and coordination between systems
provide essential biological activities, such as:
a.
Nervous and muscular
Chapter 49: Nervous Systems (section 49.2 only)
1. I can explain how, in animals, internal and external signals regulate a
variety of physi8ological responses that synchronize with
environmental cycles and cues, such as:
a.
Circadian rhythms, or the physiological cycle of about 24
hours that is present in all eukaryotes and persists even in
the absence of external cues
b. Diurnal/nocturnal and sleep/awake cycles
c.
Jet lag in humans
2. I can explain how different regions of the vertebrate brain have
different functions, such as:
a.
Vision
b. Hearing
c.
Muscle movement
d. Abstract thought and emotions
e. Neuro-hormone production
f.
Forebrain (cerebrum), midbrain (brainstem) and hindbrain
(cerebellum)
g.
Right and left cerebral hemispheres in humans


Mastering Biology Chapter 43 quiz by
11:59pm
Read Chapter 48
Chapter 48 one-pager due Thursday,
2/11
Prezi on Nervous System
Videos to watch:
o
Nervous System
o
Crash Course: Nervous
System

Read Chapter 49.2 (p. 1067-1072)

Mastering Biology Chapter 48 quiz by
11:59pm


Read chapter 51
Chapter 51 one-pager due
Wednesday, 2/17
Tuesday
February 16
Animal Behavior
Wednesday
February 17
Thursday
February 18
Friday
February 19
AP Lab 12: Animal
Behavior
AP Lab 12: Animal
Behavior
Unit 6 Test
Chapter 51: Animal Behavior
1. I can explain that reproduction and rearing of offspring require free
energy beyond that used for maintenance and growth. Different
organisms use various reproductive strategies in response to energy
available, such as:
a.
Seasonal reproduction in animals
b. Life history strategy (reproductive diapause)
2. I can explain how individuals can act on information and
communicate it to others.
a.
Innate behaviors are behaviors that are learned.
b. Learning occurs through interactions with the
environment and other organisms.
3. I can explain how responses to information and communication of
information are vital to natural selection.
a.
Behaviors in animals are triggered by environmental
cues and are vital to reproduction, natural selection
and survival, such as:
i. Hibernation
ii. Estivation
iii. Migration
iv. Courtship
4. I can explain how organisms respond to changes in their environment
through behavioral and physiological mechanisms, such as:
a.
Taxis and kinesis in animals
5. I can explain how organisms exchange information with each other in
response to internal changes and external cues, which can change
behavior, such as:
a.
Fight or flight response
b. Predator warnings
c.
Protection of young
d. Avoidance responses
6. I can explain how communication occurs through various mechanisms
and that living systems have a variety of signal behaviors or cues that
produce changes in the behavior of other organisms and can result in
differential reproductive success, such as:
a.
Territorial marking in mammals
7. I can explain how animals use visual, audible, tactile, electrical and
chemical signals to indicate dominance, find food, establish territory
and ensure reproductive success, such as:
a.
Bee dances
b. Birds songs
c.
Territorial marking in mammals
d. Pack behavior in animals
e. Herd, flock and schooling behavior in animals
f.
Predator warning
g.
Colony and swarming behavior in insects
h. Coloration
8. I can explain how responses to information and communication of
information are vital to natural selection and evolution.
9. I can explain how natural selection favors innate and learned
behaviors that increase survival and reproductive fitness, such as:
a.
Parent and offspring interactions
b. Migration patterns
c.
Courtship and mating behaviors
d. Foraging in bees and other animals
e. Avoidance behavior to electric fences, poisons or
traps
10. I can explain how cooperative behavior tends to increase the fitness
of the individual and the survival of the population, such as:
a.
Pack behavior in animals
b. Herd, flock and schooling behavior in animals
c.
Predator warning
d. Colony and swarming behavior in insects

Pre-lab AP Lab 12

Mastering Biology Chapter 51 quiz by
11:59pm
AP Lab 12 Report due Thursday, 2/25
