Relationship of Structure and Function
A major theme in science is the relationship between structure and function. In Biology, this
theme is overarching and can be seen throughout all aspects of the study of life. During this first
semester, we studied structure and function beginning with biochemistry working our way
through cells and how cells obtain energy. In order to fully understand how the structure of a
cell and its’ parts relate to its’ functions, you most draw relationships and connections. During
this culminating assessment, you will be drawing on your knowledge of structure as it relates to
how cells obtain and use energy.
For this assignment, you will be creating a poster relating the structure of a chloroplast or
mitochondria to its’ function. Hint: You should not jump to trying to complete the assignment
immediately. Instead, you should focus on answering the questions and addressing all
connections before beginning the final assignment.
Choose either chloroplast or mitochondria. Your assignment should address all of the following
topics.
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What macromolecules (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids) make up the
structure of the organelle? (think about what membranes are made up of)
How do the properties (structure, purpose) of the macromolecules relate to the function of
the structure?
How do these macromolecules work together to perform the function of the structure?
(think about the role that each one plays individually and how they must function
together to allow the structure to function)
What is the major function of the structure?
Where in the structure do the cellular processes take place? (specifically)
How do the parts of the structure work together to accomplish these functions?
How to these functions relate to the whole cell? whole organism?(provide specific
examples)
What other structures in the cell work with the chosen structure?
Grading Rubric
Mitochondria
 Labeled diagram must include cristae, outer membrane, inner membrane, matrix, inner
membrane space
 Macromolecules that make up the structure with description of their properties (2)
 Membrane diagram labeled with macromolecules/other structures
 Description of function of cellular membranes (what role they play and why they are
important)
 Overview of major function with detail of processes (3 processes), such as glycolysis
 Where each process takes place and relationships between the structures, diagrams will
be useful in explanation
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Cell structures that work with the mitochondria to function (mitochondria aids them) and
that are necessary for function (produce things needed by the mitochondria for either
structure or function), such as rough ER (at least 3)
Relationship of function to whole cell and whole organism (at least 1 specific reason of
importance to each with explanation)
Chloroplast
 Labeled diagram to include outer membrane, thylakoid, grana, thylakoid membrane,
stroma
 Macromolecules that make up the structure with description of their properties (2)
 Membrane diagram labeled with macromolecules/other structures
 Description of function of cellular membranes (what role they play and why they are
important)
 Overview of major function with detail of processes (3 processes), such as photosystems
and electron transport chain
 Where each process takes place and relationships between the structures, diagrams will
be useful in explanation
 Cell structures that work with the chloroplast to function (mitochondria aids them) and
that are necessary for function (produce things needed by the mitochondria for either
structure or function), such as mitochondria (at least 3)
 Relationship of function to whole cell and whole organism (at least 1 specific reason of
the importance to each with explanation)
Project Timeline:
You will be given three class periods to work on this assignment. You will be
responsible for completing any work you do not get done in class on your own time. The project
will be due at the end of class on Jan. 9, no exceptions!
any work you do not get done in class on your own time. The project will be due at the end of
class on Jan. 9, no exceptions!
Day One:
- Using your textbook and classwork take notes on the structure/function
- Answer the guiding questions listed above, make rough drafts of diagrams
- Start to think about the relationship between structure and function
Day Two:
- Start to plan out the setup of your poster
- Make a rough outline of how you might plan to set up the poster
- Begin to design the poster
Day Three:
- Work on final draft
- Turn in Assignment
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Poor
Labeled Diagram
of Organelle
(4)
Diagram is drawn neatly and ALL
parts are clearly labeled
List of
macromolecules
and description
(4)
A minimum of 2 macromolecules
are listed and are described
completely with structure and
relevant functions
Membrane
Diagram with
Labels
(4)
Diagram drawn neatly with all
present macromolecules and other
structures clearly labeled
Description of
function of cell
membranes
(4)
Cell membrane described to include
mention of types of diffusion (active
vs passive), how materials are
brought into/out of the cell, how the
membrane provides structure
(14)
Detailed overview of function of
organelle, including goal of major
process as a whole, mention of at
least 3 key individual steps
(processes), and a complete
description of each process
Overview of
Major Function:
detailed of
processes
Mention of where
processes take
place and role of
structure
(6)
Mention and drawing of where each
of the 3 specific processes take
place with the role of the structure
Cell structures
that work with
organelle
(8)
Mention of at least 1 structure that
uses the product of the organelle
and at least 1 that aids the organelle
in functioning with detail of how (3
structures required)
Relationship of
function to cell
and organism
(6)
Specific details of how the organelle
is beneficial to the cell (its’
function) and to the well-being of
the organism as a whole – includes
explanations of relationships
(3)
Diagram is drawn
neatly and MOST
parts are clearly
labeled
(3)
2 macromolecules
are listed and are
described with
function but not
structure
(3)
Diagram drawn
neatly with only 2
macromolecules
described above
labeled
(3)
Cell membrane
description
missing a mention
of one of the key
items required
(10)
Mention of major
function of
organelle and 3
processes –
missing important
details of the 3
processes or
missing major
function
(4)
Only describes
where the 3
processes take
place with role of
structure
(6)
Includes mention
of 3 structures
with role of each,
but does not
include 1 for each
category
(4)
Mentions benefits
to organism and
cell – lacking
explanation
(2)
Diagram is drawn and
only a few parts are
labeled
(1)
Diagram is drawn with
no parts labeled
(2)
2 macromolecules are
listed with very little
to no description
(1)
1 or fewer
macromolecules listed
with little to no
description
(2)
Diagram drawn with
irrelevant items
labeled (missing 2
macromolecules
above)
(2)
Cell membrane
description missing 23 key components of
cell membrane
function
(6)
Failure to include the
3 specific processes
that occur in the
organelle when
discussing the
overview of the
function
(1)
Diagram drawn with
no labels
(2)
Mentions 2 or fewer
processes with role of
structure
(1)
Missing multiple
processes with no
mention of role of
structure
(4)
Mentions 3 structures
that work with
organelle but does not
include a description
of how
(2)
Missing 1 or more
structures that work
with the organelle and
descriptions of how
(2)
Provides specific
details of how
organelle is beneficial
to either organism or
cell but not both
(1)
Cell membrane
description inaccurate
or no inclusion of key
roles of cell
membranes
(2)
Missing multiple
processes that occur
within the organelle as
well as the overview
of the function
(1)
Fails to provide
specific details on
relationship between
organelle and
cell/organism
TOTAL
50 POINTS
NOTE: 10 points will also be awarded based on overall creativity, neatness and overall appearance of final product