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 mini-book relating the structure of a chloroplast or
mitochondria to its’ function. Be creative; how you design your mini-book is up to you. Your
grade will be based on creativity and the content of your book.
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. When completing this assignment, be sure to include ALL necessary/relevant
information for each question.
Choose either chloroplast or mitochondria. Your assignment should address all of the following
topics. Do not just answer these questions independently – the goal is to illustrate how all of this
information is connected. Use the rubric as a guide for the content of your final project. You
may work with 1 other person if you choose.
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What macromolecules make up the structure of the organelle? (Think about membrane
components)
How do the properties of the macromolecules relate to the function of the structure?
What is the major function of the structure?
Where in the structure do the cellular processes take place?
How do the parts of the structure work together to accomplish these functions?
How to these functions relate to the whole cell? Whole organism?
What other structures in the cell work with the chosen structure?
Grading Rubric
If you choose the Mitochondria
 Labeled diagram of the organelle must include cristae, outer membrane, inner membrane,
matrix, inner membrane space
 Macromolecules that make up the structure with description of their properties (2) labeled
directly on the part of the mitochondria where they can be found; the chemical structure
(drawing) of each macromolecule must be included
 Membrane diagram labeled with ALL macromolecules/other structures – this needs to be
the membrane of the mitochondria and all macromolecules must be labeled, not just the
ones explained above
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Description of function of membranes – phospholipid bilayers - (what role they play, why
they are important, what processes are used to move materials across them)
Overview of major function of the organelle (the goal) with detail of processes (3
processes), such as glycolysis
Where each process takes place and relationships between the structures using a diagram
to illustrate the location; explain the role of each structure in words
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)
If you choose the Chloroplast
 Labeled diagram of the organelle to include outer membrane, thylakoid, grana, thylakoid
membrane, stroma
 Macromolecules that make up the structure with description of their properties (2) labeled
directly on the part of the chloroplast where they can be found; the chemical structure
(drawing) of each macromolecule must be included
 Membrane diagram labeled with ALL macromolecules/other structures – this needs to be
the membrane of the thylakoid or the chloroplast itself and all macromolecules must be
labeled, not just the ones explained above
 Description of function of membranes – phospholipid bilayers - (what role they play, why
they are important, what processes are used to move materials across them)
 Overview of major function of the organelle (the goal) with detail of processes (3
processes), such as photosystems and the ETC
 Where each process takes place and relationships between the structures using a diagram
to illustrate the location; explain the role of each structure in words
 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)
You will be given three class periods to work on this assignment. * If you are absent while we
work on this assignment in class, you will be responsible for making up the work at home. This
assignment is due at the end of class on December 19 (B Day) and December 20 (A Day).
Below is a list of parts of the project that should be completed each day
Day One:
 Using your textbook and classwork take notes on the structure of the mitochondria or
chloroplast.
 Answer the guiding questions listed above
 Start to think about the relationship between structure and function and how you will
demonstrate your understanding of these connections.
 Make rough drafts of all required diagrams
Day Two:
 Start to plan the pages and format of your mini-book based on the requirements in the
rubric; think about allotting at least one to two pages per requirement/diagram
 Laptops will be available for additional resources for this class period (note: be sure to
cite all sources you use and be sure to use your own words).
 Make a rough outline of each page of your book
 Design your Book Cover and create the final draft of the cover
Day Three:
 Work on final draft of the pages in your mini-book
 Think about being creative and using colors and diagrams (remember, part of your grade
is based on presentation and creativity)
 Book will be due at the end of this class period