CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
Biology
Essential Question: How do the structures of organisms enable life’s functions?
AP Bio. Enduring Understanding 3.B: Expression
of genetic information involves cellular and
molecular mechanisms. (see 3.B.1)
AP Bio. Enduring Understanding 2.A: Growth,
reproduction and maintenance of the organization
of living systems require free energy and matter.
Bio.1.1.3 Explain how instructions in DNA lead to
cell differentiation and result in cells specialized
to perform specific functions in multicellular
organisms. 6B/H1;5B/H6b;5C/H2b;
Bio.4.2.1 Analyze photosynthesis and cellular
respiration in terms of how energy is stored,
released, and transferred within and
between these processes in the cell.
Bio.4.1.3 Explain how enzymes act as
catalysts for biological reactions. 5C/H9
Bio.1.2.1 Explain how homeostasis is
maintained in a cell and within an organism
in various environments (including:
temperature and pH). 5C/H7(HS-LS1-3)
Bio.3.2.1 Explain the role of meiosis in sexual
reproduction and genetic variation.
Bio.1.2.2 Analyze how cells grow and
reproduce in terms of interphase, mitosis
and cytokinesis.6C/H3abd (HS-LS1-4)
Bio.4.1.2 Summarize the relationship among DNA,
proteins, and amino acids in carrying out the work of
cells and how this is similar among all organisms.
5C/H3(HS-LS1-1)
Bio.3.1.2 Explain how DNA and RNA code
for proteins and determine traits. 5C/H4
(HS-LS1-1)
Bio.1.1.2 Compare prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells in terms of their general
structures (plasma membrane and genetic
material) and degree of complexity. 5C/H1
Bio.4.1.1 Compare the structures and
functions of the major biological molecules
(carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic
acids) as related to the survival of living
organisms. 4D/H8; 5C/H4; 5F/H4.
Bio.1.1.1 Summarize the structure and function
of organelles in eukaryotic cells (including: the
nucleus, plasma membrane, cell wall,
mitochondria, vacuoles, chloroplasts, and
ribosomes) and ways that these organelles
interact with each other and to perform the
function of the cell.5C/H1,2
Grades 9-12
How do systems of specialized cells within organisms help them perform the essential functions of life?LS1A
Systems of specialized cells within organisms help them perform the essential functions of life, which involve
chemical reactions that take place between different types of molecules, such as water, proteins, carbohydrates,
lipids, and nucleic acids. All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in
the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins, which carry out most of the work of
cells. They form important structural components of the cell and provide energy. The essential functions of a cell
involve chemical reactions that take place between many different types of molecules, including water,
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins, and are facilitated by enzymes. Enzymes, which are proteins, are
responsible for facilitating life processes. The breakdown of complex molecules, the release and capture of energy in
new chemical forms, and the synthesis of new biomolecules are all carried out by proteins. Proteins function as
hormones and neurotransmitters. They serve as signaling devices and are involved in regulating the activities of the
cells. Many factors influence an enzyme’s activity and its ability to regulate chemical reactions for life’s functions.
The types and concentrations of molecules within cells are regulated. The cell membrane controls what enters and
leaves the cell. Feedback mechanisms maintain a living system’s internal conditions within certain limits (e.g.,
temperature, molecular concentration, pH), allowing it to remain alive and functional even as external conditions are
changing. Feedback mechanisms can encourage (positive feedback) or discourage (negative feedback) what is going
on inside the living system.
How is genetic information transmitted between parent and offspring after fertilization?LS1B
In multicellular organisms individual cells grow and then divide via a process called mitosis, thereby allowing the
organism to grow. The organism begins as a single cell (fertilized egg) that divides successively to produce many
cells, with each parent cell passing identical genetic material (two variants of each chromosome pair) to both
daughter cells. As successive subdivisions of an embryo’s cells occur, programmed genetic instructions and small
differences in their immediate environments activate or inactivate different genes, which cause the cells to develop
differently—a process called differentiation. Cellular division and differentiation produce and maintain a complex
organism, composed of systems of tissues and organs that work together to meet the needs of the whole organism. In
sexual reproduction, a specialized type of cell division called meiosis occurs that results in the production of sex
cells, such as gametes in animals (sperm and eggs), which contain only one member from each chromosome pair in
the parent cell.
How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow?LS1C
The process of photosynthesis converts light energy to stored chemical energy by converting carbon dioxide plus
water into sugars plus released oxygen. The sugar molecules thus formed contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen;
their hydrocarbon backbones are used to make amino acids and other carbon-based molecules that can be assembled
into larger molecules (such as proteins or DNA), used for example to form new cells. As matter and energy flow
through different organizational levels of living systems, chemical elements are recombined in different ways to form
different products. As a result of these chemical reactions, energy is transferred from one system of interacting
molecules to another. For example, aerobic (in the presence of oxygen) cellular respiration is a chemical process in
which the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and new compounds are formed that can
transport energy to muscles. Anaerobic (without oxygen) cellular respiration follows a different and less efficient
chemical pathway to provide energy in cells. Cellular respiration also releases the energy needed to maintain body
temperature despite ongoing energy loss to the surrounding environment. Matter and energy are conserved in each
change. This is true of all biological systems, from individual cells to ecosystems.
How do organisms detect, process, and use information about the environment?LS1D
In complex animals, the brain is divided into several distinct regions and circuits, each of which primarily serves
dedicated functions, such as visual perception, auditory perception, interpretation of perceptual information, guidance
of motor movement, and decision making about actions to take in the event of certain inputs. In addition, some
circuits give rise to emotions and memories that motivate organisms to seek rewards, avoid punishments, develop
fears, or form attachments to members of their own species and, in some cases, to individuals
of other species (e.g., mixed herds of mammals, mixed flocks of birds). The integrated functioning of all parts of the
brain is important for successful interpretation of inputs and generation of behaviors in response to them.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
6-8 Essential Question: How do structures of organisms enable life’s functions?
To Biology
8.L.1.1 Summarize the basic characteristics of
viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites relating to
the spread, treatment and prevention of disease.
7.L.1.4. Summarize the general functions of the
major systems of the human body (digestion,
respiration, reproduction, circulation, and
excretion) and ways that these systems interact
with each other to sustain life. 6C/M3 HS-LS1-2
7.L.1.3. Summarize the hierarchical
organization of multicellular organisms
from cells to tissues to organs to systems
to organisms.5C/1
7.L.2.1 Explain why offspring that result from
sexual reproduction (fertilization and meiosis)
have greater variation than offspring that result
from asexual reproduction (budding and mitosis).
5B/M1,2,3
7.L.1.1.Compare the structures and life functions
of single-celled organisms that carry out all of the
basic functions of life including: (Euglena.
Amoeba. Paramecium. Volvox. 5C/M3)
7.L.1.2.Compare the structures and functions of
plant and animal cells, including major organelles
(cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, chloroplasts,
mitochondria, and vacuoles).5C/M1
6.L.1.2.Explain the significance of the processes of
photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration to the
survival of green plants and other organisms.
5A/M2;5A/M2
6.L.1.1 Summarize the basic structures and functions of
flowering plants required for survival, reproduction
and defense.
5A/M1;5A/M2;5C/M1a,b;5C/M2a,5C/M3a;5C/M4
Grades 6-8
How do cells within organisms help them perform the essential functions of life?LS1A All living things
are made up of cells, which is the smallest unit that can be said to be alive. An organism may consist of one
single cell (unicellular) or many different numbers and types of cells (multicellular). Unicellular organisms
(microorganisms), like multicellular organisms, need food, water, a way to dispose of waste, and an
environment in which they can live. Special structures within cells are responsible for various functions
(e.g., mitochondria in plants and animals extract energy from food, and chloroplasts in plants use light to
make food). The cell membrane forms the boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell. These
include the molecules needed to carry out life functions. Micro-organisms consist of a single cell. Like
multicellular organisms, microorganisms need food, water, and air, a way to dispose of waste, and an
environment they can live in. In multicellular organisms, the body is a system of multiple interacting
subsystems. These subsystems are groups of cells that work together to form tissues or organs that are
specialized for particular body functions. (Boundary: At this grade level, only a few major cell structures
should be introduced.)
How do different organisms grow, develop and continue their type (species)? LS1B
Organisms reproduce, either sexually or asexually, and transfer their genetic information to their offspring.
Animals engage in characteristic behaviors that increase the odds of reproduction. Plants reproduce in a
variety of ways, sometimes depending on animal behavior and specialized features (such as attractively
colored flowers) for reproduction. Plant growth can continue throughout the plant’s life through production
of plant matter in photosynthesis. Genetic factors as well as local conditions affect the size of the adult plant.
The growth of an animal is controlled by genetic factors, food intake, and interactions with other organisms,
and each species has a typical adult size range. (Boundary: Reproduction is not treated in any detail here; for
more specifics about grade level, see LS3.A.)
How do organisms obtain and use the matter and energy they need to live and grow?LS1C
Plants, algae (including phytoplankton), and many microorganisms use the energy from light to make sugars
(food) from carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water through the process of photosynthesis, which
also releases oxygen. These sugars can be used immediately or stored for growth or later use. Animals obtain
food from eating plants or eating other animals. Within individual organisms, food moves through a series of
chemical reactions in which it is broken down and rearranged to form new molecules, to support growth, or
to release energy. For the body to use food for energy and building materials, the food must first be digested
into molecules that are absorbed and transported to cells. In order to release the energy stored in food,
oxygen must be supplied to cells and carbon dioxide removed. Lungs take in oxygen for the combustion of
food, and they eliminate the carbon dioxide produced. The circulatory system moves all these substances to
or from cells where they are needed or produced. The way in which all cells function is similar in all living
organisms. Within cells many of the basic functions of organisms, such as releasing energy from food and
getting rid of waste, are carried out by different cell elements. In plants and animals, molecules from food
react with oxygen to provide energy that is needed to carry out life functions, build and become incorporated
into the body structure, or is stored for later use. Matter moves within individual organisms through a series
of chemical reactions in which food is broken down and rearranged to form new molecules. Plants use the
energy from light to make sugars (food) from carbon dioxide and water. This process transforms light energy
from the sun into stored chemical energy. Minerals and other nutrients from the soil are not food (they don’t
provide energy), but they are needed for plants to make complex molecules from the sugar they make.
How do organisms detect, process, and use information about the environment?LS1D Each sense receptor
responds to different inputs (electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical), transmitting them as signals that travel
along nerve cells to the brain. The signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors
or memories. Changes in the structure and functioning of many millions of interconnected nerve cells allow
combined inputs to be stored as memories for long periods of time.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
3-5
Essential Question: How do structures of organisms enable life’s functions?
To 6.L.1.1
5.L.1.2 Compare the major systems of the human
body (digestive, respiratory, circulatory,
muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular) as it relates to
their functions necessary for life. 6C/E1,2
5.L.1.1 Explain why some organisms are capable
of surviving as a single cell while others require
many cells that are specialized to survive.
5C/E1,E2bc
4.L.2.2 Explain the role of vitamins,
minerals and exercise in maintaining a
healthy body. 6E/E1b
4.L.2.1 Classify substances as food or non-food
items based on their ability to provide energy
and materials for survival, growth and repair of
the body. 6E/E1a (5E/2)
3.L.1.2. Explain why skin is necessary for
protection and for the body to remain
healthy.6C/E3
4.L.1.2 Explain how animals meet their needs
by using behaviors in response to information
received from the environment. 6C/E4
3.L.1.1 Compare the different functions of the
skeletal and muscular system. 5C/E2bc
Grades 3 – 5
How do organisms use their structures to grow, survive and reproduce?LS1A
The internal and external structures of plants and animals serve various
functions in growth, survival, and reproduction. Plants and animals have both internal
and external structures that serve various functions in growth, survival, behavior, and
reproduction. (Boundary: Stress at this grade level is on understanding the macroscale
systems and their function, not microscopic processes.) AAAS: Some living things
consist of a single cell. Like familiar organisms, they need food, water, and air; a way
to dispose of waste; and an environment they can live in. 5C/E1Some organisms are
made of a collection of similar cells that benefit from cooperating. Some organisms'
cells vary greatly in appearance and perform very different roles in the organism.
5C/E2bcSkin keeps the body from drying out and protects it from harmful substances
and germs. 6C/E3
How do different organisms develop?LS1B Reproduction is essential to the
continued existence of every kind of organism. Plants and animals have unique and
diverse life cycles that include being born (sprouting in plants), growing, developing
into adults, reproducing, and eventually dying.
How do organisms get the matter and energy they need from what they get from the
environment?LS1C People and other animals take in the oxygen they need to live by
breathing. Animals and plants alike generally need to take in air and water, animals
must take in food, and plants need light and minerals; anaerobic life, such as bacteria
in the gut, functions without air. Food provides animals with the materials they need
for body repair and growth and is digested (and burned) to release the energy they
need to maintain body warmth and for motion. Plants acquire their material for
growth chiefly from air and water and process matter they have formed to maintain
their internal conditions (e.g., at night).AAAS: 6C/E1, The indigestible parts of food
are eliminated. 6C/E1b
How do organisms detect, process, and use information about the environment?
LS1 D Different sense receptors are specialized for particular kinds of information,
which may then be processed and integrated by an animal’s brain, with some
information stored as memories. Animals are able to use their perceptions and
memories to guide their actions. Some responses to information are instinctive—that
is, animals’ brains are organized so that they do not have to think about how to
respond to certain stimuli. AAAS: Human beings have made tools and machines to
sense and do things that they could not otherwise sense or do at all, as quickly, or as
well. 6A/E2* Microscopes make it possible to see that living things are made mostly
of cells. 5C/E2aThe brain gets signals from all parts of the body telling it what is
going on there. The brain also sends signals to parts of the body to influence what
they do. 6C/E4*
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
K-2
Essential Question: How do structures of organisms enable life’s functions?
Grades K – 2
To 3.L.2.1
2.L.1.2 Compare life cycles of other animals
such as, but not limited to, mealworms,
ladybugs, crickets, guppies or frogs. 6C/P1,2,3
2.L.1.1 Summarize the life cycle of animals
including: birth, developing into an adult,
reproducing, aging and death. 6C/P1,2,3
1.L.2.1 Summarize the basic needs of a variety of
different plants (including air, water, nutrients, and
light) for energy and growth. 5C/P2
1.L.2.2 Summarize the basic needs of a variety of
different animals (including air, water, and food)
for energy and growth. 5C/P2, 6A/P2
a
1.L.1.1 Recognize that plants and animals need air,
water, light (plants only), space, food and shelter
and that these may be found in their
environment.6A/2; 5C/P2; 5D/P2
Supporting Objective K.L.1.2
Most things are made of parts. 11A/1
K.L.1.2 Compare characteristics of living and nonliving things in
terms of their: Structure. Growth. Changes. Movement. Basic
needs. 6A/P1,2;6C/P1; 5C/P2
Basic needs
and the human organism
Basic functions and the
human organism
How do living things meet their basic needs? LS1 A
All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in
different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to
place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different
parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive, grow, and
produce more plants.
AAAS: People have different external features, such as the size, shape, and color
of hair, skin, and eyes, but they are more like one another than like other animals.
6A/P1The human body has parts that help it seek, find, and take in food when it
feels hunger—eyes and a nose for detecting food, legs to get to it, arms to carry it
away, and a mouth to eat it. 6C/P1
How do living things grow and develop?LS1B
Plants and animals have predictable characteristics at different stages of
development. Plants and animals grow and change. Adult plants and animals can
have young. In many kinds of animals, parents and the offspring themselves
engage in behaviors that help the offspring to survive.
How do living things get and use what they need to live and grow? LS1 C
All living things grow, reproduce, and respond to their environment. All animals
need food in order to live and grow. They obtain their food from plants or from
other animals. Plants need water and light to live and grow. AAAS: People need
water, food, air, waste removal, and a particular range of temperatures in their
environment, just as other animals do. 6A/P2
How do organisms detect, process, and use information about the
environment?LS1 D Animals have body parts that capture and convey different
kinds of information needed for growth and survival—for example, eyes for light,
ears for sounds, and skin for temperature or touch. Animals respond to these
inputs with behaviors that help them survive (e.g., find food, run from a predator).
Plants also respond to some external inputs (e.g., turn leaves toward the sun).
AAAS: Senses can warn individuals about danger; muscles help them to fight,
hide, or get out of danger. 6C/P2 The brain enables human beings to think and
sends messages to other body parts to help them work properly. 6C/P3
Supporting Objective K.L.1.2
Magnifiers help people see things they
could not see without them. 5C/1
Structures
and the human organism
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
*References:
National Research Council. (2012). A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting
Concepts, and Core Ideas. Committee on a Conceptual Framework for New K-12 Science Education Standards. Board on Science Education, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, DC: The National
Academies Press.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
Cell Functions
AP Biology Enduring Understanding 2A Growth, reproduction and maintaining the organization of living
systems require energy and matter.
(1) 2.A.2 Organisms capture and store free energy for biological processes.
(2) 2.A.1 All living systems require energy.
(3) 2.A.3 Organisms must exchange matter with the environment to grow, reproduce, and maintain organization.
1. During aerobic cellular respiration, oxygen gas is consumed at the same rate as carbon dioxide gas is produced. In
order to provide accurate volumetric measurements of oxygen gas consumption, the experimental setup should
include which of the following?
(A) A substance that removes carbon dioxide gas
(B) A plant to produce oxygen
(C) A glucose reserve
(D) A valve to release excess water
2. Which of the following statements most directly supports the claim that different species of organisms use
different metabolic strategies to meet their energy requirements for growth, reproduction, and homeostasis?
(A) During cold periods pond-dwelling animals can increase the number of unsaturated fatty acids in their cell
membranes while some plants make antifreeze proteins to prevent ice crystal formation in tissues.
(B) Bacteria lack introns while many eukaryotic genes contain many of these intervening sequences.
(C) Carnivores have more teeth that are specialized for ripping food while herbivores have more teeth that are
specialized for grinding food.
(D) Plants generally use starch molecules for storage while animals use glycogen and fats for storage
Bio.1.1 Understand the relationship between the
structures and functions of cells and their
organelles.
Bio.4.1 Understand how biological molecules
are essential to the survival of living
organisms.
Bio.1.1.3
Constructed Response: Explain how many
of the cells in an individual can be very
different from one another in terms of
structure and function, even though they are
descended from a single cell and thus have
essentially identical genetic instructions.
---------------------------------------------------------------Nerve cells and bone cells are specialized cells that
descend from the same single cell (fertilized egg).
Which statement best explains how each type of cell
results in a different structure with a specialized
function?
Bio.4.1.3
How do enzymes speed up biological chemical
reactions?
a. Enzymes increase the energy required for a
reaction to occur.
b. Enzymes decrease the energy required for
a reaction to occur.
c. Enzymes have no affect on the energy
required for a reaction to occur.
d. Enzymes maintain the energy needed for a
reaction to occur.
Bio.4.2 Analyze the relationships between
biochemical processes and energy use in the
cell.
Bio.4.2.1
How does the process of photosynthesis in plants
provide energy for animals?
a. The water and carbon dioxide used in
photosynthesis are converted into glucose
and ATP for animals.
b. The glucose and ATP used in photosynthesis
are converted into water and carbon dioxide
for animals.
c. The glucose and carbon dioxide used in
photosynthesis are converted into proteins for
animals.
d. The oxygen and glucose produced through
photosynthesis are converted into lipids for
animals.
a.
b.
3. The chemical reaction for photosynthesis is: 6 CO2+ 12 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6+ 6 O2+ 6 H2O
If the input water is labeled with a radioactive isotope of oxygen, 18O, then the oxygen gas released as the reaction
proceeds is also labeled with 18O. Which of the following is the most likely explanation?
(A) During the light reactions of photosynthesis, water is split, the hydrogen atoms combine with the CO2, and
oxygen gas is released.
(B) During the light reactions of photosynthesis, water is split, removing electrons and protons, and
oxygen gas is released.
(C) During the Calvin cycle, water is split, regenerating NADPH from NADP +, and oxygen gas is released.
(D) During the Calvin cycle, water is split, the hydrogen atoms are added to intermediates of sugar synthesis,
and oxygen gas is released
c.
d.
Nerve cells and bone cells begin with the
same structure; however, bone cells harden
over time.
Nerve cells and bone cells receive different
DNA that determines the structure and
function that each will perform.
Nerve cells and bone cells receive the
same DNA; however, only specific parts
of the DNA are activated in each cell.
Nerve cells and bone cells receive the same
DNA; however, bone cells receive more to
make the protective outer covering.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
Cell Functions Bio.3.2 Understand how the
environment, and/or the interaction of alleles,
influences the expression of genetic traits.
Bio.3.2.1
Why is the process of meiosis important to sexual
reproduction?
a. It provides genetic variation in offspring.
b. It doubles the number of chromosomes in
offspring.
c. It reduces the number of alleles from parent
to offspring.
d. It produces a hybrid of all genetic traits in
offspring.
Bio.1.2 Analyze the cell as a living system.
Bio.1.2.1
Bio.1.2.2
A student placed an onion root tip sample (Side
A student observes a typical onion root tip
A) into a liquid solution (Side B). The diagram
where many of the cells have just successfully
below shows the same type of molecule on side
completed mitosis. Which statement best
A and side B. Over time, what is the likely
explains what must have happened to result in
result? Explain your choice.
cells that only have half as many
chromosomes as all of the other cells in the
same section of the tip?
a. The parent cell completed mitosis after
undergoing interphase.
b. The parent cell completed mitosis after
undergoing cytokinesis.
c. The parent cell completed mitosis before
undergoing cytokinesis.
d. The parent cell completed mitosis
before undergoing interphase.
a.
b.
c.
d.
More molecules will be on Side B than
Side A.
More molecules will be on Side A than
Side B.
Equal number of molecules will be
on Side A & B.
All of the molecules will move towards
the membrane.
Bio.4.1 Understand how biological molecules
are essential to the survival of living
organisms.
Bio.4.1.2
How does the DNA code become a
protein?
a. DNA mRNA  tRNA amino
acid  protein
a. DNA  tRNA  mRNA  amino
acid  protein
b. DNA  mRNA  amino acid 
tRNA  protein
c. DNA  amino acid  mRNA 
tRNA  protein
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
Cell Functions Bio.3.1 Explain how traits are
determined by the structure and function of DNA.
Bio.3.1.2
This chart represents amino acids that are coded from
different combinations of mRNA codons.
Which amino acid sequence can be coded from the DNA
sequence CAG TAG CGA?
a. Valine — Isoleucine — Glycine
b. Valine — Aspartic Acid — Alanine
c. Valine — Isoleucine — Alanine
d. Valine — Phenylalanine — Alanine
(NGSS:HS-LS1-1) PE
HS-LS1-1.Construct an explanation based on evidence
for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of
proteins which carry out the essential functions of life
through systems of specialized cells.
[Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include
identification of specific cell or tissue types, whole body
systems, specific protein structures and functions, or the
biochemistry of protein synthesis.
Bio.4.1 Understand how biological molecules are
essential to the survival of living organisms.
Bio.4.1.1
Why would a distance runner consume
carbohydrates instead of proteins before a
race?
a. Carbohydrates provide insulation for
heat.
b. Carbohydrates provide structure for
tissues.
c. Carbohydrates provide genetic material
for muscle cells.
d. Carbohydrates provide energy for
endurance.
Bio.1.1 Understand the relationship between the structures and functions of cells and their organelles.
Bio.1.1.2
Bio.1.1.1
A student observed a sample of pond water
A runner is competing in a 10 km track meet and
and saw that the organisms had different
just before completing the race, the runner is
types of structures. Which observation can
nearly out of breath and the energy needed to
be used to distinguish between eukaryotic
finish the race. Which cell structure is most
and prokaryotic organisms in the sample?
affected by this lack of energy?
a. the presence of chlorophyll inside a
a. nucleus
structure
b. ribosome
b. the absence of cytoplasm inside the cell
c. mitochondrion
c. the presence of ribosomes inside the
d. plasma membrane
cell
d. the presence of a membrane around
the structures
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
8.L.1 Understand the hazards caused by agents of diseases
that affect living organisms.
8.L.1.1
7.L.1 Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive,
reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
7.L.1.3
Which of the following is organized from simplest to
most complex?
a. cells->organs->organ systems->tissues->the
organism
b. cells->tissues->organs->organ systems>the organism*
c. the organism->organ systems->organs>tissues->cells
d. tissues->cells->organs->organ systems->the
organism
7.L.1.4 HS-LS1-2
How do the lungs function within the excretory
system?
a. the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon
monoxide
b. the lungs absorb carbon dioxide from
the air
c. the lungs help to release carbon dioxide
while absorbing nutrients
d. the lungs exchange oxygen and
carbon dioxide and release waste
products in cells.*
7.L.2 Understand the relationship of the
mechanisms of cellular reproduction, patterns of
inheritance and external factors to potential
variation among offspring.
7.L.2.1
Which best explains why sexual reproduction
produces greater variations in the offspring?
a. The DNA come from two genetically
different parents.*
b. The DNA comes from one parent that is
genetically identical.
c. The sex cells are produced by mitosis.
d. The sex cells undergo self fertilization.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
7.L.1 Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive,
reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
6.L.1 Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and
reproduce.
7.L.1.2
6.L.1.2
6.L.1.1
Photosynthesis is a vital process to the survival of plants
and other organisms. Which best describes the significance
of photosynthesis to the survival of green plants?
Plants reproduce in a variety of ways, sometimes
depending on other organisms for survival. Which best
describes how flowers help some plants survive?
a. Flowers make food.
b. Flowers provide heat.
c. Flowers absorb water from the air to aid
7.L.1.1
Which characteristic do volvox and euglena share?
a. They both have eye spots.
b. The both use flagella to move.*
c. They both have eye spots and use flagella to
move.
d. They have neither eye spots nor flagella.
a.
b.
c.
d.
It provides protection from cold weather.
It provides plant matter for growth.
It provides oxygen for humans.
It provides carbon dioxide for other plants.
Photosynthesis is a vital process to the survival of plants
and other organisms. Which best describes the significance
of photosynthesis to the survival of other organisms?
e.
f.
g.
h.
It provides protection from cold weather.
It provides plant matter for growth.
It provides oxygen for animals.
It provides carbon dioxide for other plants.
d.
.
with photosynthesis.
Flowers attract birds and insects to aid
with reproduction.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
CELLS: CELL FUNCTIONS
Enduring Understanding: Living systems, from molecular to organismic level, demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function that facilitate their ability to live, eliminate waste, grow, respond to their environment, and
reproduce.
1.L.1 Understand characteristics of various
environments and behaviors of humans that
enable plants and animals to survive.
1.L.1.1
K.L.1 Compare characteristics of animals that
make them alike and different from other
animals and nonliving things. (5A/P1)
K.L.1.2 The pictures below represent an owl, a
butterfly and a statue of an owl. What do the owl
and butterfly have in common and how are they
different? How is a living owl similar to the statue
and how are they different?
Living Owl
Living Butterfly
Statue of Owl