LO 4.25: The student is able to use evidence to justify a claim that a variety of phenotypic
responses to a single environmental factor can result from different genotypes within the
population.
SP 6.1: The student can justify claims with evidence.
Explanation: In nature, environmental stimuli and changes in these stimuli provoke changes in phenotypes from all organisms in
the environment—those species that do not adapt to these changes risk failure of surviving. Because of this one environmental
change, many organisms make changes to their phenotype—such as a camouflage color change after pollutants distort
environments color or larger wings that allow them to fly to higher regions where they can be safe from predators preying on those
with the outdated camouflage—and these organisms all have different, respective genotypes. All of the organisms, with their
unique genotypes, must adapt to this new environmental factor and produce a phenotypic response to better suit the
environment’s demands. If not, they die. A real-life application of this scenario is the evolution of Peppered Moths in Industrial
England, and provides solidified real-world evidence of this LO and SP. Moths in England were either light moths or dark moths,
and their survival depended on the color of tree of which they were resting. When the industrial revolution occurred and copious
amounts of soot was put in the air, trees turned dark from the pollution of the soot; this caused the light colored moths (evolved to
be camouflaged while resting on the pre-industrial age trees) to be selected against by predators because the dark moths
(previously selected against on the pre-industrial age trees) were now better camouflaged on the post-industrial age trees. The
moths are now seeing more emergence of lighter colors, leading to their nomenclature.
M.C. Question: Which of the following is least likely to produce a new
phenotypic response to a new environmental factor?
A) Transcriptional errors
B) Interbreeding between two identical genotypes
C) Disruptive selection of prey by local predators
D) Interbreeding between two different genotypes
Learning Log/FRQ-style question:
A) Identify and describe THREE possible environmental factors that could
invoke a change in phenotypic responses in a ground squirrel
-andB) Discuss possible methods for the creation of two of the phenotypic
responses in Earth’s oceans outlined in part A)
ANSWER KEY – LO
4.25/SP 6.1
Multiple Choice solution:
Which of the following is least likely to produce a new phenotypic response to a new environmental factor?
A)
B)
C)
D)
Transcriptional errors
Interbreeding between two identical genotypes
Disruptive selection of prey by local predators
Interbreeding between two different genotypes
B is the best answer of the choices. This is correct because while interbreeding between two identical genotypes
will certainly lead to a phenotypic response (through transcriptional errors [mutations]), it would take substantially
longer than the other methods to create a phenotypic response due to the number of mutations needed from
transcriptional errors after reproduction to create a response; also, transcriptional errors are already highlighted in
choice A).
Sample FRQ response:
A)
Identify and describe THREE possible environmental factors that could invoke a change in phenotypic responses in a ground
squirrel
Three possible environmental factors that could invoke a change in phenotypic responses in ground squirrels are
adaption to deforestation through new digestive capabilities to compensate for lack of acorns or other foods, bigger claws for
dissuading ground-level predators, and darker fur to be better suiting for camouflaging among decomposing foliage on the forest floor.
-andB) Discuss possible methods for the creation of two of the phenotypic responses outlined in part A)
Two possible methods for creation of darker fur coloration and digestive adaptation are natural selection and
coevolution. The squirrels who have the phenotype for darker fur color will have an advantage in this new environment, and will
therefore more likely live long enough to reproduce and pass on the genes for darker fur. This will cause the fur of the squirrels to
gradually become darker as long as the environmental change persists. The adaptation of the squirrels digestive system to tolerate a
new diet will coevolve with the food it incorporates into it’s new diet—the food eaten at the squirrels height, for instance, will be eaten
more than the taller plants. The squirrels will eat these low-hanging plants, and disperse their seeds through feces or their coats. The
seeds from the droppings and coats will fall, germinate in the spring, and grow, and pass on the low-hanging genes to the next
generation of plants. Eventually, the plants will evolve to be squirrel-height and the squirrel will adapt it’s diet to be most efficient off
LO 3.13 The Student is able to pose questions about ethical, social or medical issues surrounding
human genetic disorders.
SP 3.1: The student is able to pose a question.
Explanation: Privacy is one issue concerning new technology such as DNA probes and DNA chips that can scan a person for mutations in
over 7000 genes. While many people may like to know if they are susceptible to genetic disorders the information may become public
and cause controversy. One example is health insurance which might refuse to cover or raise insurance costs to people with dangerous
genes. There is also the issue of a company refusing to higher someone who carries a genetic predisposition to a future illness in order
to higher someone who is more likely to remain healthy. There is also the ethical issue of if someone either carries a gene for a genetic
disease or one that raises their risk for cancer or some other illness would it be ethical for them to have children and risk passing the
gene on to their child. The same standards apply to someone with a lethal genetic disorder such as Huntington’s disease. If an employer
discovers that a person applying for a job suffers from this disease they may not hire them because of the imminent health issues they
face in the future. To relate the LO to the SP the student should be able to recognize both sides of the argument and pose a question
based on the issues they see problematic.
M.C. Question: Which of these is true of Sickle cell anemia?
A) The disorder is the result of a point mutation.
B) This is most common is people of Asian descent.
C) This trait had no genetically beneficial origins.
D) This disease is usually related to Huntington's disease or some
other serious genetic disorder.
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Huntington’s
disease is a dominant genetic disorder. What are two
ethical issues that occur when health records of
people with genetic diseases become public? Name
a genetic disorder other then Huntington’s disease
and explain two of the symptoms.
ANSWER KEY– LO 3.13
Which of these is true of Sickle cell anemia?
A) The disorder is the result of a point mutation.
B) This is most common is people of Asian descent.
C) This trait had no genetically beneficial origins.
D) This disease is usually related to Huntington's disease or some
other serious genetic disorder
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Huntington’s disease is a dominant genetic disorder.
What are two ethical issues that occur when health records of people with genetic
diseases become public? Name a genetic disorder other then Huntington’s disease
and explain two of the symptoms.
If a person has a genetic disorder such as Huntington’s and their health records
become public the person may face persecution from employers because they are
passed up on for job opportunities. They may find it more difficult to obtain life
insurance either because they have to pay more for coverage or because companies
refuse to give them a premium at all.
Answers may very.
Down syndrome or trisomy 21 is caused by a person having an extra copy of the 21st
chromosome. A person with Down syndrome can exhibit, slanted eyes, short stature,
weak muscles and a short wide neck. They may also suffer from some sort of
cognitive disabilities.
LO 4.1: The student is able to make predictions about the effects of genetic drift, migration and artificial selection on the genetic makeup of a population.
SP 6.4: The student can make claims and predictions about natural phenomena based on scientific theories and models.
Explanation: The genetic makeup of populations is controlled by factors such as: genetic drift, migration, and artificial selection. Genetic drift is when an
unpredictable change occurs in a small population and as a result the genetic makeup is altered. Two situations can increase the likely hood of genetic drift having a
large impact on a population: the bottleneck effect and founder effect. The bottleneck effect is when a disaster drastically changes an environment and its population
size is reduced tremendously. This results in the few survivors not reflecting the original populations gene pool due to loss of many alleles. The founders effect is
when a few individuals are isolated from the majority of their population and when the smaller group establishes a new population its gene pool doesn’t reflect it’s
source population. Migration occurs in two ways, the exit of individuals from a population, called emigration, and the entrance of individuals into a population,
called immigration. Both types of migration alter the genetic makeup of a population by either taking away genes or adding them. Artificial selection is when
selective breeding of domesticated plants and animals encourage the occurrence of desired traits and therefore the undesired traits slowly occur less and less.
M.C. Question: Many interesting birds inhabit islands, that are isolated from the main lands, off the cost of South America that scientist like to do research on. If a
new species of birds emerged on one of the islands, after a hurricane struck. What would be a possible explanation?
A) Bottleneck Effect
B) Founders Effect
C) Migration
D) Artificial Selection
E) Immigration
Free Response: Populations of the house mouse, or mus musculus,
are found in in different areas and are isolated from one another within
Mountain ranges. This isolation has caused genetic variation within the
species. Scientist are trying to figure out what could have caused the
separation of these mice in order to test why they
are genetically different now. What are TWO possible
reasons for the separation of this species and Why? Explain why
each reason would lead to genetic variation?
Answer Key – L.O. 1.8
M.C Question: Many interesting birds inhabit islands, that are isolated from the main lands, off the cost of South America that scientist
like to do research on. If a new species of birds emerged on one of the islands, after a hurricane struck. What would be a possible
explanation?
A) Bottleneck Effect
B) Founders Effect
C) Migration
D) Artificial Selection
E) Immigration
Free Response: Populations of the house mouse, or mus musculus, are found in in different areas and are isolated from one another
within mountain ranges. This isolation has caused genetic variation within the species. Scientist are trying to figure out what could have
caused the separation of these mice in order to test why they are genetically different now. What are TWO possible reasons for the
separation of this species? And Why? Explain why each reason would lead to genetic variation?
The separation of this species of mice could have been caused by either the founder effect or simply just emigration. The
founders effect is an explanation because its when a few individuals of a population is isolated from the vast majority and start a
new population. The mice could have been separated by the mountain ranges and therefore the smaller groups started their own
colony. Another reason could just be emigration from the original population. Some mice could of left the majority just to leave.
The founders effect would lead to the genetic variation of the groups because once the small group moved it now had a smaller
gene pool to reproduce with. Since there’s a smaller number of mice there are less alleles, throughout time the offspring will
gradually differ from that of the original population simply due to less options in mating. The emigration of the mice has the
similar reason to why it would have genetic variation. When some left the majority they now limited themselves to a smaller gene
pool with less options for mating.
LO 3.48 The student is able to create a visual representation to describe how nervous systems detect external and internal signals.
SP 1.1 The student can create representations and models of natural or man-made and systems in the domain.
Example: External: You are sitting in class and your friend calls your name. Your ears pick up the external stimulus, your friend calling
your name, and sends a signal to your brain. Your brain then processes this signal and then sends a response to the rest of your body
causing you to turn your head. In other words, a stimulus is picked up by your peripheral nervous system (PNS senses stimuli from
outside) and is integrated by your brain and spinal cord (brain and spinal cord are the central nervous system) to produce a motor
response , which is done by the PNS.
Internal: You are sitting in class and you haven’t had any water all day. Receptor cells in your body sense a high osmolarity, or solute
concentration, in your blood. This is the stimulus. This causes you to be thirsty so you know you need more water and the
Hypothalamus signals the Pituitary gland to release the chemical hormone ADH. ADH moves to the kidneys and signals them to retain
more water instead of releasing it as urine. This results in homeostasis of blood osmolarity. In other words, your body senses an
internal imbalance and the hypothalamus sends signals to either the posterior or anterior pituitary causing them to release a
hormone that tells the body how to act accordingly.
When you touch a hot stove your body reacts and moves your hand away from
the stove in order to protect your hand from getting hurt. What is the correct
pathway of neurological signals that move your hand away from the hot stove?
(A)The CNS (central nervous system) senses pain in the hand and triggers a
motor response, moving the hand to move away from the stove.
(B)The PNS (peripheral nervous system) senses pain in the hand and triggers a
motor response, moving the hand away from the stove.
(C)The CNS (central nervous system) senses pain in the hand and sends a signal
to the PNS (peripheral nervous system), the PNS then integrates this signal and
tells the CNS to respond with a motor response, moving the hand from the
stove.
(D)The PNS (peripheral nervous system) senses pain in the hand and sends a
signal to the CNS (central nervous system), the CNS then integrates this signal
and tells the PNS to respond with a motor response, moving the hand from the
stove.
FRQ style question: Identify the role of tropic hormones and
explain why they are necessary in the endocrine system. Give a
specific of a neuroendocrine pathway.
Answer key LO 3.48
When you touch a hot stove your body reacts and moves your hand
away from the stove in order to protect your hand from getting hurt.
What is the correct pathway of neurological signals that move your
hand away from the hot stove?
(A)The CNS (central nervous system) senses pain in the hand and
triggers a motor response, moving the hand to move away from the
stove.
(B)The PNS (peripheral nervous system) senses pain in the hand and
triggers a motor response, moving the hand away from the stove.
(C)The CNS (central nervous system) senses pain in the hand and sends
a signal to the PNS (peripheral nervous system), the PNS then
integrates this signal and tells the CNS to respond with a motor
response, moving the hand from the stove.
(D)The PNS (peripheral nervous system) senses pain in the hand and
sends a signal to the CNS (central nervous system), the CNS then
integrates this signal and tells the PNS to respond with a motor
response, moving the hand from the stove.
FRQ style question: Identify the role of tropic hormones
and explain why they are necessary in the endocrine
system. Give a specific of a neuroendocrine pathway.
Tropic Hormones are hormones that are released by the
hypothalamus or anterior pituitary gland that regulate the
function of endocrine organs. In other words they are
signals from the brain that tell the rest of the body how to
respond to a given stimulus. Tropic hormones themselves
do not cause any changes in the body, but they signal
other organs to release hormones that do. Tropic
hormones are important because they allow for the
endocrine system to be controlled at a centralized
location. This allows the body to formulate a coordinated
response against an environmental shift. An example of a
neuroendocrine pathway is T3 and T4 secretion from the
thyroid gland. The hypothalamus receives a stimulus that
causes it to release TRH, a tropic hormone, that signals
the Anterior pituitary to release TSH, another tropic
hormone, which then travels to the thyroid and causes
the thyroid to release T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are used in
controlling metabolism in humans. T3 and T4 also exert
negative feedback on the hypothalamus and anterior
pituitary by inhibiting the release of TRH and TSH.
LO 4.15: The student is able to use visual representation to analyze situations or solve problems qualitatively to
illustrate how interactions among living systems and with their environment result in the movement of matter and
energy.
SP 1.4: The student can use representations and models to analyze situations or solve problems qualitatively and
quantitatively.
Explanation: Primary producers harness light from the sun into energy through
photosynthesis. However, approximately only 1% of sunlight is harnessed and
remains after producers utilize the energy in respiration (known as the net
primary production). Energy is transferred to the next trophic level of an
ecosystem (the primary consumers who eat autotrophs) and approximately 10%
of the energy present reaches the primary consumers. The autotrophs, like other
trophic levels, lose energy through heat and feces, use some of the energy to
generate new biomass, and some of the autotrophs are simply not eaten. The
process continues to secondary consumers (eating herbivores), tertiary consumers
(eating carnivores), and so on. Because of the increasingly smaller amount of
energy available, the number of organisms also, normally, declines as trophic level
increases along with weight of the organisms. This decline can be illustrated with
a pyramid. The base, primary producers, is large while the top, e.g. tertiary
consumers, is significantly smaller in both number and energy available. The
pyramid additionally explains why large communities of lower trophic levels are
necessary to support only a few higher level trophic consumers (with only 10% of
the energy of a lower trophic level available, a higher trophic level must consume
large quantities of the lower organisms).
http://luptonbiology.weebly.com/iii-energytransfer.html
FRQ: Consider a terrestrial ecosystem
containing four trophic levels.
a. If the first trophic level has 10,000 J of
energy available, how many J of energy
is available to the fourth?
b. Why does this number decrease,
increase, or remain the same?
c. Are there any cases in which energy
transfers are similar to this terrestrial
ecosystem but biomass comparisons are
MC Question: A recent article published in the local newspaper claimed that if humans became
not?
herbivores world hunger could possibly end. Is this a BIOLOGICALLY sound claim?
d.
If the fourth trophic level of this
A) No. Humans must remain as omnivores to receive all necessary nutrients..
ecosystem was removed would the third
B) No. By moving humans to a lower trophic level more energy would need to be produced by producers.
C) Yes. By moving humans to a lower trophic level more energy would be available and a greater number of grow uncontrollably? What might
“check” its growth?
organisms, people, could be supported from the same number of producers.
D) Yes. Humans would be able to consume less energy per organism increasing the number of organisms that
could survive.
Answer Key
MC Question: A recent article published in the local newspaper claimed that
if humans became herbivores world hunger could possibly end. Is this a
BIOLOGICALLY sound claim?
A) No. Humans must remain as omnivores to receive all necessary nutrients..
B) No. By moving humans to a lower trophic level more energy would need
to be produced by producers.
C) Yes. By moving humans to a lower trophic level more energy would be
available and a greater number of organisms, people, could be supported
from the same number of producers.
D) Yes. Humans would be able to consume less energy per organism
increasing the number of organisms that could survive.
FRQ: Consider a terrestrial ecosystem containing four trophic levels.
a. If the first trophic level has 10,000 J of energy available, how many J of
energy is available to the fourth?
b. Why does this number decrease, increase, or remain the same?
c. Are there any cases in which energy transfers are similar to this
terrestrial ecosystem but biomass comparisons are not?
d. If the fourth trophic level of this ecosystem was removed would the third
grow uncontrollably? What might “check” its growth?
a. 10 J, only 10%, according to the 10% rule, of
energy from one trophic level is available to
the next.
b. The number decreases because at each
trophic level some energy is lost in feces and
through heat. Other energy is used
respiration and creating new biomass. While
some other energy is never harnessed by the
next trophic level as some organisms are
never eaten.
c. Yes, in some aquatic ecosystems primary
producers still produce energy and primary
consumers receive only about 10%. But in
some exceptional ecosystems, such as the
English Channel, a small producer
population, phytoplankton measured by
biomass, supports a larger consumer
population, zooplankton measured by
biomass.
d. No, it would not grow uncontrollably. For
sometime, without predators, the
population would grow but this would end
as energy supplies became low from the
lower trophic level being exhausted by the
growing population. Additionally,
competitors at the third trophic level could
“check” the growth of the population by
using energy resources as well.
LO 3.26: The student is able to explain the connection between genetic variations in organisms and
phenotypic variations in populations.
SP 7.2: The student can connect concepts in and across domain(s) to generalize or extrapolate in
and/or across enduring understandings and/or big ideas.
Explanation: The main source of genetic variation is mutation, or changes in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Mutations
in reproductive cells are passed to the next generation. Mutations occur very often, but are usually caught before they
become harmful. In a population, harmful mutations are selected against. Recombination is also a source of genetic
variation. Recombination includes independent assortment and crossing over, which produce gametes with unique
chromosomal sequences. Another cause of genetic variation within a population is gene flow. If an individual organism
becomes a part of a new population, it brings its alleles to the new population. The genetic variation of this population will
increase and phenotypic expression is likely to change. Genetic variation is shown through gene expression. DNA is
transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins. Nitrogenous bases are the building blocks of DNA, and have
an effect on the form and function of amino acid sequences. 3 base sequences of nitrogenous bases, called codons, code
for specific amino acids. Genotype also affects phenotype. They are shown through dominant: AA; heterozygous: Aa; and
recessive: aa. A punnet square can be used to determine the genotype. If a dominant allele is paired with a recessive
allele, it takes on the phenotype of the dominant allele. An example is Mendel’s experiment with the flowers.
MCQ: Which of the following is an example of a missense
mutation (a type of point mutation), that is often common in
African-Americans? This mutation is expressed through a
phenotypically recessive characteristic and results in a defect
in the hemoglobin gene.
a) Down syndrome
b) Sickle-cell anemia
c) Klinefelter Syndrome
d) Huntington’s Disease
FRQ: Describe 3 ways genetic variation can occur and how
each can affect phenotypic variation in a population.
LO 3.26- Answer Key
MCQ: Which of the following is an example of a missense mutation (a type of point mutation), that is
often common in African-Americans? This mutation is expressed through a phenotypically recessive
characteristic and results in a defect in the hemoglobin gene.
a) Down Syndrome
b) Sickle-cell anemia
c) Klinefelter Syndrome
d) Huntington’s Disease
FRQ: Describe 3 ways genetic variation can occur and how each can affect a phenotypic variation in a
population.
One way genetic variation can occur is through genetic recombination, or the process where 2 DNA
molecules exchange genetic information, producing a new combination of alleles. Recombination
results in an increase of genetic variation among a population. This also means physically, or
phenotypically, the population will have more variation. Gene flow can also influence genetic
variation. Also called genetic migration, this is when alleles or genes are transferred from one
population to another. This may introduce new genes to a population that it has not been exposed to
before. Mutations greatly influence genetic variation. A mutation is simply a change of an organism’s
nucleotide sequence. Mutations occur sometimes because damage to DNA was not caught and
repaired. Errors in the process of replication are common, but are usually caught before the cell
growth becomes a problem. Mutations may or not result in a change in phenotype. It does however,
affect the survival rate of the organism and can result in a less diverse gene pool.
LO 4.27: The student is able to make scientific claims and predictions about how species diversity within
an ecosystem influences ecosystem stability.
SP 6.4: The student can make claims and predictions about natural phenomena based on scientific
theories and models
Explanation: Natural and artificial ecosystems that lack species diversity have been proven to be often less resilient to
environmental changes around them. This is because these changes could kill off a species important to the food chain, so
one species begins to overpopulate and kill off its food supply because there are too many. This starts a chain that
eventually reaches the plants themselves, which could cause erosion and soil degradation and cause the entire ecosystem
to die out. Keystone organisms, producers (mostly if not always plants), and other important biotic and abiotic factors help
maintain the diversity in ecosystems. However, their effect on the ecosystem is severely disproportionate to their relative
population size, so when they are removed from the ecosystem, the ecosystem, in many cases, collapses.
M.C. Question: If the keystone species in an ecosystem is
removed or dies out, which of the following would be the
most likely result?
a) The primary consumers would overpopulate and kill off
the main producer species.
b) There would be too little prey for predators, so they
would die out.
c) There would be an increase in diversity because a
predator would be eliminated.
d) There would be no change, as keystone species aren’t
essential to the ecosystem.
FRQ: Suppose in an marine ecosystem, phytoplankton are
the main producers for the ecosystem. What would happen
to the population size of the phytoplankton if the primary
consumer for that ecosystem was killed off? How would it
effect the ecosystem as a whole? What if the primary
predator for that ecosystem was killed off? How would it
effect the ecosystem as a whole?
Answer Key LO 4.27
If the keystone species in an ecosystem is removed or dies out, which of the following would be the
most likely result?
a) The primary consumers would overpopulate and kill off the main producer species.
b) There would be too little prey for predators, so they would die out.
c) There would be an increase in diversity because a predator would be eliminated.
d) There would be no change, as keystone species aren’t essential to the ecosystem.
Suppose in an marine ecosystem, phytoplankton are the main producers for the ecosystem. What would
happen to the population size of the phytoplankton if the primary consumer for that ecosystem was killed
off? Why? How would it effect the ecosystem as a whole? What if the primary predator for that ecosystem
was killed off? Why? How would it effect the ecosystem as a whole?
If the primary consumer in this ecosystem were to be killed off, the population size of the phytoplankton
would increase drastically because they would have no predator. The population size is normally
checked by the primary consumers consuming the phytoplankton, but if they are removed, they would
have nothing checking their growth and they would grow drastically. This would eventually kill off the
ecosystem because there would no longer be a food chain, so the predators would die along with
everything but the phytoplankton. However, a new consumer may take the place of the removed one
and the ecosystem would survive. Either way, ecosystem diversity would decrease. If the primary
predator for that ecosystem was killed off, the phytoplankton population would essentially disappear
because of overpopulation by the primary consumers. With no predator to check their population size,
the consumers would grow and eventually consume most or all of the phytoplankton in the ecosystem.
This would reduce ecosystem diversity because that would eliminate the producers and the predators
above because they would have no food chain.
LO 1.20: The student is able to analyze data related to questions of speciation and extinction throughout the Earth’s history.
SP 5.1: The student can analyze data to identify patterns or relationships.
Explanation: The environment has played a large role in speciation and extinction throughout the Earth’s history. Today humans largely contribute to species
extinction, by over-hunting and destroying species habitats (deforestation especially). Before, extreme climate change was the main cause of a species
extinction due to a species inability to adapt quickly enough, and therefore they would die. Speciation is the formation of new species helping to create more
biodiversity during evolution. The two main types of speciation are allopatric and sympatric speciation. For example, Charles Darwin researched finches,
ground finches and tree finches, located in the Galapagos Islands, discovering that natural selection had taken place. Habitat isolation, or geographical isolation,
caused the finches to interact rarely allowing for genetic mutations to occur. These mutations led to natural selection and two distinctive gene pools, ultimately
resulting in two distinctive finch species. This resulted in the different beak shapes. This geographical/ habitat isolation speciation is called allopatric speciation.
His data findings also indicated sympatric speciation in which several of the ground finches, or tree finches, which were not geographically separated, were still
unable to reproduce with one another. This indicated they were two separate species. This was probably due to several types of isolation including: temporal
isolation, meaning species do not breed at the same time; behavioral isolation, where a two species might have a different mating song/ritual; mechanical
isolation, meaning reproductive parts do not match up…etc. Another example of sympatric speciation is by plants throughout history. Chromosomal changes
can occur causing a plant to have extra sets of chromosomes, called being polyploidy. These extra sets of chromosomes do not allow for interbreeding because
meiosis is unable to function normally. This creates reproductive isolation. Through analyzing data collected in experiments such as Darwin’s finches, we are
able to gain further insight into how speciation occurs in populations.
Multiple Choice Question: In a study conducted in the Grand Canyon, Harris
found that two closely related antelope squirrels (the ammospermophilus
harrisi and the ammospermophilus leucurus) living on different rims of a
canyon were no longer able to reproduce. Which of the following statements
is true?
A) Geographical isolation caused for allopatric speciation to occur between
the two squirrel relatives.
B) Geographical isolation caused for sympatric speciation to occur between
the two squirrel relatives.
C) One of the squirrel populations will go extinct due to lack of reproductive
ability.
D) Due to behavioral isolation, sympatric speciation occurs causing the two
squirrel species to distance themselves from one another.
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Two species that once shared a common
ancestor can become two separate species through two main types of
speciation (allopatric and sympatric speciation). The eastern and western
meadowlark are not separated by any geographical barriers. Although they
look physically similar (feather color, body shape/size…etc), they are two
distinct biological species. In detail, explain which of type of speciation
would best explain this speciation that occurred, and why?
Answer Key-LO 1.20
In a study conducted in the Grand Canyon, Harris found that two closely related antelope squirrels (the ammospermophilus harrisi and the
ammospermophilus leucurus) living on different rims of a canyon were no longer able to reproduce. Which of the following statements is true?
A) Geographical isolation caused for allopatric speciation to occur between the two squirrel relatives.
B) Geographical isolation caused for sympatric speciation to occur between the two squirrel relatives.
C) One of the squirrel populations will go extinct due to lack of reproductive ability.
D) Due to behavioral isolation, sympatric speciation occurs causing the two squirrel species to distance themselves from one another.
Two species that once shared a common ancestor can become two separate
species through two main types of speciation (allopatric and sympatric
speciation). The eastern and western meadowlark are not separated by any
geographical barriers. Although they look physically similar (feather color,
body shape/size…etc), they are two distinct biological species. In detail,
explain which of type of speciation would best explain this speciation that
occurred, and why?
Although the western and eastern meadowlark are physically similar
their inability to reproduce is likely due to sympatric speciation.
Sympatric speciation deals more with reproductive isolation than
geographic isolation. Reproductive isolation is generated by extra
chromosomes (polyploidy) that are unable to pair causing meiosis to be
abnormal. This all happens without any type of geographic isolation.
Behavioral isolation is a type of reproductive isolation that could have
resulted in this sympatric speciation. This would mean that the two
meadowlarks have different mating songs or other courtship rituals
that prevent them from being attracted to one another. Another type
of reproductive isolation that could have caused this sympatric
speciation is temporal isolation, in which the two birds have different
mating seasons/times and therefore would not mate. A third type of
reproductive isolation that could cause this type of speciation is
mechanical isolation. This is where the two birds reproductive parts
do not fit together and therefore they are unable to reproduce,
indicating two different species. For these reasons/ types of
reproductive isolations the western and eastern meadowlark are
different species due to sympatric speciation.
The Western
and Eastern
Meadowlark
LO 2.8: The student is able to justify the selection of data regarding the types of molecules that an animal, plant or
bacterium will take up as necessary building blocks and excrete as waste products.
SP 4.1: The student can justify the selection of the kind of data needed to answer a particular scientific question.
Explanation: In order to grow, reproduce, and maintain organization, animals, plants and bacteria must take up molecules including carbon, nitrogen,
phosphorous, and water. Carbon is needed for forming carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids which are the four classes of organic
compounds. Carbohydrates are used for fuel and for building materials and composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Organisms take up oxygen
through cellular respiration and take up both hydrogen and oxygen through water consumption. In plants, through the process of photosynthesis,
carbon dioxide and water are catalyzed by light to convert to sugar, oxygen and water. Sugar is used to power the cell while oxygen is a waste product.
The reactants and products are reversed in the process of cellular respiration, which is found in animals, plants and bacteria. In respiration, oxygen is
taken up and carbon dioxide is released. The oxygen taken up is then used as the final electron receptor in the Electron Transport Chain in order to make
ATP and power the cell. Nitrogen is also an essential building block for organisms as it is used both in building proteins and nucleic acids. Animals breathe
in nitrogen in the air and plants absorb it from the soil with the assistance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Phosphorous is also taken up by animals, plants,
and bacteria to form nucleic acids and some lipids. Organisms also depend on water for multiple reasons including its utilization in reactions. In
hydrolysis, water molecules are used to break apart and break down other molecules in the process of digestion. In dehydration synthesis, on the other
hand, water molecules are produced and released as other molecules join together. Different data sets can provide clues as to which processes are
occurring and what organic compounds are being constructed from the necessary building blocks that are taken up. For photosynthesis and cellular
respiration processes, rates of carbon dioxide or oxygen release signify the relative rates of the entire process. Rates in different conditions can then be
compared.
M.C. Question: A strand of E. coli bacteria is cultured for several generations in a medium
containing a heavy isotope of nitrogen, 15N. The bacteria is then placed in a medium containing the
lighter isotope of nitrogen, 14N, for one generation. How would you expect the DNA of the E. coli to
have changed in construction due to their environment after this generation?
A. Every double helix of DNA will contain one old strand with nitrogenous bases composed entirely
of 15N and one new strand composed with 14N nitrogen.
B. Each nitrogenous base will be made up of both 14N and 15N nitrogen.
C. Adenine and guanine nitrogenous bases will be composed of 14N while cytosine and thymine
nitrogenous bases will be composed of 15N .
D. All of the DNA will be composed of the heavier, stronger nitrogen, 15N .
FRQ Question: In many labs, levels of photosynthesis or cellular respiration are collected and
compared. In order to determine what conditions, such as what intensity of light, chloroplasts are
most efficient at, describe the data you would collect, how you would collect it, and why this data
would help in the overall determination of specific rates of photosynthesis.
ANSWER KEY-LO 2.8
A strand of E. coli bacteria is cultured for several generations in a medium containing a heavy isotope of nitrogen, 15N. The
bacteria is then placed in a medium containing the lighter isotope of nitrogen, 14N, for one generation. How would you expect the
DNA of the E. coli to have changed in construction due to their environment after this generation?
A. Every double helix of DNA will contain one old strand with nitrogenous bases composed entirely of 15N and one new strand
composed with 14N nitrogen.
B. Each nitrogenous base will be made up of both 14N and 15N nitrogen.
C. Adenine and guanine nitrogenous bases will be composed of 14N while cytosine and thymine nitrogenous bases will be
composed of 15N .
D. All of the DNA will be composed of the heavier, stronger nitrogen, 15N .
In many labs, levels of photosynthesis or cellular respiration are collected and compared. In order to determine what conditions,
such as what intensity of light, chloroplasts are most efficient at, describe the data you would collect, how you would collect it,
and why this data would help in the overall determination of specific rates of photosynthesis.
To determine the efficiency levels of chloroplasts I would utilize their production of oxygen to measure the overall rates of
photosynthesis. The chemical reaction equation for photosynthesis is: 6 CO2 + 12 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2 + 6 H2O, with
sugars, oxygen and water as the products. Because of this, the quicker the rate of photosynthesis, the higher the levels of oxygen
produced. In order to determine the relative rates of oxygen production I would use a respirometer to measure the levels of
oxygen. In this way I could collect the amount of oxygen produced by each collection of chloroplasts and compare the rates of
production. To test the effects of the intensity of light on overall photosythesis effectiveness I would set up several identical test
tubes containing a chloroplast solution at varying intensities of light, including one facing direct light, one having semi-direct light,
and one with indirect light. After measuring the amounts of oxygen produced I would have a more certifiable idea of how light
intensity affects photosynthesis. Repeated trails and large sample sizes would allow my data to be even more reliable.
Signal Transduction and Responses
LO: 3.38 – The student is able to describe a model that expresses key elements to show how a
change in signal transduction can alter cellular responses.
SP: 1.5 – The student can re-express key elements of natural phenomena across multiple
representations of the domain
There are three main steps in signal transduction. Reception occurs when a ligand
binds to a receptor protein embedded within the cell membrane. Transduction is the cascade of
chemical signals that takes place within the cell after reception has occurred that triggers the third
step of this process, the response.
A couple examples of a cellular response:
1) a liver cell releasing glucose into the bloodstream
2) the activation of transcription enzymes in the nucleus.
In this example, we will look at how the hormone epinephrine triggers the release
of glucose from liver cells.
Epinephrine binds to a G-protein linked receptor embedded in the cell membrane. The activation
of this protein causes the release of a section of the G-protein called the alpha subunit. This
subunit travels through the cytosol and binds to a receptor protein called adenylyl cyclase. This
protein is also found embedded within the cell membrane. When the alpha subunit attaches to
adenylyl cyclase, that protein becomes active. The job of adenylyl cyclase is to convert ATP
molecules to cAMP (cyclic adenosine-monophosphate). ATP is chemically attracted to adenylyl
cyclase, and when it reaches it, two phosphate groups are cleaved off, leaving one phosphate group
behind. The open bonds that are left form a ring structure that gives cAMP its name. Adenylyl
cyclase is the enzyme that is most responsible for amplifying the G-protein linked response simply
because as long as the alpha subunit is bound to it, ATP will be continuously converted to cAMP.
The cAMP that is converted will bind to protein kinases (action proteins). Specifically, they will bind
to the regulatory subunits of the protein kinase, allowing the catalytic subunits to break off and
acquire phosphate groups from ATP. The catalytic subunits are now active and can bind to other
proteins that directly trigger responses. The catalytic subunits bind to a protein called
phosphorylase which moves along chains of glucose (glycogen), separating individual glucose
molecules to be released into the bloodstream. *This cellular response elevates blood sugar levels,
increases the heart rate, and dilates skeletal blood vessels for easier transport of blood and
hormones through the body.*
Answer Key – LO 3.38
M.C. Question: What protein or chemical directly influences the activation of a protein
kinase in signal transduction?
A) Epinepherine
B) Adenylyl Cyclase
C) cAMP
D) the G-protein
Learning Log/FRQ: Explain why it is important for ATP to be converted to cAMP in a
signal transduction pathway. Which protein is responsible for facilitating this conversion?
You may draw a picture as an aid to your explanation, but be sure to adequately address
the question in writing.
Answer: ATP must be converted to cAMP so that it can bind to a protein kinase’s
regulatory subunits, freeing its catalytic subunits. These catalytic subunits become active
by binding to ATP so that they can directly trigger a response. Adenylyl cyclase is the
protein that is responsible for converting ATP to cAMP.
LO 4.26 The student is able to use theories and models to make scientific claims and/or
predictions about the effects of variation within populations on survival and fitness.
SP 6.4 The student can make claims and predictions about natural phenomena based on scientific
theories and models.
•
Explanation: Fitness is the contribution that an individual makes to the gene pool of the next generation, relative to the
contributions of other individuals. It involves the contribution of a genotype to the next generation compared to other
genotypes of the same locus. The distribution of these traits can be altered in three ways. Directional selection, which is the
most common, is when the overall makeup of the population is shifted toward one extreme of the phenotype. Disruptive
selection is when the selection is favored at both extreme ends of the phenotypic distribution. Stabilizing selection removes
the extreme variants and preserves the intermediate phenotypes. Hardy-Weinberg equations allow us to predict genotypic
frequencies of future generations using the allelic frequencies that we have in the current population. p 2 + 2pq + q2 is the
equation that you use, where p2 is the percentage of homozygous dominant individuals, q2 is the percentage of homozygous
recessive individuals, and 2pq is the percentage of heterozygous individuals. Polymorphism, when two or more distinct alleles
are present at a specific locus, is a way that genetic variation is displayed within a population. Average heterozygosity is a
quantitative way that shows the proportion of individuals in a population that are heterozygous at a certain locus.
Why is genetic polymorphism important to evolution?
a) Variability between individuals provides the basis for which natural
selection acts upon
b) Genes can’t mutate unless polymorphic
c) Only heterozygous individuals are selected in natural populations
d) Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is less likely to be disturbed in
polymorphic populations
e) None of the above; polymorphism isn’t important to evolution
Successfully doing the tango is a homozygous
recessive trait (tt). In all Americans, 16% of
people have this genotype. What percentage of
the population would be heterozygous? What
would be an advantage of being heterozygous?
Why is genetic polymorphism important to
evolution?
a) Variability between individuals provides
the basis for which natural selection acts
upon
b) Genes can’t mutate unless polymorphic
c) Only heterozygous individuals are selected
in natural populations
d) Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is less likely to
be disturbed in polymorphic populations
e) None of the above; polymorphism isn’t
important to evolution
I love
FITNESS!
Successfully doing the tango is a
homozygous recessive trait (tt). In all
Americans, 16% of people have this
genotype. What percentage of the
population would be heterozygous? What
would be an advantage of being
heterozygous?
q2 = 0.16, so q = 0.4
If q = 0.4, then p = 0.6
p2 + 2pq + q2 = (0.4)2 + 2(0.4)(0.6) + (0.6)2
2pq = percentage of heterozygous individuals
2pq = 2(0.4)(0.6) = 0.48
48% of individuals will be heterozygous for the tango success trait
Sometimes, individuals who are heterozygous for a particular trait
have greater fitness that homozygotes. Heterozygotes can usually
be protected against effects that may affect the homozygotes. In
this case, you will never be the worst tango dancer on the dance
floor, but you will also not be the best. Not being the best can,
however, be an advantage because you don’t want everyone to
watch you. Being heterozygous for tango dancing can definitely
have its advantages.
•
•
•
a)
b)
c)
d)
•
LO 1.30 The student is able to evaluate scientific hypotheses about the origin of life on Earth. SP 6.5 The student can evaluate alternative
scientific explanations.
Explanation: Scientific evidence has shown that processes on early Earth could produce simple cells through four main steps: 1.the abiotic
synthesis of organic molecules;2.the joining of these small molecules into polymers3.the packing of molecules into protobionts4.the origin of
self-replicating molecules that eventually made inheritance possible. The 1rst atmosphere was had water vapor, N, CO2, CH4, NH3, H in it. A. I.
Oparin & J. B. S. Haldane postulated that Earth’s early atmosphere had been a reducing (electron-adding) environment, in which organic
compounds could have formed simple molecules using energy from lightning and intense UV radiation. Haldan suggested that the early oceans
were a solution of organic molecules from which life arouse. Stanley Miller & Harold Urey tested the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis by creating
laboratory conditions close to those that were on early earth which yielded many amino acids found in organisms today. The joining of these
monomers produces polymers with the ability to replicate, store and transfer information. Some of the organic compounds may have come from
space. Protobionts are aggregates of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with some of the properties associated with
life, including simple reproduction and metabolism and the maintaining of an internal chemical environment different from that of their
surroundings. The RNA World hypothesis proposes that RNA could have been the earliest genetic material.
MC Q: What are protobionts?
aggregates of biotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with some of the properties associated with life.
aggregates of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with none of the properties associated with life.
aggregates of biotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with none of the properties associated with life.
aggregates of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with some of the properties associated with life.
FRQ: Explain the environment & process on early Earth that created molecules such as protobionts and experiments that proved it.
Answer Key L.O 1.30
•
a)
b)
c)
d)
MC Q: What are protobionts?
aggregates of biotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with some of the properties associated with life
aggregates of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with none of the properties associated with life
aggregates of biotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with none of the properties associated with life
aggregates of abiotically produced molecules surrounded by a membrane with some of the properties associated with life
FRQ: Explain the environment and process on early Earth that created molecules such as protobionts and experiments that proved it.
Earth and the other planets formed about 4.6 billion years ago and it is unlikely that life could have survived those first hundred million
years because chunks of rock and ice were still crashing into the planet. Once that slowed down, the conditions on Earth changed.
This first atmosphere probably had water vapor, nitrogen and its oxides, methane, ammonia, hydrogen , and hydrogen sulfide. The
water vapor turned into oceans as the Earth cooled. Chemist Oparin and Haldane independently postulated that the early
atmosphere had been a reducing-electron adding- environment which would have allowed organic compounds to form from simple
molecules using energy from lightening or intense UV radiation and it is from this in which life could have arouse. Scientists Miller
and Urey test their hypothesis by creating conditions in a closed system close to those thought to have existed on early Earth. A
warm flask of water represented the ocean, the atmosphere was filled with H2, CH4, NH3 and water vapor. Sparks were discharged
in the representative atmosphere to represent lightening. A condenser cooled atmosphere, raining water and any dissolved
compounds into the “sea.” As the material circulated through the apparatus they collected sample for analysis. They found many
different organic molecules including amino acids found in organisms today. The conclusion was that organic molecules, a first
step in the origin of life, can form in a strongly reducing atmosphere. The chemical and physical processes on early Earth produced
very simple cells through sequence of four main stages: 1. the abiotic synthesis of small organic molecules, such as amino acids
and nucleotides; 2. the joining of these monomers into polymers including proteins and nucleic acids. 3. the packaging of these
molecules into protobionts, droplets with membranes that maintained an internal chemist y different from that of their surrounding s
4. the origin of self-replicating molecules that eventually made inheritance possible.
LO 3.23: The student can use representations to describe mechanisms of the regulation of gene expression.
SP 1.4: The student can use representations and models to analyze situations or solve problems qualitatively and quantitatively
Explanation: Gene expression is regulated at the DNA, RNA, and the protein level. All somatic cells in one organism contain
the same DNA, however, there are switches/activators that turn these genes on or off. This process generates different
functions in cells. Before DNA undergoes transcription, it can be regulated a few ways: DNA methylation is a process that
turns off DNA and involves CH3 caps (blocks RNA polymerase); histone acetylation turns on a gene by unwinding DNA; and
epigenetic inheritance, which is the inheritance of genes other than the nucleotide sequence. DNA is also regulated at the
RNA level. First, RNA polymerase must recognize and bind to DNA at the promoter. Then, transcription is triggered at the
TATA box, which is where transcription factors bind. There are also enhancers (activators) and silencers (repressors)
involved in transcription. RNA processing involves spliceosomes, which remove introns and allow exons, expressed
sequences, to leave the nucleus. Once DNA is transcribed into a complementary RNA sequence and translated into codons of
mRNA, the amino acids eventually form a protein. Once the protein is in the cytoplasm it can tagged with ubiquitin and
degraded. P53 protein assists in apoptosis (programmed cell death). If this pathway is blocked it can lead to cancer.
M.C. Question: What effect does histone acelylation have on transcription and gene expression?
A)By unwinding the chromatin, the DNA is accessible for transcription, allowing gene expression to occur
B)It adds methyl groups to DNA and turns off gene expression
C)It forces the chromatin into a compact structure, inhibiting gene expression to occur
D)It activates transcription of a gene by binding to the enhancer
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question:
Regulation of gene expression involves certain
mechanisms that activate and inhibit. Discuss
how these mechanisms operate and their effect
on the gene.
-dna methylation vs histone acetylation
-activators vs repressors
-introns vs exons
-mRNA degradation
Alternative gene splicing
ANSWER KEY- LO 3.23
What effect does histone acelylation have on transcription and gene expression?
A)By unwinding the chromatin, the DNA is accessible for transcription, allowing gene expression to occur
B)It adds methyl groups to DNA and turns off gene expression
C)It forces the chromatin into a compact structure, inhibiting gene expression to occur
D)It activates transcription of a gene by binding to the enhancer
Regulation of gene expression involves certain mechanisms that activate and inhibit. Discuss how these mechanisms operate
and their effect on the gene.
-dna methylation vs histone acetylation
-activators vs repressors
-introns vs exons
-mRNA degradation
DNA methylation represses transcription in the nucleus by capping of the DNA strand with CH3 caps. In contrast, histone
acetylation unwinds compact chromatin structures, allowing DNA access to undergo transcription. Enhancers are involved at
the RNA level by activating transcription. There are different activators present in different cells that activate different genes.
These operate by binding to other transcription factors and mediator proteins which trigger transcription on the promoter.
Repressors operate differently in that they repress gene expression by blocking the binding of activators. Introns, noncoding
segments of mRNA, only exist in eukaryotes, and are removed by spliceosomes. This process allows for exons to be expressed.
MicroRNA (miRNA) blocks expression of mRNA molecules. This involves a Dicer that that cuts RNA into shorter segments.
Similarily, RNA interference (RNAi) pathway can cause the destruction of RNA, and ultimately contributes to regulating gene
expression in the cell.
Activators & repressors
mRNA degradation
A) LO 3.27 The student is able to compare and contrast processes by which genetic variation is
produced and maintained in organisms from multiple domains.
B) SP 7.2 The student can connect concepts in and across domain(s) to generalize or extrapolate in
and/or across enduring understandings and/or big ideas.
C) In this topic there are 3 main things we need to focus on: Mutation, crossing over, and independent
assortment. Mutations are caused by mistakes in DNA of an organism and are passed on to the next
generations if it makes the organism more likely to survive. Crossing over happens in sexual reproduction
when chromosome segments “cross over” between chromatids during prophase I of meiosis, which
creates a completely new combination of genes. If an organism uses mitosis to asexually reproduce, then
crossing over will NOT occur. Independent assortment is when chromosomes are randomly chosen
between parents for the offspring. This will NOT happen in asexual bacteria. When asexual bacteria
reproduce, their offspring have exactly the same set of chromosomes that the parent did.
D) Which of the following statements are TRUE?
a.) Bacteria use meiosis to grow and to
increase genetic variation.
b.) Mitosis increases genetic variation by
randomly selecting chromosomes between
parents for the offspring.
c.) Crossing over involves chromatids of
homologous chromosomes pairing up to
decrease genetic variation.
d.) Mutations originate because a trait helped
the organism in survival and reproduction.
e.) None of the above.
E) Discuss 3 mechanisms that help
increase genetic variation.
G) The correct answer to the multiple choice question is E, None of the above.
a) Bacteria use meiosis to grow and to increase genetic variation. FALSE. Bacteria use mitosis
to grow and these cells are identical, there is no genetic variation here.
b) Mitosis increases genetic variation by randomly selecting chromosomes between parents
for the offspring. FALSE. Mitosis is the division of cells into identical cells, there is no genetic
variation here. Randomly selecting chromosomes between parents for the offspring doesn’t
even exist in mitosis.
c) Crossing over involves chromatids of homologous chromosomes pairing up to decrease
genetic variation. FALSE. Crossing over involve chromatids of homologous chromosomes
pairing up, but to increase genetic variation, not decrease.
d) Mutations originate because a trait helped the organism in survival and reproduction.
FALSE. This obviously leaves e) None of the above to be the answer. This answer choice is
false because mutations occur randomly in the genetic code, they are not chosen to occur
through evolution.
FRQ: Discuss 3 mechanisms that help increase genetic variation. Three mechanisms which
help increase genetic variation are crossing over, mutations, and independent assortment.
Crossing over is what happens in prophase 1 in meiosis, and this is where two chromatids
literally cross over and mix up their genes, which obviously results in more variation.
Mutations occur when there are mistakes in DNA replication, so the genetic code is changed.
The organism with the mutation will either die, be unaffected, or benefit. An example would
be if a giraffe had a mutation where its neck was twice the length it normally is so it can reach
higher branches. Natural selection would take effect and that trait will be chosen for the next
generation, because it helped this giraffe survive. Independent assortment is when
chromosomes are randomly selected from the parents. The result of it are genetically unique
gametes.
LO 1.4: The student is able to evaluate data-based evidence that describes evolutionary changes in
the genetic makeup of a population over time.
SP 5.3: The student can evaluate the evidence provided by data sets in relation to a particular
scientific question.
Explanation: Evolution is the gradual change over time in which you can tell that it occurs by fossils
and the similarities in homologous structures. To know if a certain population is evolving,
you would do it though the Hardy-Weinberg Theorem. (Micro)Evolution occurs through gene
flow, mutations, genetic drift, bottle neck population, founder effect, non random sampling,
and natural selection.
M.C Question: Darwin's evolutionary theory included which of the theory...?
A. Natural selection: occurs through interactions between the environment and the variability
among individual organisms in a population
B. Evolution: a gradual change over time
C. Sexual Selection: marked differences between the sexes in secondary
sexual
characteristics
D. A & B
Learning Log/ FRQ- style Question: Discuss the differences between Darwin’s and Lamarck’s theory
of evolution. Identify and explain two of Darwin’s theory in how it could alter a population’s
genetic composition. Include the evidence of evolution.
ANSWER KEY LO 1.4
M.C Question: Darwin's evolutionary theory included which of the theory...?
A. Natural selection: occurs through interactions between the environment and the variability
among individual organisms in a population
B. Evolution: a gradual change over time
C. Sexual Selection: marked differences between the sexes in secondary sexual characteristics
D. Evolutionary Adaptation: an accumulation of inherited characteristics that enhance organisms'
ability to survive and reproduce in specific environment
E. A & B & D
Learning Log/ FRQ- style Question: The difference between Darwin’s and Lamarck’s theory of
evolution was that Darwin believed that the main mechanism for evolution was through a process
called natural selection where the favorable traits are passed on causing it to be more common
while the unfavorable traits are not passed down causing it to be less common which also cause the
favorable traits to be more fitted to the environment. On the other hand, Lamarck believed that
organisms that acquired certain traits during their lifetime will be passed down to their offspring, in
other words, Darwin believed that traits were already present and gained and changed during their
lifetime while Lamarck believed that traits were only acquired through lifetime and then passed to
the offspring.
Two types that could alter a population’s genetic composition are genetic drift in which is the change
in the frequency of a gene allele in one’s population due to random sampling and the bottleneck
effect in which occurs when one’s population is dramatically decreased due to environmental
factors. This causes one’s population to be at different places (genetic drift being a factor) and
cause it to have many substantial effects on the gene pool. This then causes the evidence of
evolution due to comparing the similar homologous structures with different functions and show
signs of evolution of a common ancestor which may include vestigial organs. Other evidence may
include comparative embryo and biogeography.
LO 1.10 The student is able to refine evidence based on data from many scientific
disciplines that support biological evolution.
SP 5.2 The student can refine observations and measurements based on data
analysis.
By reviewing evidence based on data from scientific disciplines such as molecular biology,
biogeography, and comparative embryology, one can make a strong support for biological
evolution. Using tools such as BLAST one can prove that organisms with similar DNA could have
been related. If a student were to use the BLAST program to compare two organisms’
nucleotide DNA sequences for a gene, the more nucleotide similarities they had together, the
greater the chances are that they are related, or evolved from one another. Biogeography is
the study of the geographical distribution of species over time. One could prove two organisms
evolved from one another by proving that they have similar structures and occupy similar
niches in similar environments. Comparative embryology helps to prove evolution because the
embryo’s of most animals look very similar. As seen in the picture below, the embryo of a
chicken and human early in embryonic development look similar.
M.C. Question: Which of the following is NOT a supporting
factor for the theory of biological evolution?
a) Homologous structures
b) Comparative Embryology
c) Molecular Biology
d) Similar Adaptations
e) Fossils
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Explain how using such tools as BLAST could prove
that a newly discovered fossil (with a soft tissue sample) could be related to a
previously related organism.
M.C. Question: Which of the following is NOT a supporting factor for the theory of
biological evolution?
a) Homologous structures
b) Comparative Embryology
c) Molecular Biology
d) Similar Adaptations
e) Fossils
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Explain how using such tools as BLAST could prove
that a newly discovered fossil (with a soft tissue sample) could be related to a
previously related organism.
Since the fossil has a soft tissue sample, once could collect a DNA sample and
determine the sequence of nucleotides by doing a process such as automated chaintermination DNA sequencing. Once the nucleotide is known, one could use the BLAST
website to cross-reference the DNA in question against all preexisting DNA sequences.
If there is an organism with a high percentage match, then the two organisms
are/were related.
LO 1.9:The student is able to evaluate evidence provided by data from many scientific disciplines that support biological
evolution.
SP 5.3: The Student can evaluate the evidence provided by data sets in relation to a particular scientific question.
Explanation: Evidence of biological evolution uses information from geographical, geological, physical, chemical , as well as mathematical
applications. These applications can help us look back at data and the genetic information of living and extinct animals to help give us a greater
understanding of evolution. Data such as graphs or charts can be used to show the growth or decline in a specific trait, gene, or physical feature
in a species. Biochemical and genetic similarities in certain DNA nucleotides and protein sequences provide evidence of evolution and natural
selection. Geographical evolution can be seen through the sugar glider and flying squirrel, both live on different continents but have similar
appearances which suggest that through natural selection and similar environments they have adapted the same characteristics as each other.
Although the sugar glider is closely related to other Australian marsupials rather then North American eutherian’s. Physical evolution
characteristics through data can be seen below in the figure displaying the bone structures. Humans along with other mammals have similar
bone structure, although the homologous structures have different functions the have the same skeletal elements.
M.C. Question: Of the following graph which is the correct statement
about the finches beaks during the drought?
A) As the drought goes on the beaks get smaller.
B) The smaller beaked birds dyed out during the drought only leaving
the larger beaked birds to survive.
C) The large beaked bids ate the smaller beaked birds which caused
them to become the dominate species.
D) Not enough data to conclude.
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Compare and contrast the Anatomical
similarities and differences in the chicken and human embryos,
and what can be determined about there ancestry?
Be sure to label the similar parts between the chicken and human.
Also include one other structures that humans have while they are still embryos?
Answer Key LO 1.9
M.C. Question:
1)Of the following graph which is the correct statement about the finches beaks during the drought?
A) As the drought goes on the beaks get smaller.
B) The smaller beaked birds dyed out during the drought only leaving
the larger beaked birds to survive.
C) The large beaked bids ate the smaller beaked birds which caused
them to become the dominate species.
D) Not enough data to conclude.
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question:
Compare and contrast the Anatomical similarities and differences in the chicken and human embryos, and what can be
determined about there ancestry? Be sure to label the similar parts between the chicken and human. Also include one
other structures that humans have while they are still embryos?
-Some of the anatomical similarities of the chicken and human embryos are that they both have post-anal tail’s and
pharyngeal pouches or gills, this can be determined that at one point in time ourselves and chickens had a common
ancestor due to similarities. Another structures along with gills and a tail that humans have are webbed feet and
hands, which suggest that through evolution we have adapted to land.
LO 2.32 – The student is able to use a graph or diagram to analyze situations or solve problems (quantitatively or
qualitatively) that involve timing and coordination of events necessary for normal development in an organism.
SP 1.4 – The student can use representations and models to analyze situations or solve problems quantitatively or
qualitatively.
Explanation – Many mechanisms regulate timing and coordination of molecular, physiology and behavioral events that are needed for an
organism’s development and its survival. In order for a cell to develop, cell differentiation, cell division or morphogenesis must occur. This
comes from the expression of genes, and the induction of transcription factors during development result in different gene expression. Once
those genes have been expressed and structures have been established, apoptosis plays a major role in normal development by eliminating
certain regions in order to form digits in organisms.
Timing and Coordination come into play for normal development because individuals can act on information and communicate it to others and
those responses to information become important to natural selection. This is evident in example behaviors like courtship rituals, hibernation and
even migration. This communication contributes to survival of populations and individuals and to normal development within individuals and
their ecosystems.
Multiple Choice Question: The ultimate basis for the differences
between cells is transcription regulation, but it’s induction that brings
about differentiation in the genes. Which of the following model
organisms is a more useful model for investigating the roles of cell
signaling, induction, and programmed cell death?
A) Drosophila
B) Arabidopsis
C) C. elegans
D) MyoD
Zygote
Adult animal
Gastrula
Eight Cells Blastula
(sea star)
(fertilized egg)
(Cross Section) (cross section)
Cell Division
Animal and Plant
Development
Free Response Question: A newly cloned species of goats were successfully created and
were released into the a controlled community over a year ago. Researchers saw a
multitude of abnormalities and deaths in goats each month and a few conclusions were
made about the as to why the abnormalities and deaths were occurring:
Zygote
(fertilized
egg)
Morphogenesis
Observable Cell Differentiation
Two Cells
Interdigital tissue
Embryo
inside
seed
• Nothing was changed in apoptotic cells, and programmed cell death did not occur
• There were more methyl groups than the DNA equivalent cells from uncloned
embryos of the goat species
Explain why each could be a cause of the prevention of normal development, use a
Diagram to further explain or prove one of the two possibilities.
Apoptosis
Plant
Answer Key LO 2.32
Multiple Choice Answer: The ultimate basis for the differences
between cells is transcription regulation, but it’s induction that brings
about differentiation in the genes. Which of the following model
organisms is a more useful model for investigating the roles of cell
signaling, induction, and programmed cell death?
A) Drosophilia
Ced-9
B) Arabidopsis
protein (active)
C) C. elegans
inhibits Ced-4
activity
D) MyoD
Mitochondrion
Free Response Answer:
• Nothing was changed in apoptotic cells, and programmed cell death did not
occur
• There were more methyl groups than the DNA equivalent cells from uncloned
embryos of the goat species
Explain why each could be a cause of the abnormalities or deaths in the
population, use a Diagram to further explain or prove one of the three
possibilities.
1) On the diagram to the right, we see that for a change to be seen and for cell
death to occur, a cell would have to receive a death signal, the Ced-9 would
be inactivated and it would relieve its inhibition of Ced-3 and Ced-4. That
Ced-3 would trigger a lot of actions leading up to the activation of nucleases
and proteases. There could have also been no death signal and the Ced-9
may have not been located on the outer membrane, and apoptosis would’ve
been inhibited
2) Due to the fact that DNA methylation helps regulate gene expression, the
misplaced methyl groups in the DNA of donor nuclei may interfere with the
pattern of gene expression necessary for normal embryonic development
Death
signal
receptor
Ced-4Ced-3
Inactive proteins
(a) No death signal
Ced-9
(inactive)
Cell
forms
blebs
Death
signal
ActiveActive
Ced-4Ced-3
Activation
cascade
(b) Death signal
Other
proteases
Nucleases
Learning Objective 2.24: The student is able to analyze data to identify possible patterns and relationships between a biotic or abiotic factor and
a biological system (cells, organism, populations, communities, or ecosystems.
Science Practice 5.1: The student can analyze data to identify patterns or relationships.
Explanation: Abiotic factors in the environment are non living factors such as temperature, water availability, and sunlight. Biotic
factors are all of the living things in the environment. The cell can be affected by abiotic factors, and water can cause a cell to expand
and contract. Also, in plants sunlight is required for the cells to undergo photosynthesis in order for the plant to grow. Organisms can
also be effected by these factors through predator-prey relationships. These are biotic factors that can help to grow or shrink a
population. If there is an abundance of a predator such as a snake, then there will be a smaller mouse population; this also can happen
in reverse. The predator-prey relationship keeps the population to a size that is conducive to its environment. Other factors can effect
the success of a population in regards to these relationships. This is seen in red kangaroos. The distribution of red kangaroos may be
able to be determined by both abiotic and biotic factors or patterns. These kangaroos only live in stable environments that do not have
a variable climate that changes from wet to dry. These kangaroos mostly enjoy dry climates(which are abiotic), the higher
temperatures allow them to thrive. In many other organisms symbiosis is a huge relationship. Biotic factors feed off of each other in
order to survive. One way this is seen is through mutualism where both organisms involved are benefitted. An example of mutualism
is the relationship between a human and microorganisms. The “good” bacteria in our digestive tract breaks down food into small
useable compounds, while they benefit from the nutrients. Scientists can use data such as soil pH levels and nutrient levels to
determine the optimal soil conditions for plants to grow. A healthy, thriving ecosystem that flows well with the perfect mixture of
factors will live in harmony and keep the biological systems running.
Multiple Choice Question: Which of the following interactions between
biotic and abiotic factors would benefit the entire ecosystem?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The abundance of light and warm temperatures allowing for more plants to
grow a plentiful amount of food for primary and secondary consumers.
Mosses growing on the side Oak trees taking in the water for themselves,
but still giving water to the trees.
Foxes overpopulating an area, and killing all of the rabbits that eat the
wildflowers. This leads to rapid growth of wildflowers.
Temperature fluctuates in an area in the Tropic of Cancer, causing
different seasons of extreme hot and extreme cold. This leads to the
decrease in parasites and disease causing fungi leading to exponential
growth of producers.
FRQ Style Question: Discuss how abiotic and biotic factors work
together to create a positive environment in the food chain. How
do these factors benefit the individuals in the ecosystem, and
name two ways that biotic factors work to control populations,
and give two examples.
Multiple Choice Question: Which of the following interactions between biotic and abiotic factors would benefit the entire
ecosystem?
a. The abundance of light and warm temperatures allowing for more plants to grow a plentiful amount of food for primary and
secondary consumers.
b. Mosses growing on the side Oak trees taking in the water for themselves, but still giving water to the trees.
c. Foxes overpopulating an area, and killing all of the rabbits that eat the wildflowers. This leads to rapid growth of wildflowers.
d. Temperature fluctuates in an area in the Tropic of Cancer, causing different seasons of extreme hot and extreme cold. This leads to
the decrease in parasites and disease causing fungi leading to exponential growth of producers.
FRQ Style Question: Discuss how abiotic and biotic factors work together to create a positive environment in the food chain.
How do these factors benefit the individuals in the ecosystem, and name two ways that biotic factors work to control
populations, and give two examples.
Answer: Without abiotic and biotic factors working in harmony
the food chain would be disrupted. There must be a balance of
light, water, temperature, and a perfect pH level in the soil in
order for first level producers to grow. These producers can then
grow and use light to provide oxygen to the environment as well
as be a source of nutrients for herbivores. Without the first levels
of the food chain, nutrients could not be passed through the
ecosystem to the larger predators who get their energy and
nutrients from smaller herbivores and carnivores. Individuals in
an ecosystem are benefited in different ways. Plants are benefitted
greatly from abiotic factors. Without light, and a neutral pH level
they would not be able to survive. Abiotic factors must be perfect,
this includes the amount of water availability that is accessible to
plants and animals for survival. Predator-prey relationships
control populations by keeping that amount of animals at each
trophic level conducive to the resources in the area. Foxes keep
the rabbit population down by hunting the proper amount and
staying in their territories. Parasites also help to keep populations
under control because they infect populations, allowing for the
strongest individuals to survives. This helps keep the food chain
healthy, and helps keep the area proportionate to the resources
that can be abiotic or biotic.
*Examples can be anything that represents relationships between
living and/or nonliving factors. *
LO 3.30: The student is able to use representations and appropriate models to describe how viral replication introduces
genetic variation in the viral population.
SP 1.4: The student can use representations and models to analyze situations or solve problems qualitatively and
quantitatively.
Explanation: Viruses cannot reproduce on their own so they depend on host cells to allow them to produce copies of themselves and transfer
genetic material. When found outside of host cells, viruses exist as a protein coat or capsid, sometimes enclosed within a membrane. The capsid
encloses either DNA or RNA which codes for viral elements. Viral replication allows for mutations to occur through usual host pathways.
Mutation is the major source of genetic variation in viruses. Mutations occur in retroviruses and RNA viruses due to the error prone nature of
RNA polymerases. They have a higher rate of mutation than DNA viruses because DNA polymerases have proofreading activity whereas RNA
viruses do not. Another major source of genetic variation comes from transduction. Transduction happens through either the lytic cycle or the
lysogenic cycle in bacteria. In the lytic cycle, the viral DNA will infect and break up the host cell’s chromosome so that only the viral DNA remains.
Thus, it can replicate and create many phages which will then cause the cell to lyse (burst into pieces) and release all the phages. These released
phages can go on to infect other host cells and can initiate the lysogenic cycle which is the cycle where most of the genetic incorporation and
variation can occur. In the lysogenic cycle, a phage DNA is inserted into the host cell by a bacteriophage (bacterial virus), which then integrates
itself into the host cell’s bacterial chromosome. Thus, when the host cell replicates, the viral DNA will also be reproduced along with the
bacteria’s own original DNA. These mechanisms provide the much needed genetic diversity to the viral population.
M.C Question: What is one reason why it is difficult to make effective vaccines to prevent diseases caused by RNA viruses?
A) The glycoproteins on the viral envelope of the RNA virus fight off the
vaccines
B) Antibodies only respond to the vaccines that prevent diseases caused by
DNA viruses
C) DNA polymerase used by RNA viruses is error prone and lacks efficient RNA
proofreading capabilities, causing frequent mutations
D) RNA polymerase used by RNA viruses is error prone and lacks efficient DNA
proofreading capabilities, causing frequent mutations
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Viruses cannot replicate on their own so they
must seek out host cells. Describe in detail the two methods in which the
genome of bacteriophages can become incorporated into a host cell through
transduction. Which method is the quickest? Why?
ANSWER KEY- LO 3.30
M.C Question: What is one reason why it is difficult to make effective vaccines to prevent diseases caused by RNA viruses?
A) The glycoproteins on the viral envelope of the RNA virus fight off the vaccines
B) Antibodies only respond to the vaccines that prevent diseases caused by DNA viruses
C) DNA polymerase used by RNA viruses is error prone and lacks efficient RNA proofreading capabilities, causing frequent mutations
D) RNA polymerase used by RNA viruses is error prone and lacks efficient DNA proofreading capabilities, causing frequent mutations
Viruses cannot replicate on their own so they must seek out host cells. Describe in detail the two methods in which the genome of
bacteriophages can become incorporated into a host cell through transduction. Which method is the quickest? Why?
Bacteriophages first uses its tail fibers to bind to specific receptor sites on the outer surface of a bacterial cell. Then, the sheath of the tail
contracts, injecting the phage DNA into the cell and leaving an empty capsid outside. The phage DNA will then circularize and after this,
certain factors will determine whether the lytic cycle is induced or the lysogenic cycle. If the lytic cycle is induced, the new phage DNA
“hijacks” the bacterial host cell and degrades its DNA. It then synthesizes new phage DNA and proteins using components within the cell.
Three separate sets of proteins self-assemble to form phage heads, tails, and tail fibers. The phage DNA is packaged inside the capsid as the
head forms. The accumulation of phages directs production of an enzyme that breaks the cell wall, allowing fluid to enter. The cell swells and
finally bursts, releasing 100 to 200 phages. Now if the lysogenic cycle is induced, the phage DNA integrates into the bacterial chromosome,
becoming a prophage. The bacterium reproduces normally, copying the prophage and transmitting it to daughter cells. Many cell divisions
produce a large population of bacteria infected with the prophage. This cycle repeats until an environmental signal causes a prophage to
switchover from the lysogenic cycle to the lytic cycle. The lytic cycle is the quickest cycle because it almost immediately degrades the host
cells DNA and starts the synthesizing of new phages. It can take many generations and generations of division through the lysogenic cycle to
create a pathogenic enough prophage to match the virulence of a lytic cycle phage.
LO 4.4 The student is able to make a prediction about the interactions of subcellular organelles.
SP 6.4 The student can make claims and predictions about natural phenomena based on
scientific theories and models.
EXPLANATION: Eukaryotic cells contain subcellular organelles that help maintain life within the cell. The brain center of the cell, or the
nucleus, is the home of the DNA that controls the activities within the cell. Within the nucleus is the nucleolus, which is a nonmembrane bound tangle of chromatin which synthesizes ribosomes. Ribosomes are made on RNA that produces proteins within the
cell and are sometimes attached to the membrane of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The smooth ER helps with the synthesis
of steroid hormones/lipids, detoxifies the cell, and connects the rough ER with the Golgi bodies. Golgi bodies receive the vesicles that
were sent by the ER and repackage and send off the substances to their designated location, often the lysosomes. Lysosomes digest
the dead or useless cell parts with digestive enzymes and then recycle them. Similar to the lysosome, peroxisomes contain catalase
which converts H2O2 into H20 and 02. H202 is a waster product of cell respiration. The site of cellular respiration is the mitochondria.
Mitochondria have 2 membranes: a smooth outer membrane and the convoluted cristae. Mitochondria produce ATP for the cell.
Mitochondria contain their own DNA and are able to reproduce without the help of the nucleus. The cytoskeleton, made up
microtubules and microfilaments, help support the structure of the cell. The centrioles help organize the spindle fibers during cell
division. The plasma membrane encases the entire cells and helps transport necessary molecules in and out of the cell.
M.C. Question: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum does all of the following
for the cell EXCEPT:
A) Detoxification
B) Lipid production
C) Connection to the Golgi body
D) Steroid hormone production
E) Protein synthesis
FRQ: What is the importance of the mitochondria? Why is it better for the
cell that the mitochondria can reproduce on its own?
ANSWER KEY – LO 4.4
M.C. Question: Smooth endoplasmic reticulum does all of the following for the cell EXCEPT:
A) Detoxification
B) Lipid production
C) Connection to the Golgi body
D) Steroid hormone production
E) Protein synthesis
FRQ: What is the importance of the mitochondria? Why is it better for the cell that the
mitochondria can reproduce on its own?
Without a mitochondria, the cell would not have enough energy, or ATP, to be able to
sustain function. Cell respiration requires ATP to be able to break down glucose to form
energy to power all kinds of cellular work. Also active transport of vital molecules across
the plasma membrane requires ATP. Cell division (mitosis) requires ATP to occur
successfully.
Since the mitochondria have their own DNA, they have the capability to reproduce on
their own. This benefits the cell because the more mitochondria they have the more
energy they will have to maintain their function. Also it helps to quickly replace the
old/dead mitochondria that get digested by the lysosomes.
L.O 3.29 The student is able to construct an explanation of how viruses introduce genetic variation in host organisms.
S.P Example of phenomena based on scientific practices.
Explanation: Viruses inject themselves into host cells in order to be reproduced and introduce genetic variation. A
membranous envelope (sometimes) surrounds the capsid of most viruses. The viral envelope (capsid) is derived
from the membrane of the host cell allowing it to target that particular cell. Due to the virus having the same
phospholipids and membrane proteins (capsomeres) it can enter the host cell. Once it enters the host cell, host
enzymes replicate the viral DNA. Meanwhile host enzymes also transcribe the viral genome (capsid proteins) into
mRNA that can be used to make more viral proteins. Newly formed viral genomes and capsid proteins self-assemble
into new virus particles which exit the cell, thus creating variation. Another way this can happen is through the
lysogenic cycle, with the lytic cycle being described earlier. In the lysogenic cycle the once the virus enters the cell it
can integrate into the genome of the host cell. This is now a prophage that will continue to copy it’s DNA,
transmitting daughter cells. Many cell divisions result in a large population of bacterial chromosomes, yielding
genetic variation.
M.C. Question: What allows a virus to enter a host cell?
A)
Certain cells can only be affected by certain viruses,
for example respiratory cells can only be infected by
the influenza virus.
B) The capsomeres of the virus allow it to diffuse
through the membrane of the host cell.
C) The capsid of the virus attaches to the host cell and
breaks down the membrane of the host cell allowing
it to enter the host cell.
D) Viruses have designated cells to target upon entering
the body.
E) A virus changes it’s structure upon deciding which
cell to infect.
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: What do you expect to happen
to the surrounding cells of a cell infected with a bacteriophage
virus and how does this contribute to genetic variation?
ANSWER KEY – LO 3.29
What allows a virus to enter a host cell?
A) Certain cells can only be affected by certain viruses, for example respiratory cells can only be
infected by the influenza virus.
B) The capsomeres of the virus allow it to diffuse through the membrane of the host cell.
C) The capsid of the virus attaches to the host cell and breaks down the membrane of the host cell
allowing it to enter the host cell.
D) Viruses have designated cells to target upon entering the body.
E) A virus changes it’s structure upon deciding which cell to infect.
What do you expect to happen to the surrounding cells of a cell infected with a
bacteriophage virus and how does this contribute to genetic variation?
Phages make a lysozyme, which degrades the bacterial cell wall.
Once the cell wall is broken, lysis occurs. This allows the virus to be
released into the cytoplasm and the newly made copies of the
virus from the host cell can now attach to new cells and continue
to enter the cell and weave their DNA into newly entered cells,
further contributing to genetic variation.
LO 3.45 - The student is able to describe how nervous system transmit information
SP 1.2 - The student can describe representations of natural or man-made phenomena and systems in the domain.
Explanation: Inside a neuron cell is at -70 mV due to the negatively charged substances (DNA, RNA, and proteins). The
neuron has potassium ions (K+) inside, and sodium ions (Na+) surround the outside of the cell. When the potassium
channels open, the cell becomes more negative (hyperpolarization). When the sodium channels open, the cell becomes less
negative (depolarization). If the cell depolarizes to the threshold of -55 mV, the signal fires, generating action potential,
which causes more Na+ channels to open and the response to become stronger. The nerve impulse starts at the axon hillock
and runs down the axon following the negative charge (because the more positive signal is attracted to the negative part of
the cell). Depolarization and re-polarization occurs at the Nodes of Ranvier (gaps in the Myelin sheath) and so the impulse is
not continuous, but almost ‘jumps’ from node to node. Active transport is used to re-polarize the cell, pumping the entered
Na+ ions back out of the cell, and exited K+ ions into the cell. The chemical signal reaches the axon terminals, where it is
converted to a chemical signal (a neurotransmitter) and sent across the synapse with the help of Ca ions, where it becomes
a ligand to ligand-gated ion channels, which can allow K+ to leave (hyperpolarize) or Na+ to enter (depolarize – the signal
continues).
FRQ: Explain why nerve signaling is not as efficient in patients with Multiple
Sclerosis.
Multiple Choice:
A nerve cell needs to re-polarize after firing because…
A) K+ ions need to enter the cell again, and Na+ ions
need to exit in order to restore the cell to its
original state using active transport.
B) Na+ ions need to enter the cell again, while K+ ions
need to exit in order to restore the cell to its
original state using active transport.
C) K+ ions need to enter the cell again and Na+ ions
need to exit in order to restore the cell to its
original state using facilitated diffusion.
D) Na+ ions need to enter the cell again, while K+ ions
need to exit in order to restore the cell to its
original state using passive transport through the
outer membrane.
E) Na+ ions and K+ ions need to exit the cell in order
to make the cell less positive and to restore the
charge of -70 mV.
A nerve cell needs to re-polarize after firing
because…
A) K+ ions need to enter the cell again
while Na+ ions need to exit in order to
restore the cell to its original state
using active transport.
B) Na+ ions need to enter the cell again
while K+ ions need to exit in order to
restore the cell to its original state using
active transport.
C) K+ ions need to enter the cell again
while Na+ ions need to exit in order to
restore the cell to its original state using
facilitated diffusion.
D) Na+ ions need to enter the cell again,
while K+ ions need to exit in order to
restore the cell to its original state using
passive transport through the outer
membrane.
E) Na+ ions and K+ ions both need to exit
the cell in order to make the cell less
positive and to restore the charge of -70
mV.
Nerve Cell that has yet to fire
Answer Key – LO 3.45
FRQ: Explain why nerve signaling is not as
efficient in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune
disease, where the immune system attacks
self cells, specifically the insulating Myelin
Sheath that surrounds the axon of a nerve
cell. The Myelin Sheath is made of individual
Schwann Cells, allowing the signal to “jump”
from the small gaps between the insulation
(an area called a Node of Ranvier). When the
immune system targets the Myelin, the
nodes become wider, making the signal not
be able to travel down the axon as efficiently.
In a healthy individual, the nodes of Ranvier
are where depolarization and re-polarization
occur, causing the action potential to travel
quickly. When the nodes are more spaced
out due to Myelin deterioration, the signal
cannot move through the axon as quickly.
LO 3.2 The student is able to justify the selection of data from historical investigations that support the claim that DNA is the source of
heritable information.SP 4.1 The student can justify the selection of the kind of data needed to answer a particular scientific question.
After T.H. Morgan discovered that genes were located on chromosomes, the scientific community became obsessed with the search for the “genetic material.” By the
1940’s, they had narrowed the candidates down to two: DNA and proteins. Through many famous experiments, scientists finally discovered the role of DNA.
Frederick Griffith discovered by experimenting with mice in 1928 that the genetic trait of pathogenicity could be transferred between bacteria through what he called
a transformation. This indicated the presence of an unknown, heritable substance.
Oswald Avery built off of Griffith’s experiment, purifying various types of molecules from the heat-killed pathogenic bacteria, then tried to transform live
nonpathogenic bacteria with each type. Only DNA worked. He announced along with Maclyn McCarty and Colin MacLeod in 1944 that DNA was the transforming
agent, but was greeted by much skepticism by the scientific community.
In 1952, Alfred Hershey and Martha Chase used radioactive sulfur and phosphorus to trace the fates of protein and DNA of T2 phages that infected bacterial cells. In
the experiment, phage proteins remained outside of the bacterial cells during infection while phage DNA entered the cell. When cultured, bacterial cells with
radioactive phage DNA released new phages with some radioactive phosphorus. Hershey and Chase concluded that DNA, not protein, functions as the T2 phage’s
genetic material.
Multiple Choice Question
In the Hershey-Chase experiment, _______ entered the cells during infection.
A) Sulfur-tagged protein
B) Phage heads
C) Sulfur-tagged DNA
D) Phosphorus-tagged DNA
E) Phosphorus-tagged protein
Free Response Question
Explain in detail TWO of the following historical experiments and describe their significance in proving that DNA was the source of heritable information.
I. Griffith’s Transformation experiment
II. Avery-McCarty-MacLeod Experiment
III. Hershey-Chase experiment
The Hershey-Chase Experiment
Answer Key
Multiple Choice Question
In the Hershey-Chase experiment, _______ entered the cells during infection.
A) Sulfur-tagged protein
B) Phage heads
C) Sulfur-tagged DNA
D) Phosphorus-tagged DNA
E) Phosphorus-tagged protein
Free Response Question
Explain in detail TWO of the following historical experiments and describe their significance in proving that DNA was the source of heritable information.
I. Griffith’s Transformation experiment
II. Avery-McCarty-MacLeod Experiment
III. Hershey-Chase experiment
I. Griffith experimented with mice and two strains of bacteria: pathogenic S-cells and nonpathogenic R-cells. He killed the S-cells with heat and then mixed them with the R-cells. Though the
R-cells alone did not harm the mice, and the dead S-cells alone did not harm the mice, when mixed, the mice were killed. Griffith hypothesized that the R cells had been “transformed” into
S-cells by some unknown “transforming principle.” Though the identity of the transforming principle remained unknown, Griffith’s experiment set the stage for the many experiments yet to
come that would prove DNA to be the source of heritable information.
II. The Avery-McCarty-MacLeod ultimately proved that the transforming principle Griffith had discovered was indeed DNA. By purifying various types of molecules from the heat-killed pathogenic bacteria,
then attempting to transform live nonpathogenic bacteria with each type, they discovered that DNA alone was successful. This provided concrete evidence that DNA was the
explanation behind bacterial transformation and therefore was the source of heritable information.
III. In the Hershey-Chase experiment, E-coli bacteria and bacteriophages were studied to test what entered the bacteria when it was infected by the phage. First, phage proteins were tagged
with radioactive sulfur. After the phages infected the bacteria, a blender was used to separate phages outside the bacteria from the bacterial cells . They then centrifuged the mixture so that
bacteria formed a pellet at the bottom of the test tube. The radioactivity in the pellet and the liquid were measured. They found radioactivity in the liquid, indicating that the proteins
had not entered the bacteria. They then repeated the process with radioactive-phosphorus tagged DNA and found radioactivity in the pellet, indicating that DNA had entered the bacteria
at the time of infection. By proving that DNA was the material that was transferred during infection, the Hershey-Chase experiment provided very convincing evidence that DNA was the source of heritable
information.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
LO 2.5: The student is able to construct explanations of the mechanisms and features of cells that allow organisms to capture,
store or use free energy. [See SP 6.2]
SP 6.2: The student can construct explanations of phenomena based on evidence produced through scientific practices.
Explanation: Biological processes (e.g., active transport across the plasma membrane) require energy. Organisms use two main
processes (chemosynthesis and photosynthesis) to take free energy in from their environments and convert it into a more
usable form of energy, but photosynthesis is the most notable. In photosynthesis, environmental free energy in the form of light
energy is used to excite electrons in the photosystems of the chloroplasts, the energy from which is ultimately used to build up
complex carbohydrates, such as glucose, from atmospheric carbon dioxide. These carbohydrates represent a mechanism for the
storage and transfer of free energy; the energy is stored in the structure of the carbohydrate, and transferring of the
carbohydrate between organisms (e.g., by predation) also transfers the free energy. Cellular respiration, which occurs in the
mitochondria, is the reverse process wherein this stored free energy is released into ATP as a result of the mitochondrion’s
breakdown of the food molecule to reduce electron carriers and then using the resultant electrons to create an H +
concentration gradient to power ATP synthase. This ATP is de-phosphorylated back into ADP by sub-cellular structures, such as
transport pumps in the plasma membrane which need the energy stored in the bond between the phosphate molecules in
order to operate. The science practice requires that students understand the mechanism of these metabolic processes and how
a change in environmental conditions (e.g., oxygen availability) could affect them.
MC Question: In which of the following scenarios does the cell serve as a sink for environmental free energy:
I. A photosynthesizing leaf cell on a tree II. A muscle cell in a rhinoceros III. A lung cell in a human
A.
I only
B.
III Only
C.
I and III only
D.
I, II, and III
FRQ
The electron transport chain plays a key role in many cellular processes involved in the fixing or consumption of environmental
free energy. Discuss the role and importance of the electron transport chain in both photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Mitochondria convert free
energy stored in food
molecules into more easily
used free energy stored in the
bond between the last three
phosphates in ATP.
Image Credit: http://media1.web.britannica.com/ebmedia/89/22489-004EE9DC4F5.jpg
Answer to MC Question: A, as only a photosynthesing cell absorbs and stores environmental free energy, the others consume it by
breaking down glucose and then using the resulting ATP.
Answer to FRQ:
In both cellular respiration and photosynthesis, the electron transport chain accepts excess electrons from other sources , such as
electron carriers NADH and NAPDH, and uses the energy released by those electrons moving down the chain to pump hydrogen
ions against their concentration gradient, thus providing ATP synthase an H+ gradient with which to power its spinning that
allows it to create ATP. In photosynthesis, the electron transport chain is used to transfer energy between Photosystem II and
Photosystem I, and it also produces ATP by ATP synthase that is used to provide the energy to build up complex carbohydrates
during the Calvin Cycle. The added input from ATP is necessary to drive the Calvin cycle, as building molecules up is necessarily
an endergonic reaction, thus necessitating the use of two electron transport chains in photosynthesis (one between the
photosystems and a shorter, non-ATP producing one for NAPDH). The electron transport chain is more fundamental to the
successfully completion of cellular respiration than it is for photosynthesis, as the electron transport chain is directly responsible
for most of the product of cellular respiration. However, the mechanics of the chain in both processes are essentially identical,
with electrons moving “down” series of proteins in a membrane, with the change in the electrons’ energy being used to power
a proton pump. The electron transport chain is the final step in cellular respiration. It produces far more ATP than glycolysis, and
its consumption of the electron acceptors NADH and FADH2 from the Krebs cycle rather than food molecules allows it t be much
more specialized and efficient.
LO 2.15 The student can justify a claim made about the effect(s) on a biological system at the
molecular, physiological or organismal level when given a scenario in which one or more
components within a negative regulatory system is altered.
SP 6.1 The student can justify claims with evidence.
• Explanation: Many systems in the body are controlled by a negative feedback
loop. When one part of the feedback pathway is damaged or blocked, the
entire loop can be thrown out of whack. This can cause changes on the
molecular, physiological, and organismal level. Negative feedback loops
regulate homeostatic processes in the body. One such process is the
maintenance of blood osmolarity by the kidneys. When receptor cells in the
hypothalamus sense a rise in the osmolarity, a hormone called ADH is released.
This in turn causes an increased permeability of the vessels of the body to
increase the absorption of water which lowers blood osmolarity. The body also
becomes thirsty which alerts a person to drink which will lower the blood
osmolarity as well. If the regulatory system has some flaw the entire process
can be thrown off. For example if the release of ADH does not occur, the
negative feedback loop will not be put into action. The osmolarity of the water
will continue to grow and eventually cause death. Another example of a
negative feedback loop on a molecular level would be the control of operons. A
whole line of enzymes is turned on by a precursor. This causes a chain reaction
that starts all of the down chain enzymes working. The last enzyme in the chain
produces tryptophan, an inhibition molecule that blocks the activation of
Enzyme #1 in the chain.
M.C. Question: Negative
feedback loops occur in
many systems such as the
endocrine and nervous
pathways, especially those
involved in __________.
a) Digestion
b) Cell Division
c) Brain Function
d) Homeostasis
FRQ: The thyroid gland in mammals
plays an important role in the
development of vertebrae and
maturation. What does the thyroid
control? Describe the process of
hormone secretion to and from the
thyroid. What would happen if TRH
was not converted to TSH through
the anterior pituitary?
Answer Sheet to LO
2.15
FRQ Answer: The thyroid is crucial to the skeletal
system growth of an organism. They also help to
maintain blood pressure, digestion, heart rate,
muscle tone and reproductive function. The speed
of oxygen consumption is also affected by the
thyroid gland. An excessive amount of hormones
from the thyroid can cause swelling and excess
sweat The thyroid gland is responsible for the
secretion of two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3)
and thyroxine (T4). The hypothalamus, located in
the brain, is what controls the secretion of these
two hormones. The hypothalamus secretes TSHreleasing hormone which then travels down to the
Anterior pituitary beneath the hypothalamus. When
the anterior pituitary receives the hormone signal,
it secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone. TSH then
causes the thyroid to release T3 and T4. T4 inhibits
the hypothalamus from secreting TRH through a
negative feedback loop. T3 inhibits the production
of TSH in the anterior pituitary. If the body was not
able to correctly convert TRH into TSH there would
be a large excess of TRH. Since TSH is needed to
activate the production of T4 and T3 , the two
chemicals that control the loop are not made by the
body. In this way the negative feedback loop has
been disrupted and it will have adverse effects on
the body.
M.C. Question:
Negative feedback
loops occur in many
systems such as the
endocrine and
nervous pathways,
especially those
involved in __________.
a) Digestion
b) Cell Division
c) Brain Function
d) Homeostasis
LO 3.12: The student is able to construct a representation that connects the process of meiosis to the passage of traits from parents to
offspring.
SP 1.1: The student can create representations and models of natural of man-made phenomena and systems in the domain.
SP 7.2: The student can connect concepts in and across domain(s) to generalize or extrapolate in and/or across enduring understandings
and/or
big ideas.
Explanation:
Meiosis occurs in every sexually reproducing being on earth. This process produces four haploid gametes that are genetically
different. The diagram below shows meiosis occurring in an organism with only two homologous chromosome pairs. The duplication of
DNA occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, where each set of chromosomes turns into a sister pair of chromosomes. When
Interphase begins, the nuclear envelope dissolves, releasing the DNA into the cytoplasm, and centrosomes start to duplicate and create
spindles. During Prophase I, chromosomes condense and match up with the respective chromosome from the other parent to form
homologous chromosomes. This process occupies about 90 % of the time required to complete meiosis. Crossing over occurs between
most genes as they line up end to end in the cytoplasm. The homologous chromosomes then switch genes between one chromosome of
each pair of sister chromatids. The site of crossing over is called the Chiasmata. The next phase, Metaphase I, involves the homologous
chromosomes lining up in the middle of the cell at the metaphase plate. Sister chromatids are then separated by microtubules attaching
to the centromeres of the chromatids and pulling them apart during Anaphase I. A cleavage furrow then forms to pinch the cell’s apart
during Telophase I and cytokinesis. After this point, there are two cells that each have a pair of sister chromatids. The cells then go
through Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II and Telophase II to produce a four gametes with recombinant DNA from both the mother
and father. There are two ways during meiosis that genetic variability can occur. As shown in the diagram, during Prophase I, crossing
over of the genes allows for different combinations of genotypes. Secondly, notice in the diagram during Metaphase I and II how the blue
chromosomes are not on the same side. The independent alignment of chromosomes allows for even combinations of gametes to form.
M.C. Question: Which of the following about meiosis and genetic variability is not true?
A) Nondisjunction between sister chromatids occurs during meiosis II and causes two of the four gametes to have one more or one less chromosome.
B) Crossing over only occurs during Prophase of Meiosis I.
C) In the entire process of Meiosis, there are a total of three cell divisions.
D) Telophase I and II along with cytokinesis takes over half the time required to complete meiosis.
Free Response Question:
Meiosis plays a key role in
genetic variation within a
population. Describe three
aspects of meiosis that allow
for an offspring to be more
genetically diverse than its
parents.
Answer Key – LO
3.12
M.C. Question: Which of the following about meiosis and genetic variability is not true?
A) Nondisjunction between sister chromatids occurs during meiosis II and causes two of the four gametes to have one more or
one less chromosome.
B) Crossing over only occurs during Prophase of Meiosis I.
C) In the entire process of Meiosis, there are a total of three cell divisions.
D) Telophase I and II along with cytokinesis takes over half the time required to complete meiosis.
FRQ: Meiosis plays a key
role in genetic variation
within a population.
Describe three aspects of
meiosis that allow for an
offspring to be more
genetically diverse than its
parents.
Three aspects of meiosis that provide genetic variability are crossing over, independent
assortment, and random fertilization. Crossing over occurs once during prophase I, but it
allows for genetic variability by switching alleles from the mother to the father.
Independent assortment occurs twice during meiosis, during Metaphase I and II.
Independent assortment means that the chromosome can be on either side of the
metaphase plate during Anaphase. This means that the more chromosomes a species
has, the more combinations of the mothers and fathers chromosomes the daughter cells
can have. The last way an offspring can be genetically diverse is by random fertilization.
Meiosis produces for gametes that are all different in traits they carry, but there is not
way to insure that a specific sperm with a specific genome will fertilize a specific egg with
a specific genome. There is just two much variability in meiosis to insure that an
offspring with all the decried genes will be produces.
L.O. 3.28: The student is able to construct an explanation of the multiple processes that increase variation within a
population.
S.P. 6.2
:The student can construct explanations of phenomena based on evidence produced through scientific practices.
Explanation: Due to DNA’s imperfect processes of replication and repair, genetic variation is very likely to occur. There are
many processes that are used by different types of populations to produce genetic variation within each. Within a population
of prokaryotes, the horizontal transfer of genetic information is used to create genetic diversity. Examples of horizontal
acquisition include transformation, which is the uptake of naked DNA, transduction, which is viral transmission of genetic
information, conjugation, which is cell-to-cell transfer of DNA, and transposition, which is the movement of DNA segments
within/between DNA molecules. Within a population of eukaryotes, sexual reproduction is used to make genetic variation.
Within sexual reproduction, many procedures to create variation occur, such as crossing over, which is when gene segments
literally cross over each other during meiosis, random assortment, which is the random segregation and assortment of
chromosomes during meiosis, and random fertilization, which is where any one egg can be fertilized by any 1 out of millions
of sperm. These processes that produce genetic variation are evolutionally conserved.
M.C. Question: What is is best answer for why is
it important for a population to establish genetic
variation?
A) Genetic variation produces positive effects
that can help a population keep from going
extinct
B) There is a greater chance of the production of
a new species
C) It can help individuals in a population identify
themselves within a “common crowd”
D) Processes in genetic variation can aid in
research for that specific population
L.L./FRQ: Contrast the processes used in
prokaryotic genetic variation and eukaryotic
genetic variation. Be sure to include at least one
process from each type of population’s
strategies.
Answers to L.O. 3.28
What is is best answer for why is it important for a population to establish genetic variation?
A) Genetic variation produces positive effects that can help a population keep from going extinct
B) There is a greater chance of the production of a new species
C) It can help individuals in a population identify themselves within a “common crowd”
D) Processes in genetic variation can aid in research for that specific population
L.L./FRQ: Contrast the processes used in prokaryotic genetic variation and eukaryotic genetic variation. Be sure to
include at least one process from each type of population’s strategies.
In prokaryotic genetic variation, the process of horizontal transference is used. This is much different than sexual
reproduction, which is used in eukaryotic genetic variation. For example, the process of conjugation is much
different than that of random fertilization. Conjugation includes the cell-to-cell transfer of genetic information
via the pilus, which is used by a prokaryote to attach itself to another. Random fertilization includes millions of
sperm competing to fertilize one egg, creating millions of different genetic combinations.
LO 4.24: The student is able to predict the effects of a change in an environmental factor on the genotypic expression of
the phenotype.
SP 6.4: The students can make claims and predictions about natural phenomena based on scientific theories and
models.
Explanation: As the environment changes due to changes in weather, landscape, or diversity of organisms the gene
expression of an organism can change. A change in genotypic expression is due to the environmental pressures that
cause a species to favor one characteristic over another through natural selection. Due to this change of genotype, the
phenotype, a visible characteristic, will be altered. Many ways that a population can change is through disruptive,
stabilizing, and directional selection. Some examples include the peppered moth change in color due to sooty trees in
the cities and white trees outside (disruptive), human babies weight due to birthing (stabilizing), and evolution of
giraffes necks in order to reach tall trees (directional).
M.C Question: There is a certain species of Marine Iguanas in the Galapagos Islands that have gone through disruptive
selection. One half of the male population has a range of larger sizes than the other half. The smaller males have the
same range of sizes as the females. There are no marine Iguanas of intermediate size. This could be due to...
A)The larger male of the population believes the smaller ones to be no threat and do not bother challenging them.
B)The smaller males can hide among the females and pass on their genes.
C)The larger males of the species compete for the food and the smaller ones can live on a smaller diet, but middle sized
ones do not have either benefit.
D)There is only two alleles that code for size and one allele is more
dominant than the other.
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question
An environmental change causes phenotypic changes in a species
population overtime. For each bullet point below explain how the
environmental condition changes and how it effects the organisms
phenotype. Also give the expected type of natural selection
• Prolonged drought and leaves on trees.
• Industrialization and moths.
• Introduction of an invasive species of bird and a native bird species
that would compete for the same source of food.
Answer Key-LO 4.24
M.C Question: There is a certain species of Marine Iguanas in the Galapagos Islands that have gone through disruptive selection. One
half of the male population has a range of larger sizes than the other half. The smaller males have the same range of sizes as the
females. There are no marine Iguanas of intermediate size. This could be due to...
A)The larger male of the population believes the smaller ones to be no threat and do not bother challenging them. (If the larger
males are driving off the smaller sizes of Iguanas they would drive off all smaller sizes)
B)The smaller males can hide among the females and pass on their genes. (The males are able to hide among the female so the
larger ones do not spot them allowing them to breed and pass on their genes)
C)The larger males of the species compete for the food and the smaller ones can live on a smaller diet, but middle sized ones do not
have either benefit. (If there is competition for food lager species would not allow any smaller ones to get the food. They would be
included in the competition)
D)There is only two alleles that code for size and one allele is more dominant than the other. (There is a range of sizes within the
larger and smaller bounds. This means there is more than one allele)
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: An environmental change causes phenotypic changes in a species population overtime. For each
bullet point below explain how the environmental condition changes and how it effects the organisms phenotype. Also give the
expected type of natural selection.
• Prolonged drought and leaves on trees.
-In a prolonged drought water becomes scarce making the environment drier. Trees loose water through there stomata by
transpiration. If water is scarce, a phenotypic change that could occur is the down sizing of the tree leaves. If leaves became smaller
the surface area decreases and the amount of transpiration drops. This would be directional selection since the average leaves size
would be decreasing.
• Industrialization and moths.
-In industrialization soot is released into the environment covering trees and making them darker in color. The moths that are lighter
in color would now be spotted by birds in the cities. Through natural selection the moths that live in the area of the cities would
grow darker in color and the moths outside of the cities would remain lighter. Colors in between would be seen by predators since
they would not fit well in either environment. Since the species color has been split in two, this would be an example of disruptive
selection.
• Introduction of an invasive species of bird and a native bird species that would compete for the same source of food.
- Since food sources would drop due to increased competition, one of the two bird species might adapt to a new food source. If this
food source is a seed with a thicker coat the bird species might have a phenotype change in the size of their beak. To crack open the
larger seeds the beaks would become larger and stronger. This would be directional selection as the average beak size would be
increasing.
LO 3.44 The student is able to describe how nervous systems detect external and internal signals[See SP.12]
SP 1.2The student can describe representations and models of natural or man-made phenomena and systems in the domain
How does the nervous system detect external and internal signals? One must be able to describe the three
steps of information processing to accurately portray the relationship between the CNS(brain and spinal
cord) and PNS(Cranial nerves, spinal nerves, ganglia, outside CNS) in signal detection.
Sensory input -When sensory neurons transmit information from sensors that detect external stimuli(
eyesight, hearing, smell, heat, taste), and internal conditions( blood pressure, blood CO2 levels, and muscle
tension) to the CNS a.k.a. the Central Nervous System.
Integration- In the CNS, interneurons analyze and interpret(integrate) the sensory input and consider the
present, immediate context of the situation as well as the past. When this occurs, interneurons form
connections and form useful neural circuits.
Motor Output- Motor output leaves the CNS via motor neurons(part of the PNS a.k.a. Peripheral Nervous
System) which communicate with effector cells(a.k.a muscle/endocrine cells) and produce a response. One
must also be able to describe and identify the fact that cranial nerves originate in the brain and terminate
in organs of the head and upper body as well as the fact that spinal nerves originate in the spinal cord and
extend to other body parts below the head in order to be considered adept in describing representations
and models of the nervous systems.
Multiple Choice Question
Which of the following answers best describes the process in which the nervous system detects and
responds to stimuli?
A) The CNS sends signals that are caused by stimuli, which in turn are sent to the cranial nerves in the PNS
to be integrated,
as a result, motor input leaves the PNS and results in a response.
B) The external signals caused by stimuli, always cause a reflex because these signals travel to the CNS to
be integrated and send motor output, while internal conditions result in signals sent to the PNS for
integration and then result in a response.
C) Sensory Neurons transmit signals from external and/or internal stimuli into the CNS, where this
information is integrated. As a result neural circuit begin to form from new connections. After integration,
motor output leaves the CNS via the PNS and results in a response.
D) Ganglia relay signals toward the PNS is the brain where the signals are then sent to the CNS for
integration so that an appropriate response can be found.
Learning Log/FRQ question:
Suppose that you friend was kicked in the face by a soccer ball, quite on purpose. How does your friend
process this information, and come to an appropriate response? Include in your discussion the three steps
of information processing in the nervous system. Be specific.
Answer Key LO 3.44
Multiple Choice Question
Which of the following answers best describes the process in which the nervous system detects and responds to stimuli?
A) The CNS sends signals that are caused by stimuli, which in turn are sent to the cranial nerves in the PNS to be integrated,
as a result, motor input leaves the PNS and results in a response.
B) The external signals caused by stimuli, always cause a reflex because these signals travel to the CNS to be integrated and
send motor output, while internal conditions result in signals sent to the PNS for integration and then result in a response.
C) Sensory Neurons transmit signals from external and/or internal stimuli into the CNS, where this information is
integrated. As a result neural circuit begin to form from new connections. After integration, motor output leaves the CNS
via the PNS and results in a response.
D) Ganglia relay signals toward the PNS is the brain where the signals are then sent to the CNS for integration so that an
appropriate response can be found.
Learning Log/ FRQ question:
Suppose that you friend was kicked in the face by a soccer ball, quite on purpose. How does your friend process this
information, and come to an appropriate response? Include in your discussion the three steps of information processing in
the nervous system.
When kicked by a soccer ball, ones friend most likely has a high adrenaline level, and heart beat level among other
internal conditions. Pain should register as a stimulator of signals. Internal conditions and external stimuli( such as
eyesight, hearing etc.) transmit signals to the CNS. This stage is the sensory input stage. The next stage, Integration,
occurs when interneurons analyze and interpret the sensory input and consider present context as well as past
conditions. This process increases interneuron connections forming neural circuits. Then in the motor output stage,
motor output leaves the CNS via motor neurons that are part of the PNS which communicate with effector cells to
produce an appropriate response. It is in this manner that this friend will produce an appropriate response.
LO 2.4 (Free Energy)
A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
(LO 2.4)The student is able to use representations to pose scientific questions about what mechanisms and
structural features allow organisms to capture, store and use free energy.
(SP 1.4): The student can use representations and models to analyze situations and solve problems
qualitatively and quantitatively.
(SP 3.1): The student can pose scientific questions.
Explanation: With the exception of some odd bacteria, the majority of the more complicated organisms on
the planet use free energy that was created by the sun. Plants use the light from the sun to create sugars by
means of the pigmentation of their leaves, and the light reactions within that allow for respiration and
chemiosmosis. Plants then store the energy they capture as sugar and ATP, which is used as a long and shortterm storage, respectively. Animals consume the energy trapped in plants, as well as energy trapped by other
animals, and capture them themselves through consumption. The energy within the food is then broken
down, and sent through a long process of ATP investing and gaining. They store the excess energy as sugars
and fats, and they use it in the form of ATP.
Multiple Choice Question: In addition to Rubisco, what other important enzyme is used in C4 Plants that isn’t
used in others?
A) Cellulase B) Amylase C)PEP Carboxylase D) Glucose Isomerase
FRQ Question: A mouse eats half of an asparagus, and then digests it. Explain the path the energy within the
asparagus takes all the way from the mouth, to the creation of the primary energy used. Be sure to include
how the energy is broken down, processed, and turned into a final product.
Answer Key Slide LO 2.4
• Answer to Multiple Choice: (C)
• Answer to FRQ
– The asparagus will make its way down the esophagus and to the
stomach. The stomach acids will dissolve it and leave it to the
rest of the energy production system. The glucose that is
remaining will undergo Glycolysis, which consumes 2 ATP, but
creates 4 ATP’s and a Pyruvate. The Pyruvate goes to the Citric
Acid Cycle and is oxidized into CoA, also an NAD+ comes along
and picks up a hydrogen to become NADH. Citric acid is then
created, and then oxidized to create more ATP and NADH. The
NADH then carries the H+ ions to the ETC and the H+ will go into
the intermembrane space. The unbalanced H+ will rush back
into the mitochondria through the ATP synthase, which spins
and creates 34 ATP. The ATP
LO 3.1: The student is able to construct scientific explanations that use the structures and mechanisms of DNA and RNA to support the
claim that DNA and, in some cases, that RNA are the primary sources of heritable information.
SP 6.5: The student can evaluate alternative scientific explanations.
Explanation: In DNA and RNA molecules have structural similarities and differences that define function. Both DNA and RNA have three
components which are sugar, phosphate , and nitrogenous bases which form nucleotides units hold together by covalent bonds to form a linear
molecule with 3’ and 5’ ends. Both DNA and RNA show specific nucleotide base pairing which are adenine pairs with thymine or uracil in the
case of RNA and cytosine pairs with guanine. The basic structural differences are that DNA contains deoxyribose and RNA contains ribose; also
RNA contains uracil instead of thymine in DNA . Unlike RNA that is single stranded, DNA structure is a double helix; two sugar-backbones run
antiparallel from each other, the sugar-phosphate backbones are on the outside of the helix and the nitrogenous bases are on the inside. The two
strands are held together by hydrogen bonds. Genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next through DNA or RNA. This is
possible because genetic information is stored and passed through DNA . This is due through the process of DNA replication which ensures
continuity of hereditary information. Replication is a semiconservative process meaning that one strand serves as the template for a new
complementary strand. DNA is able to go through the process of replication due to the fact that the two polynucleotides, or strands, are held
together by weak hydrogen bonds making the strands easy to unwind to start the replication process. After this Transcription is able to happen
which is the synthesis of RNA under the direction of DNA. Basically is a transcript of the gene’s protein-building instruction which then goes
through translation which is the actual synthesis of a polypeptide.
M.C. Question: Enzymes that breakdown DNA catalyze the hydrolysis of the covalent
bonds that join nucleotides together. What would happen to
DNA molecules treated with these enzymes?
A) The two strands of the double helix would separate.
B) The phosphodiester bond between deoxyribose sugars would be broken.
C) The purines would be separated from the deoxyribose sugars.
D) The pyrimidines would be separated from the deoxyribose sugars.
Learning Log/FRQ-style Question: Explain how DNA is able to copy itself? Draw
and Label this process. Then describe experimental evidence used to determine
that DNA is a hereditary source.
ANSWER KEY – LO 3.1
Enzymes that breakdown DNA catalyze the hydrolysis of the covalent bonds that join nucleotides together. What would happen to DNA
molecules treated with these enzymes?
A) The two strands of the double helix would separate.
B) The phosphodiester bond between deoxyribose sugars would be broken.
C) The purines would be separated from the deoxyribose sugars.
D) The pyrimidines would be separated from the deoxyribose sugars.
Explain how DNA is able to copy itself? Then describe experimental evidence used to determine that DNA is a hereditary source.
DNA replicates itself using semiconservative replication. This mean that each parent strand of DNA
will serve as a template for forming a new DNA molecule resulting in daughter molecules that are
half old DNA and half new DNA. The DNA molecule is split down the middle by helicase, which breaks the
bonds holding the complementary nucleotides together. Helicase functions in a 3’ to 5’ direction, while
the next step, synthesis, runs in a 5’ to 3’ direction, with 3’ and 5’ denoting the ends of the DNA molecule.
A new strand is synthesized by DNA polymerase, which catalyzes the adding of nucleotides to each half of the
DNA molecule. Therefor each daughter molecule is identical to its parent. Meselson and Stahl performed an
experiment to prove Watson and Crick’s theory of semiconservative replication of the DNA molecules.
They used a centrifuge to separate DNA from the bacteria. The DNA formed a visible band in the tube when
the bacteria were grown in a medium containing heavy nitrogen isotope (15N) , the band was in a different place.
When they allowed the bacteria to grow in the medium long enough for 1 generation of replication, the band
formed was in between the two light and heavy bands, demonstrating that that it consumed half light
and half heavy DNA. One more generation in a 14N medium was grown and it showed only light
and medium bands. Showing that half of the strands were all now DNA while the other half
were all hybrid light and heavy. This proved that each time, half of the DNA served as a
template for replication of a new half of the molecule.
Sample picture