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Relate the structures of cellular components, such as water, ions, organic chemicals, macromolecules, membranes, and prokaryotic and eukaryotic organelles, to their functions
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Describe the chemical properties of water and biologically important ions and explain how these properties support cellular processes.
Identify the structure and function of major organic molecules and biological macromolecules.
Explain how the structure of the cell membrane relates to membrane function, including transport and cell communication.
Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and identify key structural differences.
Describe the structures and functions of major cellular organelles.
Label diagrams and models of cellular structures and explain how structure supports function.
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Outline processes and transformations that cells use to store and release energy via chemical reactions, enzymes, membranes, and the pathways of respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Describe how chemical reactions and metabolic pathways allow cells to store and release energy
Explain the role of enzymes in catalyzing metabolic reactions and regulating cellular metabolism
Identify the major stages, locations, and products of cellular respiration
Compare aerobic respiration and fermentation, including conditions under which fermentation occurs and its products
Describe the major steps of photosynthesis, including light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle
Explain how membranes and electron transport systems contribute to energy transformations and ATP production
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Explain how genetic information is stored, replicated, and expressed, and evaluate how mutations alter DNA and contribute to genetic variation and disease
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Describe the structure and organization of DNA within chromosomes
Explain how DNA stores genetic information
Explain the process of DNA replication, including the roles of key enzymes and complementary base pairing
Describe the process of transcription and how DNA is used to synthesize RNA
Explain the process of translation, including the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes in protein synthesis
Describe how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the amino acid sequence of proteins
Interpret diagrams or models showing the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein
Identify different types of mutations and their effects
Explain how mutations contribute to genetic variation and disease
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Model the relationships between chromosomal behavior, genetic information, and physical traits, and predict how information is transmitted during prokaryotic and eukaryotic reproduction
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Explain the relationship between chromosomes, genes, and observable traits
Model how genetic information is organized and transmitted during the cell cycle and cell division
Describe the roles of mitosis and meiosis in the transmission of genetic information in eukaryotic organisms
Compare mechanisms of genetic transmission in prokaryotic reproduction (binary fission) and eukaryotic reproduction
Predict inheritance patterns using Mendelian principles such as segregation and independent assortment
Analyze how chromosomal events (crossing over, independent assortment, mutation) contribute to genetic variation
Use diagrams, models, or Punnett squares to predict how traits are passed from one generation to the next
Interpret genetic data to connect chromosomal behavior with inheritance of physical traits
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Analyze patterns of non-Mendelian inheritance and apply recombination frequency data to determine gene linkage and construct genetic maps
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Explain types of non-Mendelian inheritance
Analyze genetic crosses and pedigree data to determine patterns of non-Mendelian inheritance
Interpret recombination frequency data to determine whether genes are linked or assort independently
Calculate recombination frequencies to estimate the distance between genes on a chromosome
Interpret simple gene maps using recombination data to determine gene order and relative distances
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Relate cellular, tissue, and organ structures and processes to their functions in animal physiology and homeostasis, including nervous and endocrine systems, respiration and circulation, digestion and nutrition, and osmoregulation
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Describe the hierarchical organization of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems
Explain how structure relates to function
Explain how physiological systems work together to maintain homeostasis in animals
Describe the structures and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and their role in regulating body processes
Explain the mechanisms and functions of respiration and circulation in gas transport and delivery of nutrients
Describe the processes of digestion, nutrient absorption, and metabolism
Explain mechanisms of osmoregulation and fluid balance in maintaining internal stability
Interpret diagrams, models, or case studies to explain how organ system structure supports physiological function
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Identify and investigate scientific problems by interpreting the results of prior research, developing hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and planning future experiments
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Identify a clear and testable scientific problem or research question based on prior knowledge or literature
Formulate testable, evidence-based hypotheses and predict outcomes
Design controlled experiments with independent, dependent, and controlled variables
Select and apply data collection methods and scientific procedures
Record, organize, and analyze qualitative and quantitative data
Evaluate experimental results and draw evidence-based conclusions
Identify limitations of investigations and propose modifications and future experimental directions
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Demonstrate biological research skills, data collection methods, and scientific communication
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Apply effective laboratory techniques and research methods
Collect, record, and organize biological data systematically and reliably, per instructor guidelines
Communicate scientific ideas clearly through written reports, oral presentations, and visual representations
Use scientific terminology and conventions in all forms of communication
Demonstrate accuracy and consistency in data interpretation and presentation
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Apply bioinformatics tools to analyze and compare protein or DNA sequences from different organisms or variants using an online biological database (such as NCBI)
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Use an online biological database (e.g., NCBI) to locate and retrieve accurate nucleotide or amino acid sequences relevant to the investigation
Compare biological sequences to identify similarities and differences among species, strains, or variants
Explain how mutations contribute to biological variation and can affect protein structure and function
Examine how molecular sequence data is used to determine relatedness among organisms
Apply the scientific method by developing a clear research question, hypothesis, and data analysis approach
Organize tasks, analyze data, and communicate findings in a scientific format (e.g., poster presentation)
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Apply molecular biology laboratory techniques, including Polymerase Chain Reaction and gel electrophoresis, to amplify, separate, and analyze DNA samples to interpret genetic information and draw evidence-based conclusions
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Explain the principles and purpose of PCR, including the roles of primers, DNA polymerase, nucleotides, and thermal cycling
Describe the steps and function of gel electrophoresis
Correctly identify and use key laboratory equipment and materials
Demonstrate effective laboratory techniques and safety procedures
Prepare a gel electrophoresis setup and load DNA samples accurately without cross-contamination or sample loss
Interpret gel electrophoresis results
Analyze and communicate findings clearly, using scientific terminology, diagrams, or lab reports supported by evidence
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Explain viral structure, replication strategies, and their impact on human health, and apply the principles of recombinant DNA technology to describe how DNA is manipulated and used in medicine, agriculture, and scientific research
Assessment Strategies
Quiz, Exam, Written Report and/or Project
Criteria
Describe the basic structure and characteristics of viruses and bacteriophages
Explain the lytic and lysogenic cycles of viral replication
Describe how retroviruses replicate, including reverse transcription
Explain how vaccines prevent viral infections
Describe the replication cycle of HIV and how it affects human immune function
Explain factors contributing to emerging viral diseases
Describe the purpose and basic steps of recombinant DNA technology
Explain how restriction enzymes are used to cut DNA
Describe the creation and use of recombinant plasmid DNA
Identify common laboratory techniques used in DNA-based technologies
Explain applications of DNA technology in medicine, agriculture, and research