Unit 1 - Chapters 1

Unit 1 - Chapters 1 - 5

Methods And Concepts in Biology

Chemical Foundations for Cells

Cell Structure and Function

Essential Questions:

What is Biology?
How is Biology Studied?
What are the essential properties of water that makes it possible to support life?
What are the chemicals that make up living things?
Why is carbon the base molecule for life?
What are the larger organic molecules that make up living things and how are the composed?
How does the form of a molecule relate to its function?
What is the smallest living unit?
How is a cell a self contained system?
What are the components of the cell and what are their functions?

Objectives:

CH. 1

List the features that distinguish living Organisms from nonliving matter.
Describe the general pattern of energy flow through Earth's life forms, and explain how Earth's resources are cycled.
Explain what is meant by the term diversity, and speculate about what caused the great diversity of life forms on Earth
List the steps of the scientific approach to understanding a problem.
Discuss the major themes that run throughout the study of biology.
Understand what limitations are imposed on science and scientists.

CH. 2

Understand how protons, electrons, and neutrons are arranged in to atoms.
Explain how the distribution of electrons in an atom or ion determines the number and kinds of chemical bonds that can be formed.
Know the various types of chemical bonds, the circumstances under which each forms, and the relative strengths of each type.
Understand the essential chemistry of water and some common substances dissolved in it.
Understand the pH scale and the definition of acids, bases, buffers, and salts.

CH. 3

Understand how small organic molecules can be assembled in to large macromolecules by dehydration synthesis (condensation). Understand how large macromolecules can be broken apart in to their subunits by hydrolysis.
Memorize the functional groups presented and know the properties they confer when attached to other molecules.
Know the general structure of a mono-saccharide with six carbon atoms, glycerol, a fatty acid, an amino acid, and a nucleotide.
Know the macromolecules into which these essential building blocks can be assembled by dehydration synthesis.
Know where these carbon compounds tend to be located in cells or organelles and the activities in which they participate.

CH. 4

Understand the basic tenets of the cell theory.
Contrast general features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Describe the nucleus of eukaryotes with respect to structure and function.
Describe the organelles associated with the cytomembrane system, and tell the general function of each.
Contrast the structure and function of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Describe the cytoskeleton of eukaryotes and distinguish it from the cytomembrane system.

Ch. 5

Understand the essential structure and function of the cell membrane.
List several surface structures of cells and tell how they help cells survive.
Understand what properties govern the movement of molecules and explain different ways molecules move across the cell membrane.

Readings, labs, homework and viewings:

Daily Class Notes

Weblinks: