Unit 4: Cell Growth

Now that we've learned about three of the organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), it's time to move onto our genetic material: nucleic acids. We will focus on the structure of DNA and how that structure allows cells to make accurate copies of the DNA. Then we will investigate why DNA must be copied and how cells are able to grow and divide, as well as what happens when the cell cycle is out of control.

Structure of DNA

DNA Replication

Cell Cycle, Mitosis, & Cytokinesis

Unit 4 Vocabulary on Quizlet

Learning Standards

HS-LS1-1. Construct a model of transcription and translation to explain the roles of DNA and RNA that code for proteins that regulate and carry out essential functions of life.

HS-LS1-4. Construct an explanation using evidence for why the cell cycle is necessary for the growth, maintenance, and repair of multicellular organisms. Model the major events of the cell cycle, including (a) cell growth and DNA replication, (b) separation of chromosomes (mitosis), and (c) separation of cell contents.