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Area of Study 1: How do cells function?
In this area of study students examine the structure and functioning of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and how the plasma membrane contributes to survival by controlling the movement of substances into and out of the cell. Students explore cellular growth, replacement and death. They become familiar with the key events and regulation of the cell cycle and the processes for cell division, including disruptions to the cell cycle and deviant cell behaviour. Students consider the properties of stem cells and their role in differentiation, specialisation and renewal of cells and tissues. - VCAA study design 2022 - 2026
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain and compare cellular structure and function and analyse the cell cycle and cell growth, death and differentiation. - VCAA study design 2022 - 2026
The key knowledge in area of study 1 relates to cellular structure and function and the cell cycle, including growth death and differentiation. Cellular structure and function is covered in chapter 1 in the Nelson textbook. The cell cycle and cell growth, death and differentiation is covered in chapter 2.
Key knowledge
Key knowledge
Cellular structure and function
Cellular structure and function
cells as the basic structural feature of life on Earth, including the distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
surface area to volume ratio as an important factor in the limitations of cell size and the need for internal compartments (organelles) with specific cellular functions
the structure and specialisation of plant and animal cell organelles for distinct functions, including chloroplasts and mitochondria
the structure and function of the plasma membrane in the passage of water, hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances via osmosis, facilitated diffusion and active transport
Key knowledge
Key knowledge
The cell cycle and cell growth, death and differentiation
The cell cycle and cell growth, death and differentiation
binary fission in prokaryotic cells
the eukaryotic cell cycle, including the characteristics of each of the sub-phases of mitosis and cytokinesis in plant and animal cells
apoptosis as a regulated process of programmed cell death
disruption to the regulation of the cell cycle and malfunctions in apoptosis that may result in deviant cell behaviour: cancer and the characteristics of cancer cells
properties of stem cells that allow for differentiation, specialisation and renewal of cells and tissues, including the concepts of pluripotency and totipotency.
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