Biology Unit 4

Big Idea:

Cells are the basic units of structure and organization in organisms with specialized parts that perform specialized functions.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

B.4A compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells , including their complexity, and compare and contrast scientific explanations for cellular complexity

B.4B investigate and explain cellular processes, including homeostasis and transport of molecules

B.4C compare the structures of viruses to cells, describe viral reproduction, and describe the role of viruses in causing diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and influenza.

B.5A describe the stages of the cell cycle, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication and mitosis, and the importance of the cell cycle to the growth of organisms;

B.9A compare the functions of different types of biomolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

B.9B compare the reactants and products of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in terms of energy , energy conversions, and matter

Focus TEKS

B.5B describe the roles of DNA, ribonucleic acid (RNA), and environmental factors in cell differentiation

B.3F research and describe the history of biology and contributions of scientists.

Ongoing TEKS

B.1A demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations

B.2D distinguish between scientific hypotheses and scientific theories

B.2F collect and organize qualitative and quantitative data and make measurements with accuracy and precision using tools such as data-collecting probes, standard laboratory glassware, microscopes, various prepared slides, stereoscopes, metric rulers, balances, gel electrophoresis apparatuses, micropipettes, hand lenses, Celsius thermometers, hot plates, lab notebooks or journals, timing devices, Petri dishes, lab incubators, dissection equipment, meter sticks, and models, diagrams, or samples of biological specimens or structures

B.2G analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends from data

B.2H communicate valid conclusions supported by the data through methods such as lab reports, labeled drawings, graphic organizers, journals, summaries, oral reports, and technology-based reports

B.3E evaluate models according to their limitations in representing biological objects or events

B.3F research and describe the history of biology and contributions of scientists

Student Learning Targets:

• I will discuss the components of the cell theory.
• I will compare and contrast prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, and viruses.
• I will distinguish between plant and animal cells.
• I will identify the different organelles and describe their functions.
• I will compare and contrast active and passive transport.
• I will explain how active and passive transport relate to maintaining homeostasis.
• I will differentiate between the processes of osmosis and diffusion.

Essential Questions:

• How did improvements in the microscope help scientists?
• Why are viruses considered nonliving?
• What evidence supports endosymbiotic theory?
• How does the cell membrane being a phospholipid bilayer help regulate homeostasis?
• What are real life examples of cellular transport?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Biology, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Holt McDougal

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center