Biology Unit 5

Big Idea:

Understand the structure of DNA and its role protein synthesis. Describe the process of DNA replication and mutations.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

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

B.6A identify components of DNA, identify how information for specifying the traits of an organism is carried in the DNA, and examine scientific explanations for the origin of DNA

B.6B recognize that components that make up the genetic code are common to all organisms

B.6C explain the purpose and process of transcription and translation using models of DNA and RNA

B.6D recognize that gene expression is a regulated process

B.6E identify and illustrate changes in DNA and evaluate the significance of these changes

Focus TEKS

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.5C recognize that disruptions of the cell cycle lead to diseases such as cancer.

Ongoing TEKS

B.2E plan and implement descriptive, comparative, and experimental investigations, including asking questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting equipment and technology

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.9C identify and investigate the role of enzymes.

Student Learning Targets:

• I will briefly describe the history and discovery of DNA.
• I will construct a structural model of DNA.
• I will compare and contrast the processes of transcription and translation.
• I will identify and illustrate changes in DNA and evaluate the significance of these changes.

Essential Questions:

• How was DNA confirmed to be genetic material?
• Which part of a DNA molecule carries the genetic instructions that are unique for each individual?
• What is the role DNA polymerase in the processes of transcription and translation?
• What is the purpose of mRNA during transcription?
• What is the relationship between codons, anticodons, and amino acids?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Biology, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Holt McDougal

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center