Module 1: Cells as the Basis of Life

● investigate different cellular structures, including but not limited to:

– examining a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (ACSBL032, ACSBL048)

– describe a range of technologies that are used to determine a cell’s structure and function

● investigate a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures, including but not limited to:

– drawing scaled diagrams of a variety of cells (ACSBL035)

– comparing and contrasting different cell organelles and arrangements

– modelling the structure and function of the fluid mosaic model of the cell membrane

(ACSBL045)

● investigate the way in which materials can move into and out of cells, including but not limited to:

– conducting a practical investigation modelling diffusion and osmosis

– examining the roles of active transport, endocytosis and exocytosis

– relating the exchange of materials across membranes to the surface-area-to-volume ratio, concentration gradients and characteristics of the materials being exchanged

● investigate cell requirements, including but not limited to:

– suitable forms of energy, including light energy and chemical energy in complex molecules

– matter, including gases, simple nutrients and ions

– removal of wastes

● investigate the biochemical processes of photosynthesis, cell respiration and the removal of cellular products and wastes in eukaryotic cells

● conduct a practical investigation to model the action of enzymes in cells

● investigate the effects of the environment on enzyme activity through the collection of primary or secondary data