Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

Learning Objective

You will be able to:

• Cell Communication

  • Describe the ways that cells can communicate with one another.

  • Explain how cells communicate with one another over short and long distances.

• Signal Transduction

  • Describe the components of a signal transduction pathway.

  • Describe the role of components of a signal transduction pathway in producing a cellular response.

  • Describe the role of the environment in eliciting a cellular response.

  • Describe the different types of cellular responses elicited by a signal transduction pathway.

• Changes in Signal Transduction Pathways

  • Explain how a change in the structure of any signaling molecule affects the activity of the signaling pathway.

• Feedback

  • Describe positive and/or negative feedback mechanisms.

  • Explain how negative feedback helps to maintain homeostasis.

  • Explain how positive feedback affects homeostasis.

• Cell Cycle

  • Describe the events that occur in the cell cycle.

  • Explain how mitosis results in the transmission of chromosomes from one generation to the next.

• Regulation of cell cycle

  • Describe the role of checkpoints in regulating the cell cycle.

  • Describe the effects of disruptions to the cell cycle on the cell or organism.

AP Bio Course and Exam Description for Unit 4.

Slides

Laboratory

• Cell Cycle Activity from The Biology Project at the University of Arizona. This site is a bit dated, but the activity and information are very good.

Signal Transduction of Taste

Homework

Links and Embedded Videos

Hormones, Receptors and Target Cells

Mitosis interactive game