Cell Unit
This Domain focuses on understanding cell structure and organization; identifying the four major biomolecules and their function within the living cell; and comprehending how and why homeostasis is essential for life
Standard (SB1) Students will analyze the nature of the relationships between structures and functions in living cells.
a. Explain the role of cell organelles for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the cell membrane, in maintaining homeostasis and cell reproduction.
b. Explain how enzymes function as catalysts.
c. Identify the function of the four major macromolecules (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids).
d. Explain the impact of water on life processes (i.e., osmosis, diffusion)
This Standard will be divided up into three sub-units:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Structure and Function
- Cell Processes
Enduring Understandings
- The student understands that cells are the basic unit of living things and can only come from other cells.
- The student understands that the structure of cell organelles relates to their particular function.
- The student understands that cells undergo certain processes to maintain a healthy state within the organism as a whole (homeostasis).
- The student understands that photosynthesis, cellular respiration and fermentation are the processes of converting the sun's energy into a form that cells can use (ATP).
- The student understands that without enzymes, the necessary cellular processes would not have enough energy to occur.
- The student understands that all living things are basically made of water and four major categories of molecules.
- The structure of these molecules determines their solubility.