Biology 30

Neurons and the action potential

I can describe a neuron and explain how an action potential forms, travels, and crosses a synapse.

Central & peripheral nervous systems

I can identify the structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems and explain how they regulate voluntary and involuntary actions.

Nerves and reflex arcs

I can describe how neurons organize into nerves and how a reflex arc works, using an example.

Structure and function of the eye

I can describe the structure and function of the parts of the human eye.

Structure and function of the ear

I can describe the structure and function of the parts of the human ear.

Other human senses

I can explain other ways humans sense their environment and their spatial orientation.

The principal endocrine glands

I can identify the principal endocrine glands of humans.

Hormones and feedback

I can describe the functions of the principal hormones and how feedback maintains homeostasis.

Metabolic roles of hormones

I can explain the metabolic roles hormones play in homeostasis.

Sensing the internal environment

I can explain how the endocrine system senses the internal environment and responds appropriately.

Comparing endocrine and nervous control

I can compare the endocrine and nervous control systems and explain how they work together.

Consequences of hormone imbalance

I can describe, using an example, the physiological consequences of hormone imbalances.

The female reproductive system

I can identify the structures of the female reproductive system and describe their functions.

The male reproductive system

I can identify the structures of the male reproductive system and describe their functions.

Gametes and supporting structures

I can distinguish sperm and eggs from the structures that support them.

Chromosomes, hormones and sex determination

I can describe how chromosomes and hormones determine the formation of reproductive organs.

STIs and fertility

I can explain how sexually transmitted infections can interfere with fertility and reproduction.

Hormones and sex characteristics

I can describe how reproductive hormones regulate primary and secondary sex characteristics.

Hormones of the menstrual cycle

I can explain how estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH interact to maintain the menstrual cycle.

Male reproductive hormones

I can identify the male reproductive hormones and explain their interactions.

Fertilization, pregnancy and birth

I can trace the events from fertilization to birth and lactation and the hormones that control them.

Stages of development

I can describe development from fertilization to birth through its main stages.

Germ layers and tissue differentiation

I can identify the tissues and organs that arise from the three germ layers.

Environmental factors in development

I can describe how environmental factors influence embryonic and fetal development.

Reproductive technologies

I can describe the physiological or mechanical basis of different reproductive technologies.

Chromosome number

I can define and explain the significance of chromosome number in somatic and sex cells.

The cell cycle and mitosis

I can explain, in general terms, the events of the cell cycle.

Meiosis

I can describe meiosis and why chromosome number must be reduced.

Comparing mitosis and meiosis

I can compare the processes of mitosis and meiosis.

Crossing over and nondisjunction

I can describe crossing over and nondisjunction and evaluate their significance.

Fraternal and identical offspring

I can compare the formation of fraternal and identical offspring in a single birth.

Diversity of reproductive strategies

I can describe the diversity of reproductive strategies across organisms.

Mendel's evidence and laws

I can describe Mendel's evidence for dominance, segregation and independent assortment.

Genotype and phenotype ratios

I can compare ratios and probabilities of genotypes and phenotypes for different allele types.

Gene linkage and crossing over

I can explain how gene linkage and crossing over affect variability.

Number of genes and variability

I can explain how the number of genes controlling a trait affects its variability.

Sex-linked inheritance

I can compare inheritance of genes on the sex chromosomes with genes on autosomes.

Discovery of DNA structure

I can summarize the historical events that led to the discovery of DNA's structure.

DNA information and replication

I can describe how information is stored in DNA bases and how DNA replicates.

Transcription and translation

I can describe, in general, how DNA is transcribed to RNA and translated to protein.

Restriction enzymes and ligases

I can explain how restriction enzymes cut DNA and how ligases reassemble it.

Cell transformation

I can explain how cells may be transformed by inserting new DNA into their genomes.

Mutation and genetic variability

I can explain how a mutation causes abnormalities or provides genetic variability.

DNA evidence for relationships

I can explain how base sequences give evidence for relationships among species.

The Hardy-Weinberg principle

I can describe the Hardy-Weinberg principle and its significance.

Factors that change the gene pool

I can describe the factors that cause a gene pool to change.

Applying Hardy-Weinberg

I can apply the Hardy-Weinberg equations to find allele and genotype frequencies.

Molecular basis of gene-pool change

I can describe the molecular basis of gene-pool change and its significance over time.

Species interactions and symbiosis

I can describe species interactions and symbiotic relationships and their effect on populations.

Defence mechanisms

I can explain the role of defence mechanisms in predation and competition.

Ecological succession

I can explain how communities change over time or remain a climax community.

Factors in population growth

I can describe and calculate the factors that influence population growth.

Carrying capacity and growth math

I can describe population growth in terms of carrying capacity, biotic potential and environmental resistance.

Population growth patterns

I can explain the different population growth patterns.

r-selected and K-selected organisms

I can describe the characteristics and strategies of r-selected and K-selected organisms.