biology grade 12 university preparation...

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Biology, Grade 12, University Preparation (SBI4U)

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts andprocesses associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investiga-tions in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and popu-lation dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge andrefined skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

Throughout this course, students will:

• demonstrate an understanding of safety practices consistent with Workplace HazardousMaterials Information System (WHMIS) legislation by selecting and applying appropriatetechniques for handling, storing, and disposing of laboratory materials (e.g., use proper tech-niques in handling, storing, and disposing of bacteria, chemicals, and bio-hazardous waste);

• select appropriate instruments and use them effectively and accurately in collecting observa-tions and data (e.g., use molecular models to represent functional groups; perform gel elec-trophoresis or DNA extraction);

• demonstrate the skills required to plan and carry out investigations, using laboratory equip-ment safely, effectively, and accurately (e.g., conduct an experiment to investigate the effectof temperature on enzymes);

• select and use appropriate numeric, symbolic, graphical, and linguistic modes of representa-tion to communicate scientific ideas, plans, and experimental results (e.g., use chemical for-mulae for biological molecules);

• locate, select, analyse, and integrate information on topics under study, working indepen-dently and as part of a team, and using appropriate library and electronic research tools,including Internet sites;

• compile, organize, and interpret data,using appropriate formats and treatments, including tables,flow charts, graphs, and diagrams (e.g., create a chart of hormone actions, or of homologousand analogous structures; create a timeline of recent discoveries in biotechnology);

• communicate the procedures and results of investigations and research for specific purposesusing data tables and laboratory reports (e.g., report on an experimental investigation of theeffect of chemical stimuli on invertebrates, or the causes of fluctuation of a population);

• express the result of any calculation involving experimental data to the appropriate numberof decimal places or significant figures;

• select and use appropriate SI units;

• identify and describe science- and technology-based careers related to the subject area understudy (e.g., genetic engineer, biochemist, genetic counsellor,microbiologist, pharmacologist,histologist, immunologist, palaeontologist, population ecologist, nutritionist).

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Metabolic Processes

Overall ExpectationsBy the end of this course, students will:

• describe the structure and function of the macromolecules necessary for the normalmetabolic functions of all living things, and the role of enzymes in maintaining normalmetabolic functions;

• conduct laboratory investigations into the transformation of energy in the cell, includingphotosynthesis and cellular respiration, and into the chemical and physical properties ofbiological molecules;

• explain ways in which knowledge of the metabolic processes of living systems can con-tribute to technological development and affect community processes and personal choicesin everyday life.

Specific Expectations

Understanding Basic ConceptsBy the end of this course, students will:

– apply the laws of thermodynamics to thetransfer of energy in the cell, particularlywith respect to respiration and photosynthesis;

– identify the functional groups within bio-logical molecules (e.g., hydroxyl, carbonyl,carboxyl, amino, phosphate) and explainhow they contribute to the function ofeach molecule (e.g., use molecular modelsto determine whether a molecule is polaror non-polar, and relate this property todiffusion through a plasma membrane);

– describe the chemical structure, mecha-nisms, and dynamics of enzymes in cellularmetabolism (e.g., the function of enzymesin metabolic reactions in mitochondria orchloroplasts);

– identify and describe the four main typesof biochemical reactions: redox, hydrolysis,condensation, and neutralization;

– describe how such molecules as glucose,ATP, pyruvic acid, NADH, and oxygenfunction within energy transformations inthe cell, and explain the roles of such cellcomponents as mitochondria, chloroplasts,and enzymes in the processes of cellularrespiration and photosynthesis;

– compare matter and energy transforma-tions associated with the processes of cel-lular respiration (aerobic and anaerobic)and photosynthesis (e.g., for each process,compare the role of oxygen and the roleof organelles, such as mitochondria andchloroplasts).

Developing Skills of Inquiry and CommunicationBy the end of this course, students will:

– formulate operational definitions of theterms related to metabolic processes(e.g., use the following terms in relationto cell metabolism: electronegativity, isomer,functional group, polymer, organic acid, organicbase, solubility, enzyme, substrate, reactionrate);

– investigate the structures of biologicalmolecules and functional groups usingcomputer-generated, three-dimensionalimages and/or by building molecularmodels (e.g., simple carbohydrates, aminoacids, simple polypeptides);

– investigate and explain the relationshipbetween metabolism and the structure ofbiomolecules, using problem-solving tech-niques (e.g., analyse the differencebetween the metabolic rates of sweet cornand starchy corn);

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– design and carry out an experimentrelated to a cell process (e.g., enzymeactivity, membrane transport), controllingthe major variables and adapting orextending procedures where required(e.g., conduct an experiment to find opti-mal conditions [pH, concentration, andtemperature] for various enzymes andmembrane transport);

– determine the similarities and differencesbetween mitochondria and chloroplasts(e.g., compare the structure and functionof a mitochondrion and a chloroplast byexamining micrographs and identifyingreactants, products, and pathways);

– interpret qualitative and quantitativeobservations, gathered through investiga-tion, of the products of cellular respirationand photosynthesis (e.g., type and quantityproduced) and, either by hand or by com-puter, compile and display the results in anappropriate format.

Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the EnvironmentBy the end of this course, students will:

– relate knowledge gained from their cur-rent studies of metabolism to their learn-ing in the fields of chemical thermo-dynamics and physical energy;

– describe technological applications ofenzyme activity in the food and pharma-ceutical industries (e.g., the production ofdairy products using micro-organisms; theuse of yeast to make bread; the use ofenzymes to control reaction rates in thepharmaceutical industry);

– explain the relevance, in their personallives and the life of the community, of thestudy of cell biology and related technolo-gies (e.g., explain how their learningabout metabolic processes is relevant totheir personal choices about exercise, diet,and the use of pharmacological substances).


Molecular Genetics


• explain the concepts of gene and gene expression and the roles of DNA, RNA, and chro-mosomes in cellular metabolism, growth, and division, and demonstrate an awareness of theuniversality of the genetic code;

• explain, through laboratory activities and conceptual models, processes within the cell nucleus;

• describe some of the theoretical issues surrounding scientific research into genetic continuity;the general impact and philosophical implications of the knowledge gained; and some of theissues raised by related technological applications.



– compare the structure and function ofRNA and DNA, and explain their roles inprotein synthesis;

– describe the current model of DNA repli-cation and methods of repair following anerror;

– explain the steps involved in protein syn-thesis (e.g., transcription and translation)and the control mechanisms for geneticexpression using regulatory proteins (e.g., lac operon, tryp operon);

– describe how mutagens such as radiationand chemicals can change the geneticmaterial in cells by causing mutations (e.g., point mutations and frame-shifts);

– demonstrate an understanding of geneticmanipulation, and of its industrial andagricultural applications (e.g., describe theprocesses involved in cloning, or insequencing of DNA bases; explain theprocesses involved in the manipulation ofgenetic material and protein synthesis;explain the development and mechanismsof the polymerization chain reaction);

– describe the functions of the cell compo-nents used in genetic engineering (e.g.,the roles of plasmids, restriction enzymes,recombinant DNA, and vectors);

– outline contributions of genetic engineers,molecular biologists, and biochemists thathave led to the further development of thefield of genetics (e.g., the findings ofCohen-Boyer [1973], Chilton [1981], andStanford [1988]; transfer of the soma-totropine gene [1990]).


– illustrate the genetic code by examining/analysing a segment of DNA (e.g., com-pare base sequences of DNA for anenzyme in humans and another animal;compare base sequences in DNA in orderto recognize an anomaly);

– interpret micrographs that demonstratethe cellular structures involved in proteinsynthesis;

– investigate and analyse the cell compo-nents involved in protein synthesis, usinglaboratory equipment safely and appropri-ately (e.g., extract DNA; compare differentproteins; separate DNA or polypeptidesusing electrophoresis);


– describe the major findings that havearisen from the Human Genome Project(e.g., create a timeline of the project, ormake a chart of the discoveries).


– explain the roles of evidence, theories, andparadigms in the development of scientificknowledge about genetics (e.g., explainthe impact of cloning a sheep on the the-ory of differentiation; explain the impactof the discovery of the structure of DNAas the universal molecule for living organisms);

– describe the principal elements of theCanadian regulations on biotechnologicalproducts, and explain their implications(e.g., consult Environment Canada orFood and Health Canada for the regula-tions; or use current websites for agenciessuch as Agriculture Canada that list newproducts).


Homeostasis


• describe and explain the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in the mainte-nance of homeostasis;

• analyse, through experiments and the use of models, the feedback mechanisms that maintainchemical and physical homeostasis in animal systems;

• analyse how environmental factors (physical, chemical, emotional, and microbial) and tech-nological applications affect/contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, and examinerelated societal issues.



– describe the anatomy and physiology ofthe endocrine and nervous systems, andexplain their roles in homeostasis;

– explain the action of hormones in thefemale and male reproductive systems,including the feedback mechanismsinvolved;

– explain the role of the kidney in maintain-ing water and ion balance;

– describe and explain homeostatic processesinvolved in maintaining water, ionic, ther-mal, and acid-base equilibria in response toboth a changing environment and medicaltreatments (e.g., explain the feedbackmechanisms involved in water balance orthermo-regulation; explain the bufferingsystem of blood; describe the effect of dis-orders of the nervous system or endocrinesystem; describe how chemotherapy affectshomeostasis);

– describe the mammalian immunologicalresponse to a viral or bacterial infection;

– predict the impact of environmental fac-tors such as allergens on homeostasiswithin an organism.


– construct a model that illustrates theessential components of the homeostaticprocess (e.g., use a flow chart to describerepresentative feedback mechanisms inliving things);

– design and carry out an experiment toinvestigate a feedback system (e.g., recordphysiological effects of drinking coffee);

– design and conduct an experiment usinginvertebrates to study the response toexternal stimuli (e.g., instinctive behaviourin response to chemical stimuli or light);

– compile and display, either by hand orcomputer, data and information abouthomeostatic phenomena in a variety offormats, including diagrams, flow charts,tables, graphs, and scatter plots (e.g., createa chart of hormones showing the source,stimulation, target organ, action andnature, and related disorders for each;make a graph of the reaction time of thepupil of the eye when stimulated by lightof different colours; create a chart of aller-gies and the foods that trigger them).



– synthesize case study information aboutthe effects of taking chemical substancesto enhance performance or improvehealth (e.g., explain the effect of steroidson health; debate the wisdom of takinglarge quantities of vitamins or aminoacids; describe substances people use tocope with stress);

– present informed opinions about problemsrelated to the health industry, health legis-lation, and personal health (e.g., describeissues related to transplants or kidney dial-ysis; discuss the difficulties in treating neu-rological and infectious diseases);

– describe some Canadian contributions toknowledge and technology in the field ofhomeostasis (e.g., the discovery of a newblood stem cell; the discovery of insulin).


Evolution


• analyse evolutionary mechanisms, and the processes and products of evolution;

• evaluate the scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution;

• analyse how the science of evolution can be related to current areas of biological study, andhow technological development has extended or modified knowledge in the field of evolution.



– define the concept of speciation andexplain the mechanisms of speciation;

– describe, and put in historical and culturalcontext, some scientists’ contributions thathave changed evolutionary concepts (e.g., describe the contributions – and theprevailing beliefs of their time – of Lyell,Malthus, Lamarck, Darwin, and Gould andEldridge);

– analyse evolutionary mechanisms (e.g.,natural selection, sexual selection, geneticvariation, genetic drift, artificial selection,biotechnology) and their effects on biodi-versity and extinction (e.g., describe exam-ples that illustrate current theories of evo-lution, such as the darkening over time, inpolluted areas, of the pigment of the pep-pered moth, an example of industrialmelanism);

– explain, using examples, the process ofadaptation of individual organisms to theirenvironment (e.g., explain the significanceof a short life cycle in the development ofantibiotic-resistant bacteria populations).


– outline evidence and arguments pertain-ing to the origin, development, and diver-sity of living organisms on Earth (e.g.,evaluate current evidence that supportsthe theory of evolution and that feeds thedebate on gradualism and punctuatedequilibrium);

– identify questions to investigate that arisefrom concepts of evolution and diversity(e.g.,Why do micro-organisms evolve soquickly? What factors have contributed tothe dilemma that pharmaceutical compa-nies face in trying to develop new antibi-otics because so many micro-organismsare resistant to existing antibiotics?);

– solve problems related to evolution usingthe Hardy-Weinberg equation;

– develop and use appropriate sampling pro-cedures to conduct investigations intoquestions related to evolution (e.g., todetermine the incidence of various hered-itary characteristics in a given population),and record data and information;


– formulate and weigh hypotheses thatreflect the various perspectives that haveinfluenced the development of the theoryof evolution (e.g., apply different theoreti-cal models for interpreting evidence).


– relate present-day research and theories onthe mechanisms of evolution to currentideas in molecular genetics (e.g., relatecurrent thinking about adaptations toideas about genetic mutations);

– describe and analyse examples of technol-ogy that have extended or modified thescientific understanding of evolution (e.g., the contribution of radiometric dating to the palaeontological analysis offossils).


Population Dynamics


• analyse the components of population growth, and explain the factors that affect the growthof various populations of species;

• investigate, analyse, and evaluate populations, their interrelationships within ecosystems, andtheir effect on the sustainability of life on this planet;

• evaluate the carrying capacity of the Earth, and relate the carrying capacity to the growthof populations, their consumption of natural resources, and advances in technology.



– explain the concepts of interaction (e.g.,competition, predation, defence mecha-nisms, symbiotic relationships, parasiticrelationships) among different species ofanimals and plants;

– describe characteristics of a population, suchas growth, density, distribution, carryingcapacity, minimum/viable size;

– compare and explain the fluctuation of apopulation of a species of plant, wild ani-mal, and micro-organism, with an empha-sis on such factors as carrying capacity,fecundity, and predation;

– use examples of the energy pyramid toexplain production, distribution, and use offood resources;

– explain the demographic changes observedover the past ten thousand years (e.g.,explain the effect on populations of suchfactors as epidemics, the rise of agriculture,the Industrial Revolution, and the devel-opment of modern medicine);

– explain, using demographic principles,problems related to the rapid growth ofhuman populations and the effects of thatgrowth on future generations (e.g., relatethe carrying capacity of the Earth to thegrowth of populations and their consump-tion of resources).


– use conceptual and mathematical modelsto determine the growth of populations ofvarious species in an ecosystem (e.g., usethe concepts of exponential, sigmoid, andsinusoidal growth to describe and predictvarious populations);

– determine experimentally the characteris-tics of population growth of two popula-tions (e.g., examine the population cyclesof a predator and a prey, or those of twopopulations that compete for food);

– using the ecological hierarchy for livingthings, evaluate how a change in one pop-ulation can affect the entire hierarchyboth physically and economically (e.g.,the effects of the killing off of species offish by lamprey eels, or the results of theintroduction of zebra mussels into theGreat Lakes);

– investigate, individually or collaboratively,the effects of human population growthon the environment and the quality of life(e.g., effects on ecosystems, such as theelimination of wildlife, plants, and farm-land; causes and effects of ozone depletionor acid rain).



– analyse Canadian investments in humanresources and agricultural technology in a developing country (e.g., investigateCanadian International DevelopmentAgency [CIDA]-funded projects in adeveloping country);

– describe examples of stable food-production technologies that nourish adense and expanding population;

– outline the advances in medical care andtechnology that have contributed to anincrease in life expectancy, and relate thesedevelopments to demographic issues.

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