home

=UNIT 3 BIOLOGY 2011= =SIGNATURES OF LIFE=



Link to VCAA website:[|VCAA study design]

 * Area Of Study 1**

• the chemical nature of the cell – synthesis of biomacromolecules: polysaccharides, nucleic acids and proteins – the structure and function of lipids – the structure and function of DNA and RNA – the structure and functional diversity of proteins: the proteome; • the role of organelles and plasma membranes in the packaging and transport of biomolecules; • the nature of biochemical processes – enzymes as organic catalysts – energy requirements of cells; catabolic and anabolic reactions – energy transformations, including main stages in and sites of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; ATP-ADP cycle; factors affecting rate of energy transformations; • applications of molecular biology in medicine including the design of drugs and in medical diagnosis.
 * Molecules of life**


 * Area Of Study 2**


 * Detecting and responding**

• coordination and regulation – stability and change in the internal environment – principles of homeostasis: stimulus-response model and negative feedback model; roles of nervous and endocrine systems – signalling molecules: neurotransmitters, hormones, pheromones; plant growth regulators – signal transduction: signals, membrane receptors; responses; • detecting ‘self’ and ‘non-self’ molecules: antigens and membrane receptors – pathogens: non-cellular agents, cellular agents; controls; • physical and chemical barriers to infection in plants and animals; • immune response – structure and overall function of the lymphatic system – non-specific: inflammatory response; phagocytosis; blood clotting – specific immune response: T-cell lymphocytes and cell-mediated response; B-cell lymphocytes and humoral response, antigens and antibodies; memory cells; • disorders of the immune response: autoimmunity; hypersensitivity, allergens and allergic responses; • acquired immunity: natural, artificial including vaccines and antibody serums.