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Descriptive Statements:
- Apply knowledge of modern cell theory and the characteristics of all living things, and compare the characteristics of viruses to cells (e.g., bacteria).
- Apply knowledge of the structures, functions, and interrelationships among cell organelles and other cell components to homeostatic maintenance.
- Apply knowledge of the structure of the cell membrane and how cells exchange materials with their environment through passive and active transport, recycling of materials, and homeostasis.
- Apply knowledge of the relationship between a cell's structure and its function (e.g., how structural differences contribute to specialization of cell roles in multicellular organisms), and compare structure and function in different types of cells (e.g., plant vs. animal, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic, neuron vs. blood cell).
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major events of the cell cycle, including DNA replication, mitosis, and cytokinesis; and relate these events to the processes of growth, maintenance, and repair in multicellular organisms.
- Apply knowledge of factors that affect cell growth, division, and differentiation and the role of cell differentiation in the development of multicellular organisms.
- Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to cells, such as developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, applying mathematical concepts, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.
Sample Item:
Before cell division can continue past the G2 checkpoint, the cell must determine whether:
- there are enough nutrients to divide.
- the DNA was accurately copied during the S phase.
- it is large enough in size to divide.
- the chromosome attached to the spindle during metaphase.
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
Correct Response: B.
Descriptive Statements:
- Apply knowledge of the hierarchical organization of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems to the maintenance of homeostasis in organisms (e.g., how leaf structure corresponds to its function in photosynthesis).
- Demonstrate knowledge of the life cycles, growth, and reproductive strategies of organisms.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the processes by which nutrients, water, and energy are obtained, stored, conserved, and distributed within organisms to maintain homeostasis.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanisms of cellular communication (e.g., endocrine, quorum sensing, synaptic, pheromonal).
- Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to unicellular and multicellular organisms, such as developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, applying mathematical concepts, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.
Sample Item:
Which of the following features of desert plants primarily functions to allow them to maintain a homeostatic balance of water?
- thick, waxy cuticles
- numerous broad, flat leaves
- plant root hairs that are minimal or absent
- new growth from the plant base rather than the tips
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
Correct Response: A.
Descriptive Statements:
- Apply knowledge of macronutrients and the structures and functions of the human digestive system.
- Apply knowledge of the structures and functions of the human circulatory and immune systems.
- Apply knowledge of the structures and functions of the human respiratory and excretory systems.
- Apply knowledge of the structures and functions of the human nervous, reproductive, and endocrine systems.
- Apply knowledge of the structures and functions of the human muscular and skeletal systems.
- Apply knowledge of body systems' processes and feedback loops that maintain homeostasis (e.g., hormone regulation, secretion, absorption, cell reproduction).
- Apply knowledge of the use of science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content related to human anatomy and physiology, such as developing and using models, planning and safely conducting investigations, applying mathematical concepts, and communicating and evaluating data and conclusions.
Sample Item:
A person eats a lunch that includes peanut butter, raspberry jam, whole wheat bread, and milk. Which of the following statements best describes one action of the digestive system on this meal?
- The enzyme lipase will break down the sucrose in the raspberry jam as it passes the pancreas.
- Salivary amylase in the mouth will begin to break down the fats in the peanut butter into amino acids.
- The secretions of both the stomach and the small intestine will break down proteins in the peanut butter.
- The large intestine will absorb vitamins B and C because of the fats present in the milk.
Correct Response and Explanation (Show Correct ResponseHide Correct Response)
Correct Response: C.
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