11th Grade Biology

Introduces the basic chemical principles essential for understanding biological systems, including atomic structure, bonding, and properties of water.

Investigates the structure and function of carbohydrates as energy sources and structural components, and lipids for energy storage, membrane formation, and signaling.

Explores the diverse roles of proteins as enzymes, structural components, transporters, and signaling molecules, emphasizing their complex 3D structures.

Focuses on the structure and function of DNA and RNA in genetic information storage and transfer, and ATP as the primary energy currency of the cell.

Examines the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and the specialized functions of eukaryotic organelles.

Focuses on the fluid mosaic model of the plasma membrane and its role in regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell.

Explores the mechanisms of passive transport (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion) and active transport (pumps, endocytosis, exocytosis) across cell membranes.

Examines the role of enzymes as biological catalysts, factors affecting enzyme activity, and their integration into metabolic pathways.

Focuses on the capture of light energy by pigments, the electron transport chain, and the production of ATP and NADPH in the thylakoid membranes.

Examines the carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration phases of the Calvin cycle, leading to the synthesis of glucose.

Covers the breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, the subsequent conversion to acetyl-CoA, and the reactions of the Krebs cycle, generating ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

Focuses on the electron transport chain and chemiosmosis, where the majority of ATP is produced through the flow of electrons and proton gradients.

Examines alternative energy-generating pathways in the absence of oxygen, including lactic acid and alcoholic fermentation.

Explores the historical discoveries leading to the understanding of DNA's double helix structure and its components.

Covers the semi-conservative model of DNA replication, including the roles of various enzymes and the leading/lagging strand synthesis.

Traces the process of transcription, where DNA is used as a template to synthesize messenger RNA (mRNA).

Explores the process of translation, where mRNA codons are read by ribosomes to synthesize a polypeptide chain with the help of tRNA.

Examines how gene expression is controlled in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, allowing for cell differentiation and response to environmental cues.

Investigates different types of mutations (point, frameshift, chromosomal) and their potential consequences on protein function and organismal phenotype.

Focuses on the stages of interphase (G1, S, G2) where cells grow, replicate their DNA, and prepare for division.

Examines the stages of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) and the precise separation of sister chromatids.

Analyzes the internal and external controls that regulate the cell cycle, including checkpoints and growth factors.

Investigates the molecular basis of cancer, including mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and the characteristics of cancer cells.

Explores the properties of stem cells, their potential for differentiation, and their applications in regenerative medicine.

Examines the structure, replication strategies, and impact of viruses on host cells and organisms.

Introduces non-viral infectious agents like prions (misfolded proteins) and viroids (naked RNA) and their unique mechanisms of disease.

Introduces the purpose of meiosis in sexual reproduction and the reduction of chromosome number.

Examines the stages of Meiosis I, including prophase I (crossing over), metaphase I, anaphase I, and telophase I.

Focuses on the stages of Meiosis II, where sister chromatids separate, resulting in four haploid gametes, and summarizes sources of genetic variation.

Explores Mendel's experiments with pea plants, leading to the laws of segregation and independent assortment.

Investigates inheritance patterns where alleles are not strictly dominant or recessive, such as incomplete dominance and codominance.

Explores traits determined by more than two alleles (e.g., ABO blood groups) and traits influenced by multiple genes (polygenic inheritance).

Focuses on genes located on sex chromosomes and the use of pedigree charts to track inheritance patterns of genetic disorders.

Investigates numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities, their causes (e.g., nondisjunction), and associated genetic disorders.

Introduces the tools and techniques of genetic engineering, including restriction enzymes, plasmids, and the creation of recombinant DNA.

Explores the revolutionary CRISPR-Cas9 system for precise gene editing and its implications for treating genetic diseases.

Discusses different types of cloning (reproductive and therapeutic) and other assisted reproductive technologies, along with their ethical dimensions.

Examines the use of DNA profiling techniques in forensic science, paternity testing, and identification.

Introduces the field of genomics, the Human Genome Project, and the promise of personalized medicine based on an individual's genetic profile.

Explores hypotheses about the conditions on early Earth and the scientific theories regarding the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules and the first cells.

Examines how fossils provide evidence for evolution, methods of dating fossils, and the major events in Earth's geologic history.

Evaluates homologous, analogous, and vestigial structures, and similarities in embryonic development as evidence for common ancestry.

Focuses on DNA, RNA, and protein sequence comparisons, and molecular clocks as powerful tools to infer evolutionary relationships.

Introduces the theory of evolution by natural selection, including observations that led to its formulation and its core principles.

Explores other mechanisms of evolution, including genetic drift (bottleneck and founder effects) and gene flow, and their impact on allele frequencies.

Focuses on how organisms develop adaptations to their environment, the concept of fitness, and different types of natural selection (directional, disruptive, stabilizing).

Introduces the Hardy-Weinberg principle as a null hypothesis for evolution and its use in calculating allele and genotype frequencies in populations.

Examines prezygotic and postzygotic reproductive barriers and the processes (allopatric and sympatric) that lead to the formation of new species.

Explores large-scale evolutionary patterns, including adaptive radiation, convergent evolution, and coevolutionary relationships.

Focuses on interpreting and constructing phylogenetic trees and cladograms to represent evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Introduces the hierarchy of ecological study, from individual organisms to the biosphere, and key ecological terms.

Analyzes exponential and logistic growth models, carrying capacity, and factors that regulate population size.

Investigates the historical and current trends in human population growth, demographic transitions, and their environmental impacts.

Explores interspecific and intraspecific competition, predator-prey relationships, and their ecological consequences.

Examines different types of symbiotic relationships: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism, and their ecological significance.

Focuses on the flow of energy through ecosystems, constructing food chains and webs, and the concept of trophic levels.

Examines the transfer of energy between trophic levels, the 10% rule, and the implications for biomass and numbers pyramids.

Investigates the movement of water and carbon through the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms.

Examines the cycling of nitrogen and phosphorus, their importance for life, and the impact of human activities on these cycles.

Defines biodiversity at different levels (genetic, species, ecosystem) and explores the essential services ecosystems provide to humans.

Investigates major threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss, invasive species, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation.

Examines the causes and consequences of climate change, including its effects on ecosystems, species distribution, and phenology.

Focuses on approaches to conserve biodiversity, including protected areas, restoration ecology, and sustainable practices.

Overview of the major organ systems, their primary functions, and the concept of homeostasis in the human body.

Examines the organization of the nervous system (CNS, PNS), neuron structure, and the transmission of nerve impulses.

Focuses on the major regions of the brain and their functions, as well as the mechanisms of sensory perception.

Compares the endocrine system's role in long-term regulation through hormones, glands, and feedback mechanisms.

Examines the structure and function of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, and the regulation of blood pressure.

Focuses on the anatomy of the respiratory tract, the mechanics of breathing, and gas exchange in the lungs.

Traces the path of food through the digestive tract, the roles of enzymes, and the absorption of nutrients.

Examines the structure and function of the kidneys, the process of urine formation, and the regulation of water and salt balance.

Introduces the body's first and second lines of defense, including physical barriers, phagocytes, and inflammation.

Focuses on the adaptive immune system, including B cells, T cells, antibodies, and immunological memory.

Examines the principles of vaccination, the development of immunity, and common immune system disorders (allergies, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiency).