1.Cells are filled with cytoplasm and organelles, each with specific
functions
2.Gene expression controlled by chemical signals determines cell
type
3.Genes are discrete units; dominant/recessive patterns determine
expression
4.Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral depending on
context
[!] STUDY GUIDE: Big Ideas
Use to answer form questions!
1.Cells communicate using chemical signals. Cells
send and receive messages through proteins called receptors that
detect specific signals.
2.Gene expression controls cell identity. Cells
"turn on" only the genes they need - this is why a nerve cell acts
different from a muscle cell despite having the same DNA.
3.Signals trigger responses. When a receptor
receives a signal, it causes the cell to respond (make proteins,
divide, move, etc.).
HOW CELLS COMMUNICATE: Signal -> Receptor -> Gene Expression ->
Response
[#] KEY TERMS
Define in YOUR words
Gene Expression
Turning a gene on or off
Signal
Chemical message between cells
Receptor
Protein that detects signals
Protein
Molecules that do work in cells
[?] THE PHENOMENON
Write BEFORE Hook form
How do cells know what job to do?
Stem cells can become ANY type of cell - brain, muscle, blood, or
bone. But once they "decide," they stay that way forever. What tells
a stem cell which type to become?
Your initial thinking:
[>] AFTER HOOK FORM
Reflect, then continue+2 pts
I learned that...
Station 1 — Gene Expression Simulation
When a gene is "on," the cell...
Different cell types express different genes because...
Key insight:
Station 2 — Signal Analysis
A signal reaches a cell by...
Receptors are specific because...
Key insight:
[/] DAY 1 EXIT TICKET
Complete before leaving+5 pts
Q1:
Why do cells with the same DNA express different genes?
Q2:
What happens when a signal molecule binds to a receptor?
Confidence:
Cell Communication & Gene Expression (continued)ANSWER KEY
Name:
[=]Day 2 start
Station 3 — Design a Cell Signal System
My organism needs cells to communicate when...
My signal system works by...
My design ensures only the right cells respond because...
Key insight:
[+] MAKING CONNECTIONS
Use for Exit Ticket!
How does gene expression explain why specialized cells (W2) look and
act differently?
Why is cell communication important for a multicellular organism to
survive?
[/] DAY 2 EXIT TICKET
Final check before Science Circle+5 pts
Q1 (NEW):
How does gene expression explain why a stem cell can become a nerve
cell or a muscle cell?
Q2 (SPIRAL-W2):
How does a nerve cell's shape help it do its job of carrying
signals?
Q3 (INTEGRATION):
A hormone (signal) travels through the blood but only affects
certain organs. Use receptors and gene expression to explain why.
CHECKTEST YOUR THINKINGRate each: FALSE ← 1–2–3–4–5 → TRUE
1. Cells are hollow or empty inside
F12345T
2. Cell specialization is random or luck-based
F12345T
3. Traits from parents blend like mixing paint
F12345T
4. Mutations are always harmful
F12345T
5. Cells are filled with cytoplasm and organelles, each with specific functions
F12345T
Pick any TWO statements — especially any you rated 2, 3, or 4. Justify your rating with evidence:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
Statement #___ — I rated it ___ because:
[O] SCIENCE CIRCLE
~15 min | End of week+3 pts
[!] My "Aha!" Moment
[?] My Remaining Question
Discussion Protocol: Share ahas, listen actively,
record class discoveries.