[!] CYCLE 1 STUDY GUIDE: From Cells
to Heredity Review for Assessment
W1Cells are the basic unit of life. All living
things are made of cells with organelles that perform specific
functions.
W2Cells specialize to form tissues, organs, and systems.
Same DNA, different gene expression creates specialized cells.
W3Gene expression is controlled by signals. Chemical
signals turn genes on/off to make specific proteins.
W4Energy flows through living systems.
Photosynthesis captures energy; cellular respiration releases
it.
W5Heredity passes traits via chromosomes. Genes come
in allele versions; dominant/recessive patterns determine
traits.
W6Mutations change DNA and create variation.
Mutations can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral depending on
context.
W7Sexual reproduction creates diversity; asexual creates
clones.
Genetic diversity helps populations adapt and survive.
Cells (W1-2)
->
Gene Expression (W3)
->
Energy Systems (W4)
->
Heredity (W5-7)
CYCLE 1 PROGRESSION: Structure -> Function -> Energy -> Inheritance
[#] KEY TERMS REVIEW
All 7 weeks - know these!
Heredity
Passing traits to offspring
Allele
Gene versions (Bb)
Meiosis
Makes sex cells (diverse)
[+] KEY CONNECTIONS
How concepts link together
Cells -> Systems Connection
How do cells become tissues and organs?
Gene Expression -> Heredity Connection
How does gene expression relate to inherited traits?
Mutations -> Diversity Connection
How do mutations contribute to genetic variation?
Energy -> Life Connection
Why do all cells need energy? Where does it come from?
[/] ASSESSMENT PREP: Practice
Questions Test yourself!
+5 pts
Q1 (Cells & Function):
Why can't cells be hollow? What fills them and why is that
important?
Q2 (Heredity):
If both parents are Bb for a trait, use a Punnett square to predict
offspring. What percent will show the recessive trait?
Q3 (Mutations):
Are all mutations harmful? Explain with an example of a beneficial
mutation.
[X] MISCONCEPTION CHECK
Common mistakes to avoid
[X] "Cells are hollow inside"
Correct understanding:
[X] "Cell type is random"
Correct understanding:
[X] "Traits blend like paint"
Correct understanding:
[X] "All mutations are bad"
Correct understanding:
[/] SYNTHESIS: Big Picture Questions
Connect all 7 weeks
+5 pts
Q1 (Full Cycle Integration):
Trace the path from one cell to a whole organism: How does one
fertilized egg become 37 trillion specialized cells working
together?
Q2 (Heredity & Variation):
Why is genetic diversity important for a species? Connect your
answer to both mutations AND reproduction type.
[O] CYCLE 1 SCIENCE CIRCLE
~20 min | End of Cycle Reflection
+5 pts
[!] AHA! Moment — My Biggest Learning This Cycle
[?] What I'm Still Wondering
Discussion Protocol: Share cycle reflections,
celebrate growth, set goals for Cycle 2.
CYCLE 1 CLASS DISCOVERIES
1.
2.
3.
[X] At the start of Cycle 1, we thought:
[OK] Now we understand:
[*] How I grew as a scientist this cycle:
[>] My goal for Cycle 2: