Is It Alive? - pdesas.org

1 Is It alive ? Keystone Exam: Biology Module: A cells and Cell Processes Task Number: 2. Year Published: 2011. Code: BIO-A-2-11. Name PA Secure ID. School District District Contact Submission Date STUDENT BOOKLET. 1/26/12 1. Keystone Exam Project Based Assessment Title: Bio-A-2-11 -- Is It alive ? Keystone Exam: Biology Module: A. cells and Cell Processes Eligible Content Assessed: Describe the characteristics of life shared by all prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Compare cellular structures and their functions in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells . Describe and interpret relationships between structure and function at various levels of biological organization ( organelles, cells , tissues, organs, organ systems, and multicellular organisms.)

2 Compare the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids in organisms. Describe the role of an enzyme as a catalyst in regulating a specific biochemical reaction Explain how factors such as pH, temperature and concentration levels can affect enzyme function. Describe the fundamental role of plastids ( chloroplasts) and mitochondria in energy transformations. BIO. Compare the basic transformation of energy during photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Describe the role of ATP in biochemical reactions. Describe how the structure of the plasma membrane allows it to function as a regulatory structure and /or protective barrier for a cell.

3 Compare the mechanisms that transport materials across the plasma membrane ( passive transport diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion; and active transport pumps, endocytosis, exocytosis). Explain how organisms maintain homeostasis ( , thermoregulation, water regulation, oxygen regulation). Task Scenario/Background Information: The GREATS Foundation has offered 10 million dollars to a research biologist who can prove there is life on other planets in the universe. You are a research biologist who has recently gone on an expedition to another planet named Mearth. While on Mearth, you collected samples, including one sample that you believe may be the first life form brought back to Earth from another planet.

4 You are very excited and think you may be able to prove that life exists on Mearth. To win the 10 million dollars, you must prove that the sample meets the following three specific characteristics of life: composed of one or more cells obtains and transforms energy to carry out life processes maintains homeostasis You will prepare a presentation ( , Power Point, Keynote, Inspiration, OpenOffice) for the GREATS Foundation that provides evidence confirming that the sample from Planet Mearth exhibits these three specific characteristics of life. 1/26/12 2. Evidence of Project Completion (What Gets Submitted for Regional Review). 1) Evidence that the monitor has checked off completion of the Research Notebook.

5 2) Submission of completed Research Notebook. 3) An electronic presentation ( Power Point, Keynote, Inspiration, OpenOffice) to the GREATS. Foundation providing them with evidence confirming that the sample from Planet Mearth exhibits the three specific characteristics of life. (This presentation needs to be saved as a .pdf document and deposited in the designated dropbox.). Task Directions: 1. Read the task scenario and background info. 2. Complete the Research Notebook and student/monitor checklist. 3. Create a final presentation that summarizes your evidence and rationale for supporting that the sample object found on Mearth meets the three specific characteristics of life assigned in this task.

6 4. Refer to the scoring guide as you create your presentation. Submission Procedure: TBD. Keystone Project Based Scoring (Complete) Guide Project: BIO-A-2-11 -- Is it alive ? yes no Evaluative Factor/ Criteria for Related EC Checkpoint Presentation 1)Evidence for the cellular basis Checkpoint of life 1. Observes that diagram 1: Questions o Has pattern of #1 - 5. organization o Has individual cells /compartments with consistent shape and size o Has individual cells /compartments with similar internal structures Observes tissue level of organization Identifies key cell organelles and their functions o Cell wall 1/26/12 3. o Plasma membrane o Chloroplast o Mitochondria o Vacuole o Nucleus Distinguishes and provides rationale for cellular characteristics given below o Multicellular o Eukaryote o Plant-like o Autotrophic o Performs Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Distinguishes the basic elements of life and their functions in biological macromolecules o Carbohydrates- C,H,O.

7 (2:1 H:O)- energy o Lipids- C,H,O . (hydrocarbons abundant)- energy storage o Proteins- C, H,O, N (could include S) cellular structure, enzymes o Nucleic acids- C, H, O, N, P- information storage 2)Evidence for obtaining and Checkpoint transforming energy : 2. The sample from Mearth Questions obtains energy from light #6-14. The sample from Mearth transforms energy through the processes of photosynthesis (reaction A). and cellular respiration (reaction B). Light is being transformed to chemical energy in bonds Bonds are being broken and reformed to generate new products and different forms of energy Energy can also be stored in molecules like ATP.

8 The sample from Mearth 1/26/12 4. contains organelles key to obtaining and transforming energy- chloroplasts and mitochondria 3)Evidence for homeostasis Checkpoint The sample from Mearth 3. contains a selectively permeable Questions plasma membrane #15-17. The structure of a selectively permeable membrane includes a phospholipid bilayer that protects due to its polar Checkpoint orientation, and 4. transport proteins that Questions #. facilitate movement of 18-21. molecules using both passive and active transport mechanisms The sample from Mearth is capable of maintaining a balance between internal and external environments through passive and active transport processes Osmosis- explanation of movement of water through a membrane following a concentration gradient Active transport- this process requires energy in the form of ATP.

9 Because molecules move against a concentration gradient The sample from Mearth must maintain a consistent internal temperature which is key to enzyme functionality- enzymes slow down in activity if temperatures are too low, and enzymes denature if temperatures are too high 1/26/12 5. Student/Monitor Project Checkpoints Both the student and the project monitor should use this checkpoint list to guide student work. As the student completes each task in the Research Notebook, he / she should present the step to the project monitor. Both parties should initial each checkpoint to indicate completion. Student should not proceed to the next step until the prior step is initialed by both parties and dated.

10 Completion of checkpoints is not an evaluation of the proficiency of student work. Project Title: BIO-A-2-11 -- Is it alive ? Student Monitor Date Project Component Completed 1. Checkpoint 1 Cellular Basis of Life 2. Checkpoint 2 Obtain and Use Energy 3. Checkpoint 3 Homeostasis 4. Checkpoint 4 Homeostasis 5. Completion of Presentation 6. Review and Proof Reading of Presentation 7. Electronic Submission of Final Project to Project Monitor (Monitor ensures proper naming of .pdf file and submits to Building Principal). 1/26/12 6. Research Notebook Task Part 1: Cellular Basis of Life When viewed under a microscope at 300x, the sample of the matter collected looks like.