Overview

In this unit, students will examine the cells as the structural and functional unit of the whole
organism. Students investigate the needs of all types of cells, how specialised structures carry out
cellular activities. They also investigate that to survive, cells need to achieve a perfect balance
between internal and external environments.
Students understand that all types of life forms have a same challenge to obtain nutrients, a source
of energy, a way to dispose their waste products and a way of reproduction.
Students explore the diversity of living organisms and search for similarities and differences.
As students consider the development of ideas and technological advances that have contributed to
our knowledge and understanding of life forms and cell biology, they come to understand the
dynamic nature of science. Students investigate technological applications and implications of
bioscientific knowledge.
This unit contains two areas of study and two Outcomes within the Unit. Area of Study 1 is called
Cells in action and Area of Study 2 is called Functioning Organisms.
Area of Study 1- Cells in action
This area emphasises on the cellular activities. Students investigate the relationship between the
processes that maintain life. They investigate the role of cell membranes and its contribution to the
survival of cells by maintaining flow of substances within cells and their external environment.
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to design, conduct and report on a practical
investigation related to cellular structure, organisation and processes.
Key Knowledge:
Cell structure: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells at light and electron microscope levels;
cellular organisation
cell functioning: specialised parts of cells and their functions; biochemical processes
including photosynthesis and cellular respiration in terms of inputs and outputs; general role
of enzymes in biochemical activities of cells
composition of cells: major groups of organic and inorganic substances including
carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, water, minerals, vitamins; their general role in
cell structure and function
internal and external environments of cells; plasma membranes; membrane transport
including diffusion, osmosis, active transport; surface area to volume ratio
cell replication: purposes of cell replication (mitosis and cytokinesis); cell growth, cell size
and cell division.
Area of Study 2- Functioning Organisms
This area of study focuses on the relationship between organisms and how organisms meet their
requirements for life. Students examine a wide range of organisms and how they obtain and release
energy. They understand that cells need integrated systems to function as a whole. They examine
the differences and similarities between functions and structures of organisms in creating taxonomic
systems. Students undertake practical investigations into the relationship between structures of
autotrophs and heterotrophs and their requirements.
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to describe and explain the relationship
between features and requirements of functioning organisms and how these are used to construct
taxonomic systems.
Key Knowledge:
common requirements of living things: obtaining nutrients, obtaining energy, processing
nutrients,removing wastes and exchanging gases.
reproduction: asexual and sexual reproduction; mechanisms and systems of reproduction in
unicellular and multicellular organisms
classifying organisms: purposes, principles, hierarchy of biological classification; features
typically used in constructing major taxonomic groups.
Assessment Tasks Incorporated In the Unit

SAC No. Assessment Task (Sac)
1. Multimedia Presentation on Cells (Outcome 1)
2. Practical Report: Effect of temperature on Enzyme activity (Outcome 1)
3. Practical Report : Digestive System of Rat(Outcome 2)
4. Poster on Asexual or Sexual Reproduction(Mitosis or Meiosis) (Outcome 2)