← Biology syllabus

LouisianaBiology

LS1: From Molecules to Organisms (Cells and Transport)

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does each organelle's structure suit the function it performs in the cell?

Develop and use a model to explain how the structure of cell organelles relates to their functions within the cell (Louisiana Student Standards for Science, High School Biology, HS-LS1-2).
A standard-level answer on organelles for Louisiana LEAP 2025 Biology: the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, chloroplasts, vacuoles, and how each structure suits its function.
13 min answer →

Why is the cell considered the basic unit of all living things?

Construct an explanation, supported by evidence, for the cell theory and the idea that the cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms (Louisiana Student Standards for Science, High School Biology, HS-LS1).
A standard-level answer on cell theory for Louisiana LEAP 2025 Biology: the three parts of the cell theory, the evidence behind it, the microscope's role, and how cells are the basic structural and functional units of all living things.
12 min answer →

How does meiosis produce genetic variation in gametes?

Make and defend a claim, based on evidence, that meiosis produces genetic variation by forming new combinations of alleles in gametes (Louisiana Student Standards for Science, High School Biology, HS-LS3-2).
A standard-level answer on meiosis for Louisiana LEAP 2025 Biology: how meiosis halves the chromosome number to make gametes, crossing over and independent assortment, and how these create genetic variation.
13 min answer →

How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in structure?

Develop and use a model to compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and explain how their structures relate to their functions (Louisiana Student Standards for Science, High School Biology, HS-LS1-2).
A standard-level answer on cell types for Louisiana LEAP 2025 Biology: the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the presence or absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and how plant and animal cells compare.
12 min answer →

How does mitosis produce two genetically identical cells for growth and repair?

Develop and use a model of the cell cycle and mitosis to explain how cells divide for growth and repair, producing genetically identical cells (Louisiana Student Standards for Science, High School Biology, HS-LS1).
A standard-level answer on the cell cycle for Louisiana LEAP 2025 Biology: interphase and DNA replication, the stages of mitosis, cytokinesis, and how mitosis produces two genetically identical cells for growth and repair.
12 min answer →

How does the cell membrane control what enters and leaves a cell, and how does that maintain homeostasis?

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the cell membrane controls transport and helps maintain homeostasis (Louisiana Student Standards for Science, High School Biology, HS-LS1-3).
A standard-level answer on membrane transport for Louisiana LEAP 2025 Biology: the selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer, passive transport (diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion), active transport, and osmosis in hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic solutions.
13 min answer →