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North CarolinaBiology

From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

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

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

Use models to explain how the structure of cell organelles determines their function and supports the processes of the cell (North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Biology, LS.Bio.1).
A standard-level answer on organelles for the North Carolina Biology EOC: the structure and function of the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes, ER, Golgi, and others, and how plant and animal cells differ.
13 min answer →

What is the cell theory, and how do we know the cell is the basic unit of life?

Explain the cell theory and identify the cell as the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms (North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Biology, LS.Bio.1).
A standard-level answer on the cell theory for the North Carolina Biology EOC: the three parts of the cell theory, the scientists and microscopes behind it, and how unicellular and multicellular organisms are built from cells.
12 min answer →

How do enzymes speed up reactions, and what changes their activity?

Explain how enzymes act as catalysts for biochemical reactions and how factors such as temperature and pH affect enzyme activity (North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Biology, LS.Bio.1).
A standard-level answer on enzymes for the North Carolina Biology EOC: how enzymes lower activation energy, the lock-and-key model, and how temperature, pH, and concentration affect enzyme-controlled reactions.
13 min answer →

How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in structure and complexity?

Construct explanations comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of their structures and relative complexity (North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Biology, LS.Bio.1).
A standard-level answer on cell types for the North Carolina Biology EOC: the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, what features they share, and how to compare them by size, nucleus, and organelles.
12 min answer →

How does the cell membrane control what enters and leaves the cell?

Explain how the structure of the cell membrane controls the movement of materials by passive and active transport (North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Biology, LS.Bio.1).
A standard-level answer on membranes for the North Carolina Biology EOC: the fluid mosaic model, selective permeability, diffusion, osmosis, facilitated diffusion, and active transport, with tonicity and its effects on cells.
13 min answer →

What are the four macromolecules of life, and how do their structures suit their roles?

Relate the structure of the four major biological macromolecules to their functions in living organisms (North Carolina Standard Course of Study, Biology, LS.Bio.1).
A standard-level answer on biomolecules for the North Carolina Biology EOC: the four macromolecules - carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids - their monomers, functions, and how to identify them.
13 min answer →