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New YorkBiology

Module 1: Cells, biochemistry 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 the selectively permeable cell membrane control what enters and leaves a cell?

Explain how the cell membrane controls the movement of materials by diffusion, osmosis and active transport, and relate membrane structure to selective permeability (NYSSLS LS1, structure and function; stability and change).
A NYSSLS-level answer on the cell membrane for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: the structure of the membrane, selective permeability, diffusion and osmosis, active transport, and how cells maintain a stable internal environment.
11 min answer →

How does the structure of each cell organelle suit the function it carries out for the cell?

Describe the major organelles of plant and animal cells and explain how each structure supports a cellular function, distinguishing prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells (NYSSLS LS1, structure and function; systems and system models).
A NYSSLS-level answer on cell structure for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: the major organelles of plant and animal cells, the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and how each structure supports a function.
11 min answer →

How are the four classes of biological molecule built, and how does their structure suit their function in living systems?

Explain how carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids are constructed from monomers and how the structure of each macromolecule relates to its function (NYSSLS LS1, structure and function).
A NYSSLS-level answer on the chemistry of life for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: the role of water, the four classes of biological molecule, how monomers join into polymers, and how structure relates to function.
11 min answer →

How do organisms keep their internal conditions stable when the outside environment changes?

Explain how feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis (a stable internal environment) in organisms, using examples such as temperature, glucose and water regulation (NYSSLS LS1, stability and change; systems and system models).
A NYSSLS-level answer on homeostasis for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: what dynamic equilibrium means, how negative feedback works, and worked examples of temperature, blood glucose and water regulation.
11 min answer →

How are living things organized from molecules up to whole organisms, and why does each level depend on the ones below?

Describe the hierarchy of biological organization from molecules to organisms (cells, tissues, organs, organ systems) and explain how parts work together as a system (NYSSLS LS1, systems and system models; scale, proportion and quantity).
A NYSSLS-level answer on biological organization for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: the hierarchy from molecules to organisms, the cell as the basic unit of life, and how levels work together as a system.
10 min answer →

What laboratory and investigation skills does the Biology Regents assess, and how do the science and engineering practices appear in cluster questions?

Describe the laboratory requirement for the Life Science: Biology Regents and the science and engineering practices it assesses, including identifying variables and controls, analyzing data, and evaluating experimental design (NYSSLS SEPs; planning and carrying out investigations).
A NYSSLS-level answer on the laboratory requirement and science practices for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: the 1200-minute lab rule, the eight science and engineering practices, identifying variables and controls, and how investigation skills are tested in clusters.
11 min answer →