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New YorkBiology

Module 4: Reproduction, development and human systems

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How can cells with identical DNA become so different from one another?

Explain how cells with the same DNA become specialized through differential gene expression, and describe the role of stem cells in development and repair (NYSSLS LS1, structure and function; cause and effect).
A NYSSLS-level answer on differentiation for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: how cells with identical DNA specialize by expressing different genes, what stem cells are, and how this builds and maintains a multicellular body.
10 min answer →

How does the body defend itself against pathogens, and how do vaccines provide protection?

Explain how the immune system defends the body against pathogens using white blood cells and antibodies, how immunity and vaccination work, and how disease disrupts homeostasis (NYSSLS LS1, cause and effect; stability and change).
A NYSSLS-level answer on immunity for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: pathogens and disease, how white blood cells and antibodies defend the body, how immunity and vaccines work, and how disease disrupts homeostasis.
11 min answer →

How do the nervous and endocrine systems coordinate the body and maintain homeostasis?

Explain how the nervous system (neurons and signals) and the endocrine system (hormones) coordinate responses and maintain homeostasis, comparing the speed and duration of their effects (NYSSLS LS1, systems and system models; stability and change).
A NYSSLS-level answer on coordination for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: how neurons carry nerve signals, how hormones act more slowly and widely, how the two systems compare, and how they maintain homeostasis.
11 min answer →

How do organisms reproduce, and how does a fertilized egg develop into a new individual?

Compare sexual and asexual reproduction, explain fertilization and early development from zygote to embryo, and describe the role of reproductive structures in humans (NYSSLS LS1 and LS3, patterns; systems and system models).
A NYSSLS-level answer on reproduction for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: sexual versus asexual reproduction, fertilization and the zygote, early development into an embryo, and the role of human reproductive structures.
10 min answer →

How do the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems supply cells with what they need and remove wastes?

Explain how the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems work together to transport materials, exchange gases and provide nutrients to cells, maintaining the internal environment (NYSSLS LS1, systems and system models; energy and matter).
A NYSSLS-level answer on the supply systems for the New York Life Science: Biology Regents: how the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems transport materials, exchange gases and provide nutrients, and how they cooperate to maintain the internal environment.
11 min answer →