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LS1: From Molecules to Organisms (The Human Body and Homeostasis)

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

How does the body keep its internal conditions stable, and how do feedback loops work?

Construct an explanation of how organisms use feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis (Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, Biology I, BIO1.LS1).
A standard-level answer on homeostasis for the Tennessee Biology I EOC: what homeostasis is, the parts of a feedback loop (stimulus, receptor, control center, effector, response), negative feedback with body-temperature and blood-glucose examples, and a contrast with positive feedback.
12 min answer →

How is a multicellular body organized, and how do its systems work together?

Use a model to explain the levels of biological organization and how organ systems interact to support the functions of a multicellular organism (Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, Biology I, BIO1.LS1).
A standard-level answer on body organization for the Tennessee Biology I EOC: the levels from cells to tissues to organs to organ systems to organism, the major human organ systems and their jobs, and how systems work together to maintain the organism.
12 min answer →

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

Construct an explanation of how the immune system defends the body against pathogens, including the role of white blood cells, antibodies, and vaccination (Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, Biology I, BIO1.LS1).
A standard-level answer on immunity for the Tennessee Biology I EOC: pathogens and disease, the non-specific and specific defenses, white blood cells and antibodies, immunological memory, and how vaccines provide immunity without causing the disease.
12 min answer →

How do the nervous and endocrine systems control the body and respond to change?

Construct an explanation of how the nervous and endocrine systems detect and respond to stimuli and coordinate the body to maintain homeostasis (Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, Biology I, BIO1.LS1).
A standard-level answer on control systems for the Tennessee Biology I EOC: the nervous system and the stimulus-response pathway, neurons, the endocrine system and hormones, and how fast nervous control and slower hormonal control coordinate the body and maintain homeostasis.
12 min answer →

How do the circulatory and respiratory systems transport materials and exchange gases?

Use a model to explain how the circulatory and respiratory systems transport materials and exchange gases to supply cells and remove wastes (Tennessee Academic Standards for Science, Biology I, BIO1.LS1).
A standard-level answer on transport for the Tennessee Biology I EOC: the circulatory system and the path of blood, the respiratory system and gas exchange, how oxygen and carbon dioxide cross by diffusion, and how the two systems work together to supply cells.
12 min answer →