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VirginiaBiology

Reporting Category 3: Molecular and Genetic Biology

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How are bacteria structured, and why are they both beneficial and harmful?

Describe the structure of bacteria as prokaryotic cells, how they reproduce, and the beneficial and harmful roles they play in other organisms and the environment (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.4.b, BIO.4.d).
A SOL-level answer on bacteria for the Virginia Biology EOC: prokaryotic structure, rapid asexual reproduction, and the beneficial roles (decomposers, gut bacteria, nitrogen fixation) and harmful roles of bacteria.
11 min answer →

How did the germ theory change medicine, and how do infectious diseases spread?

Explain the germ theory of infectious disease, the evidence that supports it, how pathogens are transmitted, and how the spread of disease can be prevented (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.4.e).
A SOL-level answer on germ theory for the Virginia Biology EOC: the idea that microorganisms cause disease, the evidence behind it, how pathogens spread, and how vaccines, hygiene, and antibiotics prevent and control disease.
11 min answer →

How does the immune system recognize and respond to pathogens, and how do vaccines work?

Explain how the human immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies in response, including the role of memory cells and how vaccines provide immunity (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.4.c).
A SOL-level answer on immunity for the Virginia Biology EOC: antigens and antibodies, the specific immune response, white blood cells and memory cells, and how vaccines produce immunity.
12 min answer →

Why are viruses dependent on a host, and are they considered alive?

Explain that viruses depend on a host cell for reproduction: describe their basic structure, how they hijack host machinery, and why they are not classified as living cells (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.4.a).
A SOL-level answer on viruses for the Virginia Biology EOC: viral structure, why viruses must use a host cell to reproduce, how they differ from cells, and why they sit at the boundary of living and nonliving.
11 min answer →