← Biology syllabus

VirginiaBiology

Reporting Category 2: Cell Biology and Cellular Processes

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 structure of each organelle suit the job it does for the cell?

Identify the major cell organelles and relate each structure to its function, showing how organelles work together to support life processes (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.3.a).
A SOL-level answer on organelles for the Virginia Biology EOC: the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, chloroplasts, vacuoles, and cell wall, and how structure relates to function.
12 min answer →

What does cell theory state, and how do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ?

State the cell theory and the evidence for it, and distinguish prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells and plant from animal cells (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.3.a).
A SOL-level answer on cell theory for the Virginia Biology EOC: the three parts of cell theory and its evidence, the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and how plant and animal cells compare.
12 min answer →

How does meiosis halve the chromosome number and create genetic variation?

Describe meiosis as the division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number, and explain how crossing over, independent assortment, and fertilization create genetic variation (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.3.d, supporting BIO.5).
A SOL-level answer on meiosis for the Virginia Biology EOC: producing haploid gametes, the contrast with mitosis, and how crossing over, independent assortment, and fertilization generate genetic variation.
12 min answer →

How does mitosis produce two identical cells, and what happens when the cell cycle goes wrong?

Describe the cell cycle and mitosis as the process that produces two genetically identical cells for growth and repair, and relate uncontrolled cell division to cancer (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.3.c, BIO.3.d).
A SOL-level answer on the cell cycle for the Virginia Biology EOC: interphase and the stages of mitosis, why the two daughter cells are identical, the role of growth and repair, and how loss of control leads to cancer.
12 min answer →

How does the cell membrane control what moves in and out of the cell?

Explain that the cell membrane is selectively permeable and describe passive transport (diffusion and osmosis) and active transport, including the role of concentration gradients (Virginia 2018 Biology SOL BIO.3.b).
A SOL-level answer on membrane transport for the Virginia Biology EOC: the selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer, diffusion and osmosis, active transport against the gradient, and predicting the direction water moves.
12 min answer →