Life Science Benchmark

School Wide Benchmark Assessment Plan Biology / Life Science Standards Test 1 September Test 3 January Test 2 November Test 4 March Test # of Category Essential Science Standards STAR Questions 1 9 Cell Biology 1. The fundamental life processes of plants and animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions that occur in specialized areas of the organism’s cells. As a basis for understanding this concept: a. Students know cells are enclosed within semipermeable membranes that regulate their interaction with their surroundings. b. Students know enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions without altering the reaction equilibrium and the activities of enzymes depend on the temperature, ionic conditions, and the pH of the surroundings. c. Students know how prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells (including those from plants and animals), and viruses differ in complexity and general structure. d. Students know the central dogma of molecular biology outlines the flow of information from transcription of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the nucleus to translation of proteins on ribosomes in the cytoplasm. e. Students know the role of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in the secretion of proteins. f. Students know usable energy is captured from sunlight by chloroplasts and is stored through the ...