Biology is the study of living things from familiar, complex multicellular organisms that live in the many different habitats of our biosphere to single celled micro-organisms that live in seemingly inhospitable conditions. (Study summary VCE Biology 2013-2016, VCAA, 2012)
In this unit students consider the molecules and biochemical processes that are indicators of life. They investigate the synthesis of biomacromolecules and biochemical processes that are common to autotrophic and heterotrophic life forms. Students consider the universality of DNA and investigate its structure; the genes of an organism, as functional units of DNA and code for the production of a diverse range of proteins in an organism.
Students investigate the significant role of proteins in cell functioning; how technological advances have enabled scientists to determine differences in the molecular structure of proteins, how the structure of a protein relates to its function in an organism’s tissues, and how technological advances have given rise to applications such as the design of proteins for specific purposes. Students consider advances in proteomics applied, for example, to medical diagnosis.
Students investigate how cells communicate with each other at molecular level in regulating cellular activities; how they recognise ‘self’ and ‘non-self’ in detecting possible agents of attack; and how physical barriers and immune responses can protect the organism against pathogens.
Students consider the technological advances that have contributed to our knowledge and understanding of molecular biology and thereby appreciate the dynamic nature of science.
Students apply concepts related to the structure, function, activities, needs and regulated death of cells. (p. 3, Study summary VCE Biology 2013-2016, VCAA, 2012)