Big Idea 3

Living systems store, retrieve,  transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes.

Enduring understanding 3.A: Heritable information provides for continuity of life.

3.A.1: DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information.
3.A.2: In eukaryotes, heritable information is passed to the next generation via processes that include the cell cycle and mitosis or meiosis plus fertilization.
3.A.3: The chromosomal basis of inheritance provides an understanding of the pattern of passage (transmission) of genes from parent to offspring
3.A.4: The inheritance pattern of many traits cannot be explained by simple Mendelian genetics.

Enduring understanding 3.B: Expression of genetic information involves cellular and molecular mechanisms.

3.B.1: Gene regulation results in differential gene expression, leading to cell specialization
3.B.2: A variety of intercellular and intracellular signal transmissions mediate gene expression.

Enduring understanding 3.C: The processing of genetic information is imperfect and is a source of genetic variation.

3.C.1: Changes in genotype can result in changes in phenotype.
3.C.2: Biological systems have multiple processes that increase genetic variation
3.C.3: Viral replication results in genetic variation, and viral infection can introduce genetic variation into the hosts.

Enduring understanding 3.D: Cells communicate by generating, transmitting and receiving chemical signals.

3.D.1: Cell communication processes share common features that reflect a shared evolutionary history.
3.D.2: Cells communicate with each other through direct contact with other cells or from a distance via chemical signaling
3.D.3: Signal transduction pathways link signal reception with cellular response
3.D.4: Changes in signal transduction pathways can alter cellular response

Enduring understanding 3.E: Transmission of information results in changes within and between biological systems.

3.E.1: Individuals can act on information and communicate it to others.
3.E.2: Animals have nervous systems that detect external and internal signals, transmit and integrate information, and produce responses.