Grade 11 Biology Curriculum Summary (U.S.)

Topics:

• Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells

• Organelles and their roles (nucleus, ER, mitochondria, etc.)

• Cell membranes: fluid mosaic model

• Transport mechanisms (osmosis, diffusion, active transport)

• Cellular respiration and photosynthesis (in-depth)

Skills:

• Microscope analysis of plant vs animal cells

• Energy calculations and reaction comparisons

• Experimentation on osmosis using dialysis tubing or potato cores

Topics:

• DNA replication, structure, and base pairing rules

• Transcription and translation

• RNA types (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA)

• Genetic code and codons

• Mutations: point mutations, frameshift, chromosomal abnormalities

Skills:

• Modeling DNA and protein synthesis

• Translating mRNA into amino acid sequences

• Evaluating the impact of mutations

Topics:

• Mitosis and meiosis: processes and comparison

• Chromosome structure and number (diploid/haploid)

• Crossing over and genetic variation

• Gamete formation and fertilization

Skills:

• Identifying stages of mitosis/meiosis under microscope

• Creating models of crossing over and independent assortment

• Understanding inheritance implications of nondisjunction (e.g., trisomy)

Topics:

• Mendelian inheritance (dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous)

• Dihybrid crosses and probability

• Non-Mendelian genetics: incomplete dominance, codominance, sex-linked traits

• Pedigrees and genetic disorders

• Genetic engineering (CRISPR, gene therapy, cloning)

Skills:

• Solving complex genetic problems

• Interpreting family pedigrees

• Discussing bioethical issues in genetics

Topics:

• Darwin’s theory of natural selection

• Variation, adaptation, survival of the fittest

• Fossil record and transitional species

• Comparative anatomy, embryology, molecular evidence

• Speciation, extinction, and adaptive radiation

Skills:

• Building evolutionary trees and cladograms

• Interpreting evolutionary timelines

• Analyzing DNA/protein similarities across species

Topics:

• Ecosystem structure: producers, consumers, decomposers

• Food webs and trophic levels

• Energy flow and the 10% rule

• Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, water

• Human impact: climate change, pollution, invasive species, sustainability

Skills:

• Constructing food chains and webs

• Analyzing population graphs

• Designing conservation plans or environmental campaigns

Topics:

• Overview of major body systems:

  • Nervous system: neurons, brain function, reflexes

  • Endocrine system: hormones and regulation

  • Circulatory system: heart, blood vessels, blood types

  • Digestive and respiratory systems: structure and function

  • Immune system: innate vs adaptive response, vaccination

• Feedback mechanisms (negative/positive feedback)

Skills:

• Labeling and explaining human body diagrams

• Tracing pathways of blood, oxygen, or food through systems

• Understanding disorders and diseases (e.g., diabetes, asthma)

Topics:

• DNA fingerprinting and gel electrophoresis

• Genetic modification (GMOs)

• Cloning and stem cells

• Human genome project

• Bioinformatics and real-world applications of biotechnology

Skills:

• Analyzing electrophoresis results

• Ethical discussion and argument writing

• Research presentations on cutting-edge biological tools