1. What do you think would happen to your cells if you drank distilled water or went swimming in salt water or the Dead Sea?
2. Imagine a cellular disorder where cell membrane regulation of transport does not function normally. What do you think are possible failure points related to osmosis, facilitated diffusion, and active transport? What would happen if such a cell was placed in a hypotonic solution, in a hypertonic solution, and in an isotonic solution?
3. Describe the relationship between the terms DNA, gene, chromosome, allele, polypeptide, and protein. Why do you think scientists at one time thought the genetic material might have been protein?
4. Compare mitosis to meiosis I and meiosis II. Where are there specific similarities and differences within the phases? What are some things that could go wrong? What are the consequences?
5. What is a genetic mutation you have heard about in the news recently that involves a change in the DNA molecule? Describe the mutation and why it involves a DNA molecule change.
6. Individuals have unique DNA sequences that can be used to help solve crimes, identify diseases, and determine paternity. One possible prediction is that DNA will be used a means of identification in the future. What predictions would you make based on the technology you have reviewed in your reading materials? What problems do you foresee?
7. If you were given one group of organisms and asked to return in 200 years with two species, what steps would you take to complete the assignment? What steps would you take to complete the assignment in one generation?
8. Explain how antibiotics may cause the production of antibiotic-resistant strands of staphylococcus and other superbugs. How do the organisms adapt? Provide a current-events example.
9. Describe and give examples of the symbiotic relationships in an ecosystem. Describe your symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Would you classify predation as a symbiotic relationship? Why or why not?
10. Describe a recently discovered organism. How was the organism classified? What specific characteristics caused it to be classified as a new organism?