GRADE 12

Learning Module
S.Y 2021-2022

ARCHIE P. AWAS
Teacher
c

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PRE-TEST QUESTIONS

Directions: Encircle the letter that you think best answer the questions. Answer all the items.

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1. Biology is the study of...
A. Research C. Ecology and evolution
B. Living things D. None of the above
2. Enzymes...
A. Compose much of the physical structure and framework of an organism
B. Are proteins
C. Are composed of repeating subunits of mono saccharides
D. Form part of the most complex nucleic acids
3. The entire surface of the earth that contains living organisms is called the
A. Biosphere C. Atmosphere
B. Environment D. Universe
4. The smallest unit that can carry out all activities we associate with life is
A. Organelle C. Tissue
B. Cell D. Organism
5. Which is true of all cells?
A. Go through carious developmental stages C. Can move from one location to another
B. Respond to light D. Derived from previously existing cells
6. The basis for the occurrence of evolution within organism is
A. Death C. Reproductions
B. Genetics D. Cells
7. Which of the following is not a characteristic of living things?
A. Interaction C. Energy transformation
B. Multicellular D. Reproduction
8. An organelle associated with packaging proteins and export from the cell
A. Plastids C. Golgi body
B. Lysosomes D. Ribosomes
9. A lipid bilayer _____________ fatty acids tails face each other within a region that excludes
water
A. Hypertonic C. Hydrographic
B. Hydrophobic D. Hydrophilic
10. Entire cells or other large particles can enter a cell through
A. Active transport C. Phagocytosis
B. Diffusion D. Exocytosis
11. These are responsible for cell locomotion and the cells structural characteristics.
A. Microfilaments C. Intermediate filaments
B. Microtubules D. Cholesterol
12. Digest proteins
A. Lysosomes C. Smooth ER

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B. Ribosomes D. Rough ER
13. Produces secretory proteins
A. Smooth ER C. Ribosomes
B. Rough ER D. Nucleus
14. Movement of anything through a membrane
A. Hypotonic C. Ribosomes
B. Diffusion D. P cells
15. Changes the rate of chemical reactions without itself being changed into a different molecule
in the process
A. Insulin C. Enzymes
B. Glucose D. Proteins
16. It contains the semifluid substance called the cytosol where the different organelles are
suspended.
A. Cell Membrane C. Lysosomes
B. Cytoplasm D. Ribosomes
17. Which of the following are postulates of the cell theory?
A. All organisms are made up for cells. C. All cells come from pre-existing cells.
B. The basic unit of life is the cell. D. All of the above.
18. A type of cell division that yields daughter cells that have the same number of chromosomes
as the parent cell.
A. Anaphase C. Mitosis’
B. Metaphase D. Meiosis
19. At this point of cell cycle the cell rapidly grows and protein synthesis continues.
A. Interphase C. G1 Phase
B. S Phase D. G2 Phase
20. This is responsible in dividing the cell into two.
A. Cytokinesis C. Centromere
B. Kinetochore D. Spindle Fibers
21. Who discover the last postulate of cell theory?
A. Virchow C. Schwann
B. Schleiden D. Hooke
22. This theory states that living organisms are made up of cells.
A. Theory of Spontaneous Generation C. Theory of Evolution
B. Cell Theory D. Theory of Natural Selection

At the end of this topic, I can;

 Define and explain the meaning of biology

 Identify and explain the different branches of
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 Reflect the importance of biology in our daily lives.
BIOLOGY
OVERVIEW

What is Biology?

Biology is the science of life. Its name is derived from the Greek words "bios" (life) and
"logos" (study). Biologists study the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution and
distribution of living organisms.

Branches of Biology

Biochemistry - the study of the material substances that make up living things

Botany - the study of plants, including agriculture

Cellular biology - the study of the basic cellular units of living things

Ecology - the study of how organisms interact with their environment

Evolutionary biology - the study of the origins and changes in the diversity of life over time

Genetics - the study of heredity

Molecular biology - the study of biological molecules

Physiology - the study of the functions of organisms and their parts

Zoology - the study of animals, including animal behavior.

Importance of Biology in our Daily Lives

The term biology comprises life and living beings in general. Since humans fall under the
category of living beings, Biology is helpful in explaining the various phenomena both around
and within us. Let us explore how various areas of biology apply to various aspects of our life
like where we reside, what we consume, and what activities we are engaged in.

1. Understand Human Body - Ranging from physiology to genetics, different sections

of biology explains about the elements involved in the making of human body, its
working, its relation with food, respiratory system and human body parts and finally, its
relation with the environment. Thus understanding this would help us in avoiding,
removing and curing diseases. It helps us gain strength and even reduce weight.

2. How to treat diseases - As there is a strong connection between modern medicine and
biology, as pharmacology, a domain under biology forms an integral part of modern
medicine/healthcare. Pharmacology includes areas ranging from research to
manufacturing painkillers and medicines to treat depression. Domains such as
pathology are beneficial for knowing about various diseases and the reasons behind them
along with their implications on the human body. Virology does the same but focuses on
the impact of viruses on the humans. Biology’s influence on genetics cannot be ignored.

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 3. Necessity of nutrients - Once we understand the mechanism of human body and its
relation to the food we consume, diet experts would be able to advise us on what kind of
diet would be suitable or proper for every individual. The nutritionists would be able to
guide us on what diet we should consume to reduce weight or to gain them and
depending on the lifestyle we choose viz. hard labour job or office work.

Reflect Upon

Give other importance of biology in our daily lives.

Module 1(Week 1): Foundation of Life

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 Today’s entire DNA, strung through all the cells of the earth, is simply an extension and
elaboration of the first molecule

- Thomas Lewis

The Cell Theory

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At the end of this topic, I can;

 Relate the invention of the first microscopes with the discovery of the cell.
 Identify the person behind the discovery of cell theory.
 The Invention of the Microscope and Discovery of the Cell

Before the microscope was invented, the Romans had already invented and experimented
with glasses during first century. One of these glass samples involved a piece that had thick,
middle and thin edges. They discovered that small objects become larger when viewed through
this glass sample. This became the earliest from a lens. The word lens is derived from the Latin
word lentil, because it closely resembled the shape of the lentil bean. These lenses were not fully
utilized until the 13th century, when they were finally used in eyeglass production. These lenses
can magnify objects only at 6x-10x.

Around 1595, the first compound microscope was invented by Zacharias Janssen (1580-
1638). It is believed that Zacharias probably had help from his father, Hans, because he was still
young at that time. They made these microscopes by placing several lenses together, and
discovered that objects were further enlarged upon viewing.

In 1665, Robert Hooke (1635-1703) examined a thin slice of cork under the microscope
that he built. He was able to see and observe small compartments of the cork. He initially named
the small compartments cellula because they reminded him of the “little rooms” in the
monastery. These eventually became known as cells. A few years later, Anton van Leeuwenhoek
(1632-1723) created a microscope with a much higher magnification than the microscope that
Hooke used. Leeuwenhoek used his microscope to observe specimens such as bacteria, blood
cells and protists.

What is Cell Theory?

The discoveries made by Hooke, Leeuwenhoek, Schleiden, Schwann, Virchow, and

others led to the formulation of the cell theory. The cell theory is universal for all living things,
no matter how simple or complex, tiny or huge it is. This theory can be summed up into three
basic components:

1. All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

2. The cell is the basic unit of life in all living things.

3. All cells some from pre-existing cells.

Schleiden published his research in 1838, which was based on several years of studying
different types of plants under the microscope. Schwann published his research a year later,
based on his study of several slides of animal cells. Their researches became the bases of the first
and second postulates of the cell theory. The last postulate was eventually proven by Rudolf
Ludwig Karl Virchow in 1858. Virchow, upon studying how cells played a role in body disease

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at that time, noticed that the existence of diseases in the organs and tissues come from affected
cells. From this, he stated Omnis cellula e cellula, which means that all cells arise from pre-
existing cells. It was believed, however, that this discovery was initially made by Robert Remak,
a Jewish scientist, in 1855, when he tried to prove the idea of cell division by hardening the cell
membrane.

The three postulates of the cell theory offer the basis on how an object is considered as a
living thing. All living things are fundamentally made up of cell, this entails no exception no
matter how simple or complex that organism is or to what environment it is exposed to or what
course of evolution it has gone through. An organism can be unicellular (one-celled) or
multicellular. The cell is the basic unit of life. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Living things that are made up of one cell only, such as bacteria and protozoa are called
unicellular organism, whereas those that are made up of many cells such as plants and animals
are called multicellular organism.

Multicellular organisms are macroscopic, which means they can be seen by the unaided
eye. Unicellular organisms on the other hand, are microscopic which means they are so small
that you cannot see them with unaided eyes. You have to use a microscope to see them. The
microscope is an instrument used to view objects that cannot be seen by the unaided eye. It can
magnify the size of very small objects.

The cell theory had greatly disproved the theory of spontaneous generation, which states
that organism can come from non-living sources. The theory of spontaneous generation was
generally accepted until the 19th century. The cell theory’s third postulate directly contradicts the
theory of spontaneous generation.

What are the Characteristics of Cells?

1. Organisms vary in number of cells – some organism such as the amoeba, euglena, and
paramecium contain only one cell. They are unicellular. Other organisms are made up of many
cells and are known to be multicellular. A new born baby, for example, contains about two
trillion cells and an adult has 60 trillion cells. When you donate blood, you give away about 5.4
billion cells; and each day, your body losses and replaces about 600 billion cells.

2. Cells vary in shape – cells come in different shapes round, cube like, elongated, spherical, flat,
and cylindrical.

3. Cells vary in size – For an organism to contain numerous cells, the cells must be very small.
The size of cells is expressed in micrometers. One micrometer is one millionth of a meter (-m),
Some bacteria are about 0.2 nm in length, others about 10 μm and still others about 500 nm
(nanometer). There are one thousand nanometers in one micrometer. The sizes and shapes of
cells are related to the functions they perform. The amoeba and white blood cells change in
shape as they move about. A sperm cell has a long, whip-like tail called flagellum, which is used
for locomotion.

Activity 1

Directions: Complete the following table with the contribution of each scientist listed. Answer
the following questions afterward.

Scientist Major Contribution in Biology

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Zacharias Janssen

Robert Hooke

Anton van
Leeuwenhoek

1. How did the invention of the microscope contribute to the discovery of the cells?

2. If these scientist did not pursue their work and share their contributions to the world, do you
think people would still arrive at the idea that all organism are made up of cells? Why?

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Reflect Upon

It is believed that Hans Janssen his son Zacharias makes the first microscope. In your own
family, have you asked help from your father or anyone older than you? Why is it important
to ask someone for help when you need it?

Cell Structure and Functions

Objectives:

 Describe the structure and function of major parts of the cell (cell membrane, Page
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wall, nucleus, cytoplasm, cell organelles)
 Describe the structure and function of subcellular organelles (ribosomes,
mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, vacuoles,
 The cell structure comprises individual components with specific functions essential to
carry out life’s processes. These components include- cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm,
nucleus, and cell organelles. Read on to explore more insights on cell structure and function.

Major Parts of a Cell

Cell Membrane – all cells have a cell membrane. The main function of the cell membrane is to
separate and protect the cell from its environment. It also allows some substances to pass through
it and reject others, therefore known to be semipermeable membrane. The cell membrane plays
several important roles for the continued existence of the cell. Its semipermeability allows the
cell to choose the substances to absorb, secrete, or excrete. Everything that the cell needs, such as
water and nutrients, enter through the cell membrane, while waste products exit through it. The
cell membrane is also responsible for preventing some harmful substances from entering it. The
major task of the cell membrane is to control or regulate what enters and leaves the cell. The cell
membranes give shape to the cells, protect and support the cells and connect cells to adjacent
cells.

The cell membrane consist of lipids molecules called phospholipids. A phospholipid has two
parts: a polar head and a nonpolar tail. The polar end attracts water (hydrophilic), while the
nonpolar tails avoid water (hydrophobic). Polar heads group together on the outside because they
are attracted to water. Nonpolar tails group together inside because they avoid water. This pattern

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is known as lipid bilayer. This lipid bilayer makes the membrane a tough but flexible covering
that can effectively protect the cell from harmful substances. Generally, substances that dissolve
in lipids enter the cell. Those that do not dissolve cannot pass through the cell membrane.

Cell membranes also have proteins that are

embedded in the lipid layer. These proteins from
channel and pump materials that move across the
cell membrane. Some cell membranes have
carbohydrates that help identify chemicals, thus
allowing the cell to recognize which materials
are foreign and which are not.

Cell Wall – is a unique part of a plant cell. It is

located outside the cell membrane. Cell walls support, protect and give form to the cell. They
have many pores that allow water, carbon dioxide, oxygen and other substances to easily pass
through. Cell walls are made up of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin, a compound formed from
sugar molecules. The cell wall is present exclusively in plant cells. It protects cell membrane and
other cellular components. The cell wall is also the outermost layer of plant cells. It is a rigid and
stiff structure surrounding the cell membrane. It provides shape and support to the cells and
protects them from mechanical shocks and injuries. Cell walls do not dissolve in water but have
the ability to absorb and hold water in large quantities.

Nucleus – The nucleus is a large, dense structure that governs the life of the cell. It controls the
activities of the cell and houses the DNA a molecule that contains the hereditary material. Most
nuclei contain the nucleolus, the site where ribosomes are assembled. These nuclei are
surrounded by two membranes known together as nuclear envelope. The nuclear envelope
contains numerous nuclear pores, which allow materials to pass in and out of the nucleus. The
chromatin consists of the DNA and proteins of the nucleus. During cell division, the chromatin
condenses to form the chromosomes and the carries of hereditary traits are passed on from one
generation to another. The presences of well-defined nucleus serve as the basis for classifying
organism into eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Eukaryotes organism contains a true nucleus.
Prokaryotes organisms do not contain a true nucleus.

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Cytoplasm – The cytoplasm is a thick, clear, jelly-like substance present inside the cell
membrane. Most of the chemical reactions within a cell take place in this cytoplasm. The cell
organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, mitochondria, ribosomes, are suspended in
this cytoplasm. The substance inside the nucleus is the nucleoplasm, while the substance outside
the nucleus is called the cytoplasm. Cyto means cell and plasm means fluid. The cytoplasm is a
complex substance consisting of various organelles.

Organelles - are small structures within the cytoplasm that carry out functions necessary to
maintain homeostasis in the cell. They are involved in many processes, for example energy
production, building proteins and secretions, destroying toxins, and responding to external
signals. The word organelle means “little organ”. Like other cell parts, it is a structure that
performs a specific function within a cell.

Subcellular Organelles of a Cell

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Ribosomes – are tiny, round, and dark particles that are
made up of RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) and proteins. They
serve as sites for the assembly of proteins. Some
ribosomes are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum,
while others are freely floating in the cytoplasm.
Ribosomes are the protein synthesisers of the cell.

Mitochondria act as the powerhouse of the cell. They

provide energy to the cell by releasing it from foods.
The energy is used by the cell to perform its functions.
The energy produced is called ATP (adenosine
triphosphate). Mitochondria are enclosed by two
membranes; an outer membrane and an inner folded
surface called cristae. The cristae project into the
matrix, an inner space filled with a semifluid
substance. ATP is produced in the cristae.

Golgi Bodies – also known as Golgi apparatus appear

as flat sacks. They function as centers for packaging
and storing materials in the cell. Minerals that are
distributed by the endoplasmic reticulum stop first at
the golgi bodies for packaging or storage; then move
on to the other parts of the cell. Carbohydrates and
lipids are attached to proteins by the enzymes in the
Golgi apparatus. In addition, golgi bodies are called
the cell’s post office as it is involved in the
transportation of materials within the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) processes and

transports substances throughout the cell, the ER is
made up of a network of membrane in the form of
tubes and canals that spread all over the cytoplasm.
There are two types of ER; the smooth endoplasmic
reticulum and the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The
smooth ER has membranes folded into smooth sheets
and tubes. It detoxifies poisonous chemicals and
manufactures lipids. The rough ER is involved in
protein synthesis.

Lysosomes – contain enzymes that break down large

molecules of food to smaller ones. They are sac like
structures that also break down waste products and
old cell parts. Lysosomes are known as the garbage
collectors and suicide bags of the cell. They digest
damaged or aged cells.

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 Vacuoles are sac like structure where water and food
materials are stored. In animals, vacuoles store
proteins, fats and carbohydrates while in plants,
vacuoles store water and dissolve salts. They also
store and help cell get rid of wastes. In most mature
plant cells, the vacuole that occupies the largest space
is called the central vacuole. The central vacuole is
surrounded by a membrane called the tonoplast.

Chloroplasts are green, oval-shaped organelles found

only in plant cells. They harvest the energy of sunlight
and convert it to chemical energy. Chloroplasts contain
a compound called chlorophyll, which gives the
chloroplasts their green color. Chloroplasts are the
primary organelles for photosynthesis. Inside the
chloroplast is the stroma (plural: stromata), a colorless
fluid surrounding several grana (singular: granum).
Each granum contains several stacks of thylakoids.
These thylakoids contain chlorophyll, which is the
green pigment responsible for capturing light energy
during photosynthesis. The lumen is the space inside
the thylakoid, which serves as the site the several
reactions during photosynthesis.

Cytoskeleton is the framework that support cell.

Cytoskeleton means “cell skeleton”. It has
microfilaments and microtubules that provide the
cell a tough, flexible framework for support.

Chromosomes - In the nucleus of each cell, the

DNA molecule is packaged into thread-like
structures called chromosomes. Each chromosome is
made up of DNA tightly coiled many times around
proteins called histones that support its structure.
Chromosomes play a crucial role in determining the
sex of an individual. Each human cell contains 23
pairs of chromosomes.

Activity 2

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Complete the table below. Write the name of each organelle in the blanks. In the second column,
indicate whether it is found in animal cell, or both. Create a nickname for each organelle that is
connected to its function. Write its function in the last column.

Organelle Animal / Plant Nickname Function

/ or Both

Name: ________________

Name: ________________

Name: ________________

Name: _______________ 

Name: _______________

Name: ________________

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 Name: ________________

Name:________________

Reflect Upon

Organelles work together to sustain the overall function of the cell and maintain homeostasis
(state of balance). Predict what would happen if one of the organelles was removed. How would
that affect the survival and efficiency of the cell?

Extend Your Knowledge

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Watch, read and enrich your knowledge by visiting the following links below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6v8djXa-IPQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk3vlhz1b6k
 Weekly Assessment

Weekly Assessment

I. Direction: Read each item carefully. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which level of organization is the basic unit of life?

a. Cell b. Organ c. Tissue d. System
2. Which of the following is NOT a postulate of a unified cell theory?
a. All living things are composed of cells. b. Cells are the basic unit of life.
c. All cells undergo complete development. d. All new cells arise from existing cells.
3. Who coined the term cell for the box like structure he observed when viewing cork tissue?
a. Matthias Schleiden b. Rodolf Virchow c. Theodor Schwann d. Robert Hooke
4. How do cells arise from existing cells?
a. through growth and development b. through metabolizing
c. through reproduction d. through adaptability
5. How do a mushroom, amoeba, carabao, and sampaguita similar from each other?
I. All living things are composed of cells. II. Cells are the basic unit of life.
III. All cells undergo complete development. IV. All new cells arise from existing cells.
a. I and II b. I, II and III c. II and IV d. II, III and IV
6. Distinct thread like structures containing genetic information is called ____________.
a. ribosome b. chromosomes c. nuclei d. mitochondria

II. Identify the following items. Write the correct answer on the space provided before each
number.

___________________1. Which part of the cell controls cell activities and transmit hereditary
information.
___________________2. Which is the membranous part that transports substance and serves as
a site of lipid synthesis?
___________________3. Which part of the cell serves as venue for cellular respiration and is
known as the powerhouse of the cell?
___________________4. What is the structure that separates the cell contents from its
environment?
___________________5. Which part contains digestive enzyme that helps break down larger
molecules in the cell?
___________________6. Which part functions for the photosynthetic activities of a plant cell?
___________________7. What is the structure that contains ions, substances and suspended
organelles?
___________________8. Which organelle involve in protein synthesis that composed of
subunits and are produced by the Golgi apparatus.
___________________9. What do you an organism that has a true nucleus?
___________________10. Which organelle that keeps the whole cell and its organelle intact.

REFERENCES Page | 18
Ayuste, T. O. D., & Oliva, M. G. (2017). General Biology 1 (Ser. DIWA Senior
High School Series). DIWA Learning Systems, Inc..

Dorado, S. L., & Yang, G. C. (n.d.). Science, Environment, Technology and

Society - Biology. Sibs Publishing House, Inc..

Rea, M. A. D., Dequillo, M. Z. M., & Chua, J. L. C. (2017). General Biology 1.

Rex Book Store, Inc.

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