Properties of Life: Cell Structure and Function

This assignment requires students to integrate concepts from biology, chemistry, and genetics by discussing the properties of life, basic chemical terminology, cell anatomy and physiology, cell processes such as respiration, photosynthesis, and reproduction, Mendel's Laws, DNA structure and function, and cancer mechanisms. The response should be four double-spaced pages in length.

ASSIGNMENT 03
Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting . Unless
otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling and
grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) double-spaced
pages; refer to the "Assignment Format" page located on the Course Home page for specific
format requirements.
Integrate by discussion the properties of life, basic chemical terminology, and molecules and
compounds of a cell necessary for life. Include the basic anatomy and physiology of a cell and
describe how cell respiration, photosynthesis, and cell reproduction occur in a succinct manner.
Include a brief discussion about Mendel’s Laws and an overview of DNA structure and function.
Conclude with a discussion of cancer and the mechanisms of gene control.
Grading Rubric
Please refer to the rubric on the next page for the grading criteria for this assignment.

CATEGORY Exemplary Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Unacceptable
10 points 8 points 5 points 2 points
Student provides a clear,
logical discussion of all of the
following: the properties of
life, basic chemical
terminology, and molecules
and compounds of a cell
necessary for life.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of at
least 2 of the following: the
properties of life, basic
chemical terminology, and
molecules and compounds
of a cell necessary for life.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
at least 2 of the following:
the properties of life, basic
chemical terminology, and
molecules and compounds
of a cell necessary for life.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of at
least 1 of the following:
the properties of life, basic
chemical terminology, and
molecules and compounds
of a cell necessary for life.
10 points 8 points 5 points 2 points
Student provides a clear,
logical description of the
basic anatomy and
physiology of a cell.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical description of
the basic anatomy and
physiology of a cell.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical description of
the basic anatomy and
physiology of a cell.
Student provides a weak or
unclear description of the
basic anatomy and
physiology of a cell.
15 points 12 points 8 points 5 points
Student provides a clear,
logical description of how
cell respiration,
photosynthesis, and cell
reproduction occur in a
succinct manner.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical description of
how cell respiration,
photosynthesis, and cell
reproduction occur in a
succinct manner.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical description of
how cell respiration,
photosynthesis, and cell
reproduction occur in a
succinct manner.
Student provides a weak or
unclear description of how
cell respiration,
photosynthesis, and cell
reproduction occur in a
succinct manner.
10 points 8 points 5 points 2 points
Student provides a clear,
logical discussion of
Mendel's Laws.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
Mendel's Laws.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
Mendel's Laws.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of
Mendel's Laws.
15 points 12 points 8 points 5 points
Student provides a clear,
logical description of both
DNA structure and function.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical description of
both DNA structure and
function.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical description of
both DNA structure and
function.
Student provides a weak or
unclear description of DNA
structure and/or function.
15 points 12 points 8 points 5 points
Student provides a clear,
logical discussion of cancer
and the mechanisms of gene
control.
Student provides a mostly
clear, logical discussion of
cancer and the mechanisms
of gene control.
Student provides a partially
clear, logical discussion of
cancer and the mechanisms
of gene control.
Student provides a weak or
unclear discussion of
cancer and/or the
mechanisms of gene
control.
10 points 8 points 5 points 2 points
Student makes no errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Student makes 1-2 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Student makes 3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Student makes more than
4 errors in grammar or
spelling that distract the
reader from the content.
15 points 12 points 8 points 5 points
The paper is written in
proper format. All sources
used for quotes and facts are
credible and cited correctly.
Excellent organization,
including a variety of
thoughtful transitions.
The paper is written in
proper format with only 1-2
errors. All sources used for
quotes and facts are credible
and most are cited correctly.
Adequate organization
includes a variety of
appropriate transitions.
The paper is written in
proper format with only 3-5
errors. Most sources used
for quotes and facts are
credible and cited correctly.
Essay is poorly organized,
but may include a few
effective transitions.
The paper is not written in
proper format. Many
sources used for quotes
and facts are less than
credible (suspect) and/or
are not cited correctly.
Essay is disorganized and
does not include effective
transitions.
Cell
anatomy/physiology
(10 points)
DNA
structure/function
(15 points)
Format - APA Format,
Citations,
Organization,
Transitions (15
Points)
Properties of life (10
points)
Cell respiration,
photosynthesis, and
reproduction (15
points)
Mendel’s Laws (10
points)
Mechanics -
Grammar,
Punctuation, Spelling
(10 Points)
Cancer and gene
control (15 points)