The NGSS high school standards for Structure and Function focus on understanding how the structures of organisms are related to their functions at various levels of biological organization. This area of study emphasizes the relationship between the anatomy of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems, and how these structures enable organisms to perform essential life processes.
Students explore the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie biological functions, such as how the structure of DNA allows it to store and transmit genetic information, or how the shapes of proteins determine their roles in cellular activities. The standards also cover how the specialized structures of different organisms are adapted to their environments and contribute to their survival, growth, and reproduction.
By studying structure and function, students learn how biological systems are organized and how the form of a biological component is closely related to its role within an organism. This understanding is fundamental to grasping how living things are built and how they operate, providing insights into everything from cellular biology to the complexity of whole organisms.
HS. Structure and Function Review Sheets: HS-LS1-1: Genes, Proteins, and Tissues : HS-LS1-2: Interacting Body Systems : HS-LS1-3: Feedback Mechanisms and Homeostasis