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= VCE UNIT 3: SIGNATURES OF LIFE = = AREA OF STUDY 2: DETECTING AND RESPONDING =



Overview This area of study focuses on how cells detect biomolecules that elicit particular responses depending on whether the molecules are “self” or “non-self”. Students investigate how signalling molecules, such as hormones and neurotransmitters, assist in co-coordinating and regulating cell activities by binding to specific receptors on membranes of target cells, initiating a series of molecular changes in response.

Students examine the barriers and mechanisms of organisms that protect them from invasion and infection by pathogenic organisms. They investigate mechanisms that control the effectiveness of pathogens, and specific and non-specific immune responses of organisms to antigens.

Students investigate signalling molecules and their role in regulating activities of organisms such as growth hormones in plants and/or action of antibiotics. They investigate how advances in molecular biology have helped to find causes of disorders in cell communication, and how technologies assist in managing disorders that interfere with co-ordination and regulation

On completion, students should be able to describe and explain coordination and regulation of an organism’s immune responses to antigens at the molecular level.
 * Outcome 2**


 * Key Knowledge (Table of Contents)**