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 * VCE Biology Unit 3: Signatures of life **


 * Area of Study 2: Detecting and responding **

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

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

Investigation of signalling molecules and their role in regulating activities of organisms such as growth hormones in plants and/or action of antibiotics will also be examined. You will also 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 coordination and regulation.