HS-LS1-1 | DNA and Protein Synthesis

From NY Science Standards Wiki
HS-LS1-2 →

Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

Clarification statement: Emphasis should be on how the DNA code is transcribed and translated in the synthesis of proteins. Types of proteins involved in performing life functions include enzymes, structural proteins, cell receptors, hormones, and antibodies.

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include identification of specific cell or tissue types, whole body systems, specific protein structures and functions, or the detailed biochemistry of protein synthesis.

Assessment

What assessment of HS-LS1-1 might look like on a NY state exam.

Exam Cluster Question
August 2026 Human Variations in Eye Color Question 11
Humongous Fungus Question 16
June 2026 Tailless Humans Question 20
Caffeine’s Effect on the Body Question 39
January 2026 Solving the Problem of Cat Allergies Question 14
Solving the Problem of Cat Allergies Question 18
Diabetes Question 26
Zebra Coat Patterns Question 42
August 2025 A Unique Relationship: Mulberries and Silk Question 14
Keratin – A Very Versatile Protein Question 24
Keratin – A Very Versatile Protein Question 26
June 2025 Heads or Tails? Question 13
Heads or Tails? Question 16
Nature or Nurture? Question 44
Nature or Nurture? Question 45
Sample clusters (Spring 2024) Prostaglandins Question 1
Prostaglandins Question 2
Prostaglandins Question 5

Performance Level Descriptions

PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of five levels.

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Level 1: Identify the evidence that supports the claim/explanation that the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins or identify the explanation/claim using given evidence that the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins.
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Level 2: Describe the evidence that supports an explanation that the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins.
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Level 3: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out essential functions.
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Level 4: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.
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Level 5: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells.

Vocabulary

Terms from the Biology Glossary that come from this standard or from the released exam questions that assess it.

From this standard
  • antibody
  • body system
  • cell
  • cell function
  • cell receptor
  • claim
  • DNA
  • DNA code
  • enzyme
  • gene
  • genetic information
  • hormone
  • investigation
  • protein
  • protein synthesis
  • specialized cell
  • structural protein
  • structure and function
  • tissue
  • transcription
  • translation
From released exam questions

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-LS1-1.

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NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation HS-LS1-1 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices
  • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
    • Construct an explanation based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources (including students’ own investigations, models, theories, simulations, peer review) and the assumption that theories and laws that describe the natural world operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • LS1.A: Structure and Function
    • Systems of specialized cells within organisms help them perform the essential functions of life.
    • All cells contain genetic information in the form of DNA molecules. Genes are regions in the DNA that contain the instructions that code for the formation of proteins, which carry out most of the work of cells.(Note: This Disciplinary Core Idea is also addressed by HS-LS3-1.)
Crosscutting Concepts
  • Structure and Function
    • Investigating or designing new systems or structures requires a detailed examination of the properties of different materials, the structures of different components, and connections of components to reveal its function and/or solve a problem.
Page contributors: Conrad Richman, Caroline Leonard
Biology | HS. Structure and Function
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