Unit 3 Reflection

In unit 3, we learned about the cell and all its processes and many intricacies. We learned about the complexity of organelles and how our energy is collected. Although a wide variety of topics were covered, they all shared a common theme: the cell. I think that most of the unit was quite easy, because some of it was just a review of 7th grade biology. I even knew a little in depth information about photosynthesis and cellular respiration before learning this unit. But if one thing is the hardest to grasp in this unit, it would be cellular respiration. I think this is because it has 3 sort of overlapping parts rather than photosynthesis' 2 distinct parts. Even after watching the vodcast, I was still not completely sure about where reactants went in and products came out.

One thing that definitely helped is drawing a diagram. By illustrating the 3 pieces of CR separately and with clean sketches, I was able to understand where and why certain reactants entered CR. This taught me the important skill of drawing diagrams. A diagram is not something that would help only in biology; it could also be applied to chemistry, physics, and a variety of other topics. I do think that I'm a better student now than at the start of this unit. I have learned important studying skills as well as gained a better understanding of the way a cell works. I want to learn more about photosynthesis and cellular respiration. How exactly does ATP synthase work? What are the "in between" steps of the reactions that weren't taught in class? To study for this test, I will probably not make flash cards because I feel like I have already mastered the concept of organelles. However, I will definitely draw out the reactions of photosynthesis and 3 parts of cellular respiration. This process will help me tackle the exact processes and give me a deeper understanding on the topic.