Lesson 3 - Cell Theory and Specialized Cells

Lesson Objectives

Content Objective: Describe the basics of cell theory and the exceptions to cell theory and the characteristics of specialized cells.

Language Objective: Identify the functions of cells from the number and variety of organelles.

Syllabus Details:

1.5 - Cells can only be formed by division of pre-existing cells.

1.5 - The first cells must have arisen from non-living material.

1.5 - Evidence from Pastuer’s experiments that spontaneous generation of cells and organisms does not now occur on Earth.

1.1 - Living organisms are composed of cells.

Homework: See Homework Page

Activity 1 - Cell Theory Discovery

Watch this video, BBC - The Cell, from 32 min to 50 min. It discusses the discovery of cells and cell theory. The basics of this theory are here:

Cell Theory:

1. all known living things are made up of cells.

2. the cell is a structural & functional unit of all living things.

3. all cells come from pre-existing cells by division

TOK

When you are finished, please answer discuss the two question with your elbow partner.

Serendipity can play a large role in science. Use an example from this video that shows how serendipity can play a role in science.
A paradigm shift, a concept identified by the American physicist and philosopher Thomas Kuhn, is a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline. Was Cell Theory a paradigm shift? Use examples to support your answer.

Activity 2 - Cells from Cells

Using the links below and information from the movie, explain with the aid of a diagram how Louis Pasteur disproved spontaneous generation.

Louis Pasteur - Spontaneous Generation - Just watch number 1 (though we will talk about 2 later in the course)

Louis Pasteur - Document

Activity 3

Using the card sort, match up the specialized cells to each description and picture.

Make special note of the liver cells and palisade mesophyll.

Think about what makes specialized cells specialized? All cells have the exact same DNA and genes, so what happens? We will talk about this in class.

Activity 4 - Atypical Examples of Cell Theory

The following are atypical examples of cell theory:

Find out why and explain using one of the following options:

A series of 5 photographs
An icon and logo
A recorded dialogue (max 2 minutes) between a group of three (only one person needs to post it - add partners' names in comments)

....and then post your assignment in Google Classroom.

A. Strengthen Your Skills

B. Expand Your Knowledge

Dig Philosophy? Dig into the Philosophy of Science