Lesson 1 and 2 - Characteristics of Life and Cell Structure
Lesson Objectives
Content Objective: Identify major structures and functions of cell parts using electron micrographs and diagrams
Language Objective: Create a labelled diagram of cells using the following vocab; mitochondria, Rough ER, Smooth ER, cell wall (if relevant), plasma membrane, chloroplasts (if relevant), nucleus, Golgi Body, free ribosome (80S), bound ribosome (80S), ribosomes (70S) lysosomes, vacuole (if relevant), nuclear membrane, nucleoid region (if relevant), naked DNA (if relevant)
Syllabus Details:
A2.2.7 - Processes of life in unicellular organisms - Include these functions: homeostasis, metabolism, nutrition, movement, excretion, growth, response to stimuli and reproduction.
A2.2.1 - Cells as the basic structural unit of all living organisms
A2.2.3—Developments in microscopy - Include the advantages of electron microscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy, and the use of fluorescent stains and immunofluorescence in light microscopy.
A2.2.4 - Structures common to cells in all living organisms - Typical cells have DNA as genetic material and a cytoplasm composed mainly of water, which is enclosed by a plasma membrane composed of lipids. Students should understand the reasons for these structures.
B2.2.1 - Organelles as discrete subunits of cells that are adapted to perform specific functions - Students should understand that the cell wall, cytoskeleton and cytoplasm are not considered organelles, and that nuclei, vesicles, ribosomes and the plasma membrane are.
A2.2.8 - Differences in eukaryotic cell structure between animals, fungi and plants - Include presence and composition of cell walls, differences in size and function of vacuoles, presence of chloroplasts and other plastids, and presence of centrioles, cilia and flagella.
A2.2.5 - prokaryote cell structures - Include these cell components: cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, naked DNA in a loop and 70S ribosomes. The type of prokaryotic cell structure required is that of Gram-positive eubacteria such as Bacillus and Staphylococcus. Students should appreciate that prokaryote cell structure varies.
A2.2.6 - eukaryote cell structures - Students should be familiar with features common to eukaryote cells: a plasma membrane enclosing a compartmentalized cytoplasm with 80S ribosomes; a nucleus with chromosomes made of DNA bound to histones, contained in a double membrane with pores; membrane-bound cytoplasmic organelles including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and a variety of vesicles or vacuoles including lysosomes; and a cytoskeleton of microtubules and microfilaments.
B2.2.3 - Advantages of compartmentalization in the cytoplasm of cells - Include concentration of metabolites and enzymes and the separation of incompatible biochemical processes. Include lysosomes and phagocytic vacuoles as examples.
Book Reference:
Homework: See Google Classroom
Activites
Activity 1 - Using the seven stations around the room, see if you can determine what characteristic of life it represents and write it down.
Activity 2 - In pairs or groups of 3, please complete the following worksheet.
Find an electron micrograph of the organelle
State it’s function
Decide if it is in a prokaryotic, plant cell, animal cell (or a combination)
One interesting fact.
A funny joke using one of your organelles (or a bad joke) and a haiku for the other organelle..
Activity 3 - Cell Structure - Prokaryotic, Eukaryotic (Plant and Animal cell), and Fungal cell
Please complete this Cell Structure Worksheet. You will need to know all of these.
Activity 4 - Microscope Techniques - Jigsaw Activity
General electron microscopy
cryogenic electron microscopy - Stop at "What did the laureates contribute?"
Light microscope - fluorescent stains
Light microscope - immunofluorescence
Activity 5 - Which technique to use?
Activity 6 - Identifying Electron Micrographs of cell organelles
Label the organelles on this document in your groups.
Activity 7 - Compartmentalization
Video 1 - Phagocytosis
Reading on Lysosomal Storage Disease
Question:
How do both of the examples above highlight the importance of compartmentalization in cells?
Activity 8 - Paramecium under a microscope
Describe which characteristics of life this paramecium is demonstrating and how you know.
Activity 7 - Chlamydomonas
Describe which characteristics of life this paramecium is demonstrating and how you know.
Home Learning
A. Strengthen Your Skills
Differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Cell Parts Key
Cell Electron Micrograph Organelles Key
B. Expand Your Knowledge
A bit more about Electron Microscopes