1.Introduction to Cell

Essential Idea:The evolution of multicellular organisms allowed cell specialization and cell replacement

Statement of Inquiry: Understanding the structure and function of cells leads to innovative technological advances in medicine and biotechnology.

 

Assessment : 

Both living and non-living things are composed of molecules made from chemical elements such as Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen. The organization of these molecules into cells is one feature that distinguishes living things from all other matter. The cell is the smallest unit of matter that can carry on all the processes of life. 

1. Introduction to Cells

1.1. Cell Theory

This text is for illustrative purposes only. What you're reading here is sample text.

1.2. Function of Life

This text is for illustrative purposes only. What you're reading here is sample text.

This text is for illustrative purposes only. What you're reading here is sample text.

1.3. Surface Area: Volume Ratio

1.4. Magnification

1.5. Emergent Properties

1.6. Cell Differentiation

1.7. Stem Cells

1.8. Stem Cell Therapy

1.9. Cell Theory History

2.0. Microscopes

2.1. Cell Size

Unit Question

What are cells and how do they function?

Key Concepts

 Function, Connection, Structure

Related concepts

Cell Theory, Organelles, Types of Cells

Inquiry
  • Plan and carry out an investigation to observe and compare the structure of different types of cells
  • Use appropriate scientific language and tools to make observations and gather data
  • Analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions about cell structure and function

Knowledge and Understanding

 

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of cells
  • Describe different types of cells and their organelles
  • Explain the cell theory and its significance

Communication
  • Communicate scientific information effectively using appropriate scientific language and formats
  • Use diagrams and models to illustrate the structure and function of cells
  • Evaluate the credibility and reliability of scientific sources

Attitudes

 Students should develop positive attitudes towards scientific inquiry and investigation, including curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to engage in scientific discourse.

Learning Activities
  • Observing and comparing different types of cells under a microscope
  • Researching and presenting on a particular type of cell and its function in the body
  • Creating models or diagrams to illustrate the structure and function of a cell
  • Writing a scientific report on the cell theory and its significance in modern biology
  • Conducting a debate on the ethics of using biotechnology to manipulate cells and organisms

Cell Vocabulary

    Here are some key vocabulary terms that may be included in an MYP Cell Biology unit on Introduction to Cells:

    1. Cell - The basic unit of life, consisting of a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material.

    2. Cell membrane - The thin, flexible barrier that surrounds the cell and controls what enters and exits.

    3. Cytoplasm - The gel-like substance inside the cell that contains organelles and other cellular components.

    4. Organelles - Specialized structures within a cell that carry out specific functions, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes.

    5. Nucleus - The central organelle of a eukaryotic cell that contains genetic material.

    6. Mitochondria - Organelles that produce energy for the cell through cellular respiration.

    7. Ribosomes - Organelles that synthesize proteins.

    8. Prokaryotic cell - A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

    9. Eukaryotic cell - A type of cell that has a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

    10. Cell theory - The scientific theory that all living organisms are made up of cells, and that cells are the basic unit of life.

    11. Tissue - A group of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

    12. Organ - A structure composed of multiple tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

    13. Organ system - A group of organs that work together to perform a specific function.

    14. Biotechnology - The use of living organisms or their components to develop useful products or processes.

    15. Microscope - An instrument used to observe small objects or organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

      Types of Cells

      Prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells are two main types of cells. The main differences between them are in terms of their structure and function.

      PROKARYOTIC CELLS

       

      Prokaryotes are organisms whose cells lack a nucleus

      • They belong to the kingdom Monera (i.e. bacteria)

      Prokaryotic cells share the following structures:

      •  A single, circular DNA molecule (genophore)

      •  A peptidoglycan cell wall and 70S ribosomes

      Prokaryotic cells may also contain the following:

      • Pili (for attachment or bacterial conjugation)

      • Flagella (a long whip-like tail for movement)

      • Plasmids (autonomous DNA molecules)

      Prokaryotic Cells

      Prokaryotic cells are typically smaller and simpler in structure, lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They are usually unicellular and can be found in a wide range of environments, including soil, water, and inside other organisms. Examples of prokaryotic cells include bacteria and archaea.

      There are two main types of prokaryotic cell, bacteria and archaea, which differ in their structure, habitat, and genetic material.

      Bacteria

      These are unicellular organisms that are found in a wide range of environments, including soil, water, and living organisms. Bacteria can have different shapes, including spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral (spirilla). They have a cell wall that provides structure and protection, and their genetic material is located in the cytoplasm.

      Archaea

      These are unicellular organisms that are found in extreme environments, such as hot springs, salt flats, and deep sea vents. Archaea can have different shapes, including spherical, rod-shaped, and spiral. They also have a cell wall and their genetic material is located in the cytoplasm. However, the structure and composition of their cell wall and genetic material are different from bacteria.

      EUKARYOTIC  CELLS

      Eukaryotic Cells

      Eukaryotic cells are generally larger and more complex in structure, having a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles that allow for more specialized functions. They can be unicellular or multicellular, and are found in a wide range of environments. Examples of eukaryotic cells include animal cells, plant cells, and fungal cells.

      Eukaryotic cells can be classified into different types based on their characteristics and the organisms they are found in.

       

      Animal Cells

      These are the cells found in plants. They have all the organelles found in animal cells, as well as a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

      Plant Cells

      These are the cells found in plants. They have all the organelles found in animal cells, as well as a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

      Fungi Cells

      These are the cells found in fungi. They have a cell wall made of chitin, a nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and vacuoles.

      Protist cells:

      These are a diverse group of eukaryotic cells that are not classified as plants, animals, or fungi. They include single-celled organisms such as amoebas, paramecia, and algae, as well as multicellular organisms such as seaweed.

       

      Compare the Cell types

      Organelle Prokayotic Eukaryotic
      Nucleus Lack a nucleus Have a nucleus
      Organelles Lack membrane-bound organelles Have membrane-bound organelles
      Chromosomes Have a single, circular chromosome Have multiple, linear chromosomes
      Size Usually smaller Generally larger
      Cell Type Typically unicellular Can be unicellular or multicellular
      Environment Found in various environments (soil, water) Can be found in a wide range of environments
      Metabolic Can perform all necessary functions of life Have specialized organelles for more complex functions
      Reproduction Binary fission Mitosis and meiosis, and can undergo differentiation
      Genetic Transfer Can exchange genetic material through HGT Sexual reproduction and genetic recombination

      Organelles in a cell

      Nucleus

      The nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains the cell's genetic material (DNA). It is responsible for regulating gene expression and cell division.

      Mitochondria

      Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. They produce energy in the form of ATP through the process of cellular respiration.

      Endoplasmic reticulum (ER):

       The ER is a network of membranes that is involved in protein synthesis, folding, and transport. There are two types of ER: smooth ER, which is involved in lipid synthesis, and rough ER, which is studded with ribosomes and is involved in protein synthesis.

      Golgi apparatus:

      The Golgi apparatus is involved in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins and lipids for transport to different parts of the cell or for secretion outside the cell.

       Lysosomes

       Lysosomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain enzymes responsible for breaking down and recycling cellular waste and debris.

      Ribosomes

       Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. They are either free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.

      Cytoskeleton

      Student Guide

      Statement of Enquiry

      Understanding the structure and function of cells leads to innovative technological advances in medicine and biotechnology.

      Unit Title: Introduction to Cells

      Unit Question: What are cells and how do they function?

      Assessment Criteria
      1. Knowledge and understanding
      • Describe the structure and function of cells
      • Explain the cell theory and its significance
      • Identify different types of cells and their organelles

          2.  Investigating

      • Plan and carry out an investigation to observe and compare the structure of different types of cells
      • Use appropriate scientific language and tools to make observations and gather data
      • Analyze and interpret data to draw conclusions about cell structure and function

           3.Communication

      • Communicate scientific information effectively using appropriate scientific language and formats
      • Use diagrams and models to illustrate the structure and function of cells
      • Evaluate the credibility and reliability of scientific sources

       

      Key Concepts
      • Function
      • Connection
      • Structure

      Related Concepts
      • Cell Theory
      • Organelles
      • Types of Cells

      Global Context

      Scientific and Technical Innovation

      Introduction to Cells

       

      • Watch a video or read an article on the discovery of cells and the cell theory
      • Discuss the significance of the cell theory in modern biology
      • Complete a worksheet on the basic structure and function of cells

      Types of Cells

       

      • Research and present on a particular type of cell and its function in the body
      • Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
      • Use a microscope to observe and compare different types of cells

      Organelles and types of cells
        • Create a model or diagram of a cell and its organelles
        • Investigate the function of organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes
        • Conduct an experiment to observe the process of cellular respiration

        Application of cell biology
        • Research and present on a current application of cell biology, such as stem cell research or genetic engineering
        • Conduct a debate on the ethics of using biotechnology to manipulate cells and organisms
        • Write a reflection on the significance of understanding cell biology in modern society

         

        Assessment
        1. Quiz on the basic structure and function of cells
        2. Investigation report on comparing the structure of different types of cells
        3. Scientific report on the function of a particular organelle
        4. Presentation on a current application of cell biology
        5. Reflective essay on the significance of understanding cell biology

         

        Knowledge Check