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Introduction to the lesson
In this lesson we will begin to work in detail through the chapter. In this first section you will explore the historical development of our current understanding of the cell. The cell is the basic unit of all living organisms This is know as the cell theory. Just think about that - everything that you do is done by your cells working together to perform that function. Your cells do a lot more than you are aware of that enables them to do the things your want to do. You should remember from IG biology that all cells share the following five things in common: all cells contain cytoplasm, are surrounded by a cell membrane, contain genetic material usually in the form of DNA, contain enzymes and have ribosomes.
Although all living organisms are made up of cells, there are essentially two types of cells - cells with a nucleus called eukaryotes and cells without nucleus called prokaryotes
Let us explore...
Reading
Read the section 1.1 “Cells are the basic units of life” in your coursebook (p.3-4).
Cell theory
Read the first section under the heading "Cells are the basic units of life" in your coursebook (p.3).
Learning Activity 1
Answer the following questions in your notebook.
- Write down the cell theory.
- What do you think are the implications of this theory?
- List the important people who played a role in establishing the cell theory
Why cells?
Read the section under the heading “Why Cells?” in your text book (p.3).
Learning Activity 2
Answer the following questions in your exercise book.
- What are the functions of a cell?
- How are these functions performed?
- Why is the cell membrane important?
- What about the cell membrane allows it to perform its function?
- In your own words, explain the importance of the cell membrane being partially permeable. Why should the membrane allow certain substances in or out of the cell? Why should the membrane stop certain substances from moving in or out of the cell?
- List the three ways substances can move across the membrane. Give a brief description of each (You should recall this from IG biology).
Two types of cells
Learning Activity 3
Answer the following questions
- List the kingdoms of living organisms that are prokarytoes
- List the kingdoms of living organisms that eukaryotes
- Make a comparison table to describe the difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. When making a comparison table in biology, you must use the following setup:
List a particular feature such as a nucleus and then discuss that feature under each of the organisms you are comparing
Feature Organism 1 (Prokaryote) Organism 2 (Eukaryote
Definitions and review
Definitions
Define the following words in your notebook.
- cell
- cell theory
- organelle
- nucleus
- eukarote
- prokaryote
- endosymbiosis
Closing
As you close this lesson, ask yourself the following questions:
- What new things did I learn today?
- What did I already know?
- Is there anything I struggled with that needs further study?
Mindmap
Start a mindmap of the chapter. You will create this mindmap one section at a time at the end of each lesson. By the end of the chapter you should have the entire chapter summarised in your mindmap. Make sure that you have all the important information in your mindmap but don't clutter it with unnecessary information - it should be very brief (really just to remind your of the facts) but it does need to be comprehensive. TO give an idea, here is an example of what a completed mindmap of chapter one could look like. However, if you really struggle to work with a mindmap, be creative in finding another method of summarizing all your work in a concise and useful manner for later use.