Cells

Lesson 3.1

Introduction to Cells

A cell is regarded as the true biological atom.

— George Henry Lewes, The Physiology of Common Life‎ (1860), 297. [1]

Plant cell type sclerenchyma fibers by Carl Szczerski / Public Domain

Given that atoms are the basic unit that gives matter its specific properties, why would George Lewes suggest a cell is a biological atom?

Essential questions:

  1. What is a cell?
  2. What is the basic structure and function of the cell membrane?

Lesson 3.1 Learning Targets 

Get a hard copy of this table from your teacher. Below are the learning targets you will master during this lesson.

As a pre-assessment, before the lesson begins, please circle the number that describes your current understanding of the learning target.

Before the formative assessment for this lesson, please draw a triangle around the number that describes your understanding of the learning target.

Before the summative assessment, please draw a square around the number that describes your understanding of the learning target.

Learning Targets for Lesson 3.1

My self-assessment

1 - I have never seen this learning target before.

2 - I have seen this learning target, but I don't know what it means.

3 - I have seen this learning target, and I think I know what it means

4 - I can explain this learning target to another student.

I can describe what a cell is.

1

2

3

4

I can describe the fundamental difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

1

2

3

4

I can describe the structure and functions of the cell membrane.

1

2

3

4

Lesson 3.1 Vocabulary

Get a hard copy of this table from your teacher. Below are the vocabulary terms you will master during this lesson.

As a pre-assessment, before the lesson begins, please circle the number that describes your current understanding of the term.

You will complete the “Definitions” and “Extra Practice” (shaded gray*) as we progress throughout the unit.

Before each formative assessment, you will reassess your understanding of the terms. When instructed, please draw a triangle around the number that describes your understanding of the term.

Finally, at the end of the unit (before the summative assessment) you will make a final assessment of your understanding of the terms. When instructed, please draw a square around the number that describes your understanding of the term.

Term

1 - I have never seen this term before.

2 - I have seen this term, but I don't know what it means.

3 - I have seen this term, and I think I know what it means

4 - I can explain this term and its meaning to another student.

Definition

Extra Practice (see key above)

Prefixes and Suffixes: Find out what the word parts mean, then put them together

Sentence: Use the term properly in a complete sentence

Sketch: Draw a sketch of the term

Examples: Give examples of the term

On Your Own: Choose your own option or write an alternative definition using your prior knowledge.

1. Cell

1

2

3

4

Example:

2. Cell theory

1

2

3

4

According to the cell theory, what are two roles cells play in living organisms?

 

 

 

Where do cells come from?

3. Prokaryotic

1

2

3

4

List one example of a prokaryotic cell.

4. Eukaryotic

1

2

3

4

List two ways in which eukaryotic cells are different from prokaryotic cells.

5. Phospholipid

1

2

3

4

Where are phospholipids found in a cell?

6. Soluble

1

2

3

4

Provide an example of something that is soluble.

7. Fluid mosaic model

1

2

3

4

What is this model used to describe?

 

 

 

What materials are found in a fluid mosaic model?

8. Plasma (cell) membrane

1

2

3

4

What is a plasma membrane composed of?

 

 

What is the function of a plasma membrane?

Pre-Assessment of Vocabulary Terms (Partner Brainstorming Bubble Maps)

Once you have made your individual initial circles for the above terms, please discuss each term with a partner. Brainstorm what you each think the terms mean. Make a bubble map for each term with your ideas. Possible questions to consider:

  1. Have either of you ever heard of any of the terms before? If yes, in what context?
  2. What do you visualize when you hear the term?
  3. Do the terms remind either of you of anything? If yes, what?
  4. Can you think of any examples of the terms? If yes, what?
  5. Record your ideas below.

[1] "The physiology of common life - Google Books." 2011. 14 Jul. 2014 <http://books.google.com/books/about/The_physiology_of_common_life.html?id=q8EEAAAAYAAJ>