Unit II: Molecular/Cellular Biology:
Topic 2
Cell Structure and Function
Unit Enduring Understanding:
Cell Theory is the basis for the study of anatomy, physiology and modern medicine, and states that cells are the smallest fundamental units of life. Cells are
dynamic, homeostatic, and come from pre-existing cells which grow and divide in a regulated cell cycle.
Cells are highly organized, utilizing biochemical pathways to combine small molecules into larger, more complex macromolecules. Other biochemical
pathways break these large macromolecules back into small molecules. Maintaining this organization requires energy which is obtained through the cellular
processes of photosynthesis and/or cellular respiration.
Unit Essential Questions:
 What is the relationship between chemistry and biology? How does the chemical structure of organisms show the unity of life?
 Why is cell theory central to biology? What is the role of cell theory in medicine and health sciences?
 Why is the relationship between structure and function one of the recurring themes in biology? Is this relationship as important in other sciences? In other
academic disciplines?
 Why is the production and use of energy required at all levels of biological organization? What is the relationship between the use and production of energy
at the molecular/cellular level and the organismal level? The ecosystem/biosphere level?
Topical Understanding:
The cell theory states that all living things are made up of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things, and new cells are
produced from existing cells.
Cells themselves have internal structure which allows them to function and maintain homeostasis. Cell membranes provide compartmentalization and
separation of internal and external environmental conditions.
Based on their structure and function, cells can be categorized as prokaryotic or eukaryotic, plant-like or animal-like. In multicellular organisms,
cells provide the basis for additional levels of organization such as tissues and organs.
Topical Essential/Probing Questions:
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Why is cell theory central to biology? What is the role of cell theory in medicine?
What are the structures and functions that allow biologists to categorize cells as prokaryotic or eukaryotic? Plant-like or animal-like?
Why do eukaryotic cells have organelles? Does the presence of organelles in eukaryotic cells provide an advantage over prokaryotic cells?
Why do biologists often use the analogy the cell is like a factory? Why is it important that cells be dynamic systems?
How do cell membranes provide separation of environments and maintain homeostasis?
Areas of Focus:
= Cell Theory
= Cell types and diversity of cellular life
= Cell Structure and organelles
= Movement across membranes
Biology Unit II: Molecular/Cellular Biology
C. Gay Revised 2/21/14
Topic 1: Chemistry of Life
1
Cell Theory
The cell theory states that all living things are made up of cells, cells are the basic unit of structure and function in living things, and new cells
are produced from existing cells.
4=Expert 3=I get it 2=I kind of get it 1=I’m lost
7.1
Text
Ref.
Learning Target
Debrief
(capture your understanding)
SelfScore
(4-1)
I can identify the components of the cell theory and
explain their importance to biology.
Cell Types and the Diversity of Cellular Life
Based on their structure and function, cells can be categorized as prokaryotic or eukaryotic, plant-like or animal-like. In multicellular organisms,
cells provide the basis for additional levels of organization such as tissues and organs.
Text
Ref.
Learning Target
Debrief
(capture your understanding)
SelfScore
(4-1)
7.1-2
I can identify and describe the differences
between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
I can identify and explain the differences between
eukaryotic plant and animal cells.
Biology Unit II: Molecular/Cellular Biology
C. Gay Revised 2/21/14
Topic 1: Chemistry of Life
2
Cell Structure and Organelles
Cells themselves have internal structure which allows them to function and maintain homeostasis.
Text
Ref.
Learning Target
Debrief
(capture your understanding)
SelfScore
(4-1)
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of the nucleus.
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of ribosomes.
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of endoplasmic reticulum.
7.2
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of the Golgi apparatus.
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of lysosomes.
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of vacuoles.
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
I can identify and describe the structure and
function of the cytoskeleton.
Biology Unit II: Molecular/Cellular Biology
C. Gay Revised 2/21/14
Topic 1: Chemistry of Life
3
Movement Across Membranes
Cell membranes provide compartmentalization and separation of internal and external environmental conditions. The structure of cell membranes
allow them to regulate what enters and leaves the cell and also provides protection and support.
Text
Ref.
Learning Target
Debrief
(capture your understanding)
SelfScore
(4-1)
I can interpret and identify the components of
models which represent the fluid mosaic model of
cell membranes.
I can describe the differences in structure and
function between cell membranes and cell walls.
7.3
I can model and describe the process of diffusion.
I can describe the differences between simple
diffusion, osmosis and facilitated diffusion.
I can analyze, interpret data and create visual
representations that describe the results of
experiments based on the principles of diffusion
and osmosis.
I can model and describe the process of active
transport.
I can describe the differences between types of
diffusion and active transport.
Biology Unit II: Molecular/Cellular Biology
C. Gay Revised 2/21/14
Topic 1: Chemistry of Life
4