UNIT: PATTERNS IN NATURE
Biology in Focus, Preliminary Course
Glenda Childrawi and Stephanie Hollis
Outcomes
By the end of this Module you should be able to:
• Describe how organisms are make of cells with similar
structural characteristics
• Explain how cell membranes control the movement of
materials into and out of cells
• Describe how differentiated cells preform specialised
functions in multicellular organisms
• Explain how the maintenance of organisms requires growth
and repair
Outcomes
• Prepare microscope slides and use a microscope
• Interpret both the view through a microscope and images
from electron micrographs
• Gather, process and analyse information from secondary
sources
• Plan and carry out open-ended investigations
Cells and the cell theory
Topic 1: Introduction to Cells and Cell Theory
Part of the Patterns in Nature Module
Biology in Focus, Preliminary Course
Glenda Childrawi and Stephanie Hollis
DOT POINT
 Organisms are made of cells that have similar structural
characteristics.
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Introduction
Up until 400 years ago, objects that were to small to be seen with
the naked eye could not be examined. The study of living things
was popular, but at a macroscopic level (based on what could be
viewed with the naked eye).
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Before this, living things had not been considered at a cellular level
Introduction
Biologists at the time were called ‘natural scientists’ suggesting
a broad study of nature. Today biologists study living things at a
macroscopic and microscopic level and even at a molecular
level.
This began with the discovery of the microscope
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Characteristics of Living Organisms
Today most people accept the idea that all living things are
made of one or more unites called cells. This is the most basic
characteristic of living things and currently termed ‘The Cell
Theory’
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Characteristics of Living Organisms
The Cell Theory States that:
1. All living things are made of cells
2. Cells are the basic structural and functional unit of organisms
3. All cells come from pre-existing cells
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Characteristics of Living Organisms
Certain characteristics or life functions are common to all living
things. Living things are made of one or more cells and they can:
 Reproduce
 Grow
 Move
 Respire
 Excrete
 Respond to stimuli
 Obtain nutrients
 die
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Characteristics of Living Organisms
Reproduce:
 Produce offspring that
resemble the parents
Grow:
 Increase in size
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Characteristics of Living Organisms
Move
 Even plants can make
some small movements
such as opening and
closing petals
Respire
 Produce chemical
energy by taking in
oxygen and combining it
with sugar, giving out
carbon dioxide as a byproduct
botany.org
Characteristics of Living Organisms
Excrete
 Get rid of wastes such
as carbon dioxide
Respond to Stimuli
 in the environment,
such as moving
towards food or
growing towards light
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Characteristics of Living Organisms
Obtain nutrients
 EAT Duh!! ;)
Die
 Death is when all of
the above functions
cease
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Homework
Answer the following questions in your notebook. Be prepared
to discuss next lesson.
1. State the cell theory
2. Become familiar with the ‘Timeline: A short history of
biology. Handout