INQUIRY
QUESTION
What
distinguishes
one cell from
another?
SYLLABUS CONTENT STATEMENT


Investigate different cellular
structures, including but not
limited to:
 examining a variety of
prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells
(ACSBL032, ACSBL048)
 describe a range of
technologies that are
used to determine a cell’s
structure and function
investigate a variety of
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
structures, including but not
limited to:
 drawing scaled diagrams
of a variety of cells
(ACSBL035)
 comparing and
contrasting different cell
organelles and
arrangements
 modelling the structure
and function of the fluid
mosaic model of the cell
membrane
CORE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
-
-
1. Define the terms prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic
cells and organelles
2. Draw a table to show which organelles are
found in prokaryotic and in eukaryotic cells
including: nucleus; ribosomes; Golgi body;
nuclear membrane; endoplasmic reticulum;
cell wall; cell membrane; mitochondria;
lysosomes
3. Construct a table to show the characteristics
of Archaea, Bacteria and a range of plant and
animal cells including:
Root cells
Leaf cells
Plant stem cell
Skin cells
Nerve cells
Blood cells
4. Students research and describe, using
secondary sources, the technological
advancement that have helped them to
increase our knowledge of cells including:
Light microscope
Electron microscope
5. Students construct a time line of the
information they have gathered on
technological advancements
6. Revise how to correctly handle a microscope
7. Students revise the function and label the
parts of a light microscope
8. Teacher demonstrates how to draw a scale
diagram in pencil of a cell using field of view
and magnification
9. Students use light microscopes to draw
diagrams indicating their scale, of a variety of
animal and plant cells labelling: the nucleus,
nuclear membrane, cell wall, cell membrane,
vacuoles, chloroplasts
10. Student construct a table to describe the
function of organelles found in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells including: Nucleus,
ribosomes, Golgi body, nuclear membrane,
endoplasmic reticulum, cell wall, cell
membrane, mitochondria, lysosomes
11. Students carry out a second-hand
investigation to label diagrams that show the
How do cells
coordinate
activities
within their
internal
environment
and the
external
environment?


investigate the way in which
materials can move into and out
of cells, including but not limited
to:
 conducting a practical
investigation modelling
diffusion and osmosis
(ACSBL046)
 examining the roles of
active transport,
endocytosis and
exocytosis (ACSBL046)
 relating the exchange of
materials across
membranes to the
surface-area-to-volume
ratio, concentration
gradients and
characteristics of the
materials being
exchanged (ACSBL047)
investigate cell requirements,
including but not limited to:
 suitable forms of energy,
including light energy and
chemical energy in
complex molecules
(ACSBL044)
structural similarities and differences
between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
using electron micrograph photos
12. Students describe the benefits and limitation
of using models
13. Student define the fluid mosaic model as the
structure of the selectively permeable cell
membrane as the current model of
membrane structure
14. Students explain how the membrane
structure account for the movement of some
substances in and out of cells
15. Students perform a first-hand investigation to
model the selectively permeable cell
membrane by using two tea strainer
16. Write a two-page summary [including
applicable diagrams & Flow charts] to
respond to the inquiry question
1. Define the terms diffusion and osmosis
2.
a. Students carry out a first-hand
investigation to demonstrate simple
diffusion of a liquid through a liquid e.g.
food colouring in hot and cold water
b. Students carry out a first-hand
demonstrate the difference between
diffusion and osmosis using dialysis tubing
c. Students define hypertonic, hypotonic
and isotonic and relate these to
concentration inside and outside plant
and animal cell
3. Define the terms active transport,
endocytosis and exocytosis
4. Student construct a table to describe the
active transport methods (endocytosis,
exocytosis) giving examples of each
5. Students perform a first-hand investigation to
demonstrate the effect of surface area to
volume ratio on cells
6. Outline the energy requirement of a cell
7. Outline the matter requirements of a cell.
Including gases, simple nutrients and ions
8. Outline the removal of waste from
autotrophs and heterotrophs
9. Students construct a Venn diagram to
distinguish between heterotrophs and




matter, including gases,
simple nutrients and ions
 removal of wastes
(ACSBL044)
Investigate the biochemical
processes of photosynthesis, cell
respiration and the removal of
cellular products and wastes in
eukaryotic cells (ACSBL049,
ACSBL050, ACSBL052, ACSBL053)
conduct a practical investigation
to model the action of enzymes
in cells (ACSBL050)
investigate the effects of the
environment on enzyme activity
through the collection of primary
or secondary data (ACSBL050,
ACSBL051)
autotrophs in terms of nutrient and energy
requirement as well as the removal of wastes
10. Students define the terms; autotrophic
organisms, heterotrophic organisms,
photosynthesis and respiration
11. Write word equations and balanced chemical
equation for the processes of photosynthesis
and respiration
12. Students design and conduct a first-hand
investigation to demonstrate the need for
light in photosynthesis by placing a plant in
the dark, and the other in light, and testing
the leaves after a period of time, to show the
production of starch
13. Students perform a first-hand investigation to
demonstrate the gaseous product of cellular
respiration, e.g. blowing through a straw into
limewater
14. Students explain respiration and
photosynthesis and relate these processes to
osmosis and diffusion on a cellular level
15. Students define and explain the importance
of enzymes, giving examples
16. Students conduct first hand investigation to
explain the effect of the following on enzyme
activity: Substrate concentration – hydrogen
peroxide concentration on potato
17. Students conduct first hand investigation to
explain the effect of the following on enzyme
activity:
- pH: Hydrogen peroxide on potato
- Substrate concentration – hydrogen peroxide
concentration on potato
18. Write a 2-page summary to respond to the
inquiry question. Include applicable diagram
and flow chart
1. Define the terms prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells and organelles
Prokaryotic cells: They are cells that are usually unicellular. They are generally smaller and
less complex compared to eukaryotic cells. Their organelles are not membrane-bound.
Eukaryotic cells: They are cells that have membrane-bound organelles.
Organelle: A specialised cellular part in a cell that have a specific job or function
Features
Size
Prokaryotic cells
- Very Small
Surface area to
volume ratio
-
Membrane
bound organelle
-
Chromosomal
DNA
-
-
Ribosomes
-
Cell Membranes
-
-
Cell Wall
-
-
Flagella
-
Large SA:V ration
Allows materials to diffuse in
and out of the cell rapidly
Absent, no membrane-bound
organelles
Eukaryotic cells
- Larger than Prokaryotic
cells and have a large
variation in size
- Smaller SA:V ration
- Results in slower diffusion
-
A single circular
chromosomes and small
circular DNA molecules called
plasmids
Located in a region of
cytoplasm called the
nucleoid, lacking a
membrane
Many tiny ribosomes
scattered throughout the
cytoplasm
-
Bilayer if phospholipid
molecules enclosing the
cytoplasm in bacteria
Phospholipids in archaea are
different and sometimes fuse
into a monolayer
In bacteria, consists of
protein/carbohydrate
compound called
peptidoglycan
In archaea, the cell wall is
composed of surface layer
proteins that form a rigid
layer
May have flagella to provide
movement
-
-
-
-
Many organelles bound by
membranes, forming an
organised internal structure
Linear chromosomes
Located in the nucleus,
which is separated from the
cytoplasm by a double
layered membrane
Many ribosomes, either
attached to the
endoplasmic reticulum or
free in the cytoplasm
Bilayer of phospholipid
molecules enclosing the
cytoplasm
Present in fungi, plants and
some protest
Mainly mad of
carbohydrates: Chitin in
fungi and cellulose in plants
May have flagella or cilia
(fine hair like projections)
-
Consists of three protein
fibrils coiled in a helix and
protruding through the cell
membrane and wall
-
for motility (but not in
fungi)
Consists of a highlyorganised array of
microtubules (hollow
protein tubes) enclosed by
extended cell membrane
2. Draw a table to show which organelles are found in prokaryotic and in eukaryotic
cells including: nucleus; ribosomes; Golgi body; nuclear membrane; endoplasmic
reticulum; cell wall; cell membrane; mitochondria; lysosomes
Organelle
Ribosomes
Cell Membrane
Cell Wall
Nucleoid
Nucleus
Vacuole
Cytoplasm
Mitochondrion
Flagellum
Pilus
Chloroplast
Lysosomes
Golgi Apparatus
Nucleus
Nucleolus
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Pellicle
Eyespot
Septum
Lipid Body
Thylakoids
Prokaryotic
Eukaryotic
Cell membrane: A delicate structurer which contains the cytoplasm and controls movement
of substances into and out of the cell
Cytoplasm: The fluid content of the cell. It is more than 90% water and contains ions, salts,
enzymes, food molecules. The cytoplasm contains many organelle and is where most cell
activities are carried out
Nucleus: This is a large organelle that is surrounded by a double layer of membrane. It
contains the chromosomes, the genetic material and controls cellular activities.
Mitochondrion: An organelle composed of many folded layers of membrane and are involed
in the energy transformation that take place in a cell
Ribosomes: Tiny organelle that are sites of production of proteins
Golgi body: A stack of flat membrane sacs where final synthesis and packaging of protein in
membrane bound vesicles occurs before secretion.
Cell wall: A non-living cellulose structure outside the cell membrane in plant cellas. It
provides support, prevents expansion of the cells and allows water and dissolved substances
to pass freely through it
Vacuoles: Membrane-bound structures found in most cells. They store water and other
substances like enzymes and fluid. Plant cells typically have large fluid-filled vacuoles that
provide supports
Chloroplast: A green organelle found in plant cells that process photosynthesis. They are
made of folded layers of membrane.
-
3. Construct a table to show the characteristics of Archaea, Bacteria and a range of
plant and animal cells including:
Root cells
Leaf cells
Plant stem cell
Skin cells
Nerve cells
Blood cells
-
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BACTERIA AND ARCHAEA
Archaea have a different type of lipid structure in the cell membrane
The cell wall in bacteria contains peptidoglycan but the cell wall in archaea does not
Both have diverse metabolic systems, but methanogensis is unique to archaea
Bacteria
Archaea
CHARACTERISITICS
Most Prokaryotes that are Bacteria are microscopic single-celled
organism. Fossil evidence confirms that bacteria were the first type
of living organisms on Earth. They have a diverse metabolic system,
making them extremely adaptable. They exist in almost every
environment on Earth.
Bacteria only needs a small quantity of oxygen to survive as they can
do photosynthesis and chemosynthesis (reducing inorganic
compounds such as sulphides or ferrous ions). They play a vital role
in the ecosystem as they break down may kinds of substances,
including waste products of plants and animals.
- Prokaryotes
They are another type of prokaryotes that can live in extreme
conditions. This includes:
- Areas of high temperatures
- Areas of low temperatures
- The upper atmosphere
- Alkaline environment
- Acidic environments
- Salty environments
- Environments with little to no oxygen
- Areas without light
- Petroleum deposits deep underground
Their ability to live in extreme conditions is due to their unique cell
membranes.
Root cells
Leaf cells
Plant Stem cells
Skin cells
Blood cells
Nerve cells
-
-
Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells
They can divide and renew themselves for long periods
They are unspecialised cells but can give rise to specialised cells
Stem cells can divide and renewing themselves for long periods
Eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells
The human body has two types of blood cells: Red blood cells
and white blood cells. They are thicker at the edges than the
centre, forming a shape known as the biconcave disc.
The human red blood cell has no nuclei or organelle
White blood cells are much larger than red blood cells
Eukaryotic cells
All nerve cells vary in size, shape and form. They change
according to the type of job the nerve cell has
-
-
They are responsible for communicating messages from one
part of the body to another to coordinate a wide range of bodily
functions
They are elongated cells with specific structures that make
them easily recognisable
The electrical impulses are passed from one end of the neutron
to another
Nerve cells don’t make physical contact
4. Students research and describe, using secondary sources, the technological
advancement that have helped them to increase our knowledge of cells including:
- Light microscope
The light microscopy uses light and a system of lenses to magnify an image. A major
advantage of the light microscopy was that it allowed us to see the living cell in colour.
- Electron microscope
An electron microscope uses an electron beam rather than light to view object. The image
obtained has a higher resolution and a greater depth of view compared to a light
microscope. The images that are produced are only black and white.
- Scanning Electron Microscope
In a scanning electron microscope, the electron are bounced off a specimen that has been
coated with an extremely thin layer of gold. This gives a high resolution picture of the
surface picture but cannot show the internal details of the specimen.
- Transmission Electron Microscope
In a transmission electron microscope, the electron beam travels through an ultra-thin
section of a specimen to allow details of the cellular structure to be seen. The specimen
must be in vacuum in the TEM.
- Freeze- Fracture Electron Microscopy
- Fluorescence Microscopy
A fluorescence microscope is used to examine cells, cellular structures or any fluorescing
material such as stains, dyes or antibodies with a fluorescent molecule. Fluorescent cells
contain molecules that absorb light at a particular wavelength and emit light through
another wave length. This allows scientist to visualise structure and materials inside cells
that are usually too small to see as well as target and detect any proteins and diagnose
disease.
- Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
The confocal microscope allows scientists to obtain ‘optical sections’ of a cell or tissue that
is stained with fluorescent marker without actually slicing up the cell. They can obtain high
resolution images of extremely thin sections of a specimen. They can produce remarkable
three-dimensional view of a living structure.
- Autoradiography
This is a method that allows scientist to identify or locate specific organelles of a molecule
within a tissue or cell. The tissue is first treated with a radioactive labelled substance. The
tissue is then sliced into very thin sections which are then placed against a very thin, high
resolution photographic film. The radioactive substances emit beta particles, which produce
an image on the film. The tissues sections are then stained to locate the cellular structures
within the image. Autoradiography is sometimes used with light microscopy but is most
commonly used with electron microscopy.
5. Students construct a time line of the information they have gathered on
technological advancements
6. Students revise the function and label the parts of a light microscope
29.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2(g)  CaCO3(s)
Microscope Part
Function
Ocular
This is the eyepiece lens that usually magnifies by a power of 10. To
determine the power of the microscope, one multiplies the power of the
ocular by the power of the objective lens being used.
High-Power objective
It is located just above the stage. It is the longer of the objectives. Its lens
has a magnifying power usually of 43.
Low-power objective
It is located just above the stage. It is the shorter of the objectives. Its lens
has a magnifying power usually of 10.
Stage
This is a horizontal platform just below the objectives that supports the
microscope slide for observation.
Revolving Nosepiece
The objective lenses are attached to this part. It can be manually rotated to
select the objective lens that you wish.
Stage Clips
They clamp over the edges of the microscope slide to secure it to the stage.
Diaphragm (Or condensor)
Located just below the stage, it can be hand adjusted to regulate the
amount of light entering the microscope. An image viewed through the
microscope should not be dark but should have plenty of light
Mirror
This is adjusted to reflect light from the microscope lamp up into the
microscope. Although the mirror is sometimes used to regulate the amount
of light entering the microscope, this is not a good technique
Coarse Adjustment
Organelle
Function
Cell Membrane
A delicate structure which contains the cytoplasm and
controls movement of substances into and out of the
cell
Cytoplasm
The fluid content of the cell. It is more than 90% water
and contains ions, salts, enzymes, food molecules. The
cytoplasm contains many organelle and is where most
cell activities are carried out
Nucleus
This is a large organelle that is surrounded by a double
layer of membrane. It contains the chromosomes,
controls cellular activities and contains the genetic
instructions for cell replication, growth, repair and
function.
Mitochondrion
An organelle composed of many folded layers of
membrane and are involved in the energy
transformation that take place in a cell. It obtains
energy from organic compounds. The mitochondrion
contains DNA.
Ribosomes
Tiny organelle that are sites of production of proteins.
They are made out of proteins and rRNA and have no
membrane.
Golgi Body
A stack of flat membrane sacs where final synthesis
and packaging of protein in membrane bound vesicles
occurs before secretion. It processes and packages
proteins within the cell.
Cell wall
A non-living structure outside the cell membrane in
plant cells. It provides support, prevents expansion of
the cells and allows water and dissolved substances to
pass freely through it.
Vacuoles
Membrane-bound structures found in most cells. They
store water and other substances like enzymes and
fluid. Plant cells typically have large fluid-filled
vacuoles that provide supports. They are involved in
the cell structure of plant cells.
Chloroplast
A green organelle found in plant cells that process
photosynthesis. They are made of folded layers of
membrane. It uses light energy, carbon dioxide and
water to produce glucose.
Endoplasmic
reticulum
It is a membrane-bound organelle that can be either
rough or smooth.
Rough Endoplasmic reticulum are found mainly in cells
that actively produce and export proteins (pancreatic
cells). They have ribosomes that is binded to the
membrane. It’s main function was to process and
modify proteins.
Smooth Endoplasmic reticulum are found
predominantly in steroid-secreting cells (testes,
ovaries, kidney and adrenal glands). They do not have
any ribosomes attached. It’s main function is to
synthesise lipids.
Lysosomes
It is a membrane-bound organelle that digests cellular
waste material and foreign matter.
Plastid
This is a small organelle that has a double membrane. It
contains the DNA as well. It’s main function is to
synthesise and store various organic molecules.
Centriole
This is a small structure in the cytoplasm that consists
of microtubules. They are involved in cell division and
the formation of cells structures such as flagella and
cilia.
Flagellum or
Cilium
This is an external structure that consists of
microtubules. It’s main function is to help the
movement of substances across the cell’s surface.
This is used to focus the microscope. It is always used first, and it is used
only with the low-power objective
Fine Adjustment
This is used to focus the microscope. It is always used first, and it is used
only with the high-power objective
Arm
This is the bottom of the microscope and it is used along with the base to
transport the microscope
Base
This is the bottom of the microscope and it is used along with the arm to
transport the microscope