The Effects of Cell Structure on Function Lab Experiment
Observation:
Cells are different shapes, have various parts and specialized functions.
Question:
How does a cell’s structure affect its function?
Background Information: The theme structure fits function is seen everywhere in the biological world. Things
are shaped and have the parts needed to perform their specific function. We will be examining a few cells in
order to determine how their structure fits their functions.
Hypothesis: _______________________________________________________________________
Materials:
slides and coverslips, microscope, tomato, elodea water plant, onion, animal cell 1, animal cell 2
Experiment:
Independent Variable =
Dependent Variable =
Controlled Variables =
Procedures:
1. Using a microscope
a. Compare tomato skin and tomato pulp cells.
b. Compare elodea water plant and onion cells. Use iodine to stain the clear onion cells.
c. Compare nerve cells to skin cells- use the pictures given to you instead of seeing them through
the microscope.
2. Label the cells with the following words when applicable:
cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplast (green color pigment) or
chromoplasts (red color pigment)
3. Here is a description of functions – write the proper function under each cell type
a. Efficiently conducts signals in the body
b. Protects
c. Easily allows the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide
d. Stores food for the plant
e. Performs photosynthesis – making food for the plant
f. Holds water
Results: 6 cell labeled correctly & functions correctly written.
Conclusion:
Use your results to write a lab conclusion paragraph formatted as follows.
1. The opening sentence is a clear statement related to this topic (1 sentence). Then, introduce the
purpose of the experiment and provide a BRIEF description of how it was done (1-2 sentences).
2. Answer the lab question ... use results to support your conclusions. Use specific examples and refer to
the graphics.
3. Comment on the accuracy of the hypothesis. Include the hypothesis and explain any reasons for
inaccuracy if the data did NOT support the hypothesis.
4. Mechanics...
 Do not use personal pronouns (I, we, our group, my).
 Clarity of expression is essential! Proofread your work to be certain it makes sense.
Introduction
4 = Awesome 3 = Admirable
2 = Acceptable
Clearly introduces the concept in the opening sentence.
States the purpose of the experiment.
Provides a concise and clear overview of HOW the experiment was done.
1 = Attempted
4 3 2 1
Question
Response
Lab question is accurately and completely answered.
Explains HOW structure fits function by using specific examples.
4 3 2 1
Observational
Data Support
Clearly and neatly labeled.
Functions written correctly under each cell
4 3 2 1
Hypothesis
Check
States the hypothesis.
Assesses the accuracy of the hypothesis.
Explains reasons for any inaccuracy.
4 3 2 1
Mechanics
One or fewer errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Word choice is accurate.
Organized.
Flows well (good use of in-paragraph transitions).
No personal pronouns used.
4 3 2 1
Conclusion Organizer- Use these sentence starters to help you answer the question “How does
a cell’s structure affect its function?”
PARAGRAPH 1 INCLUDES:
OPENING SENTENCE [INTRODUCE THE THEME]
THE EXPERIMENT [PURPOSE AND WHAT WAS DONE TO TEST IT]
The theme structure fits function means
The purpose of this lab was to
In this experiment,
PARAGRAPH 2 INCLUDES:
ANSWER THE LAB QUESTION [How does a cell’s structure and shape affect its function?]
EXPLAIN THE ANSWER AND GIVE DETAILED SUPPORT USING THE RESULTS FROM THE LAB
A cell’s shape and parts…
First, tomato skin and pulp were compared.
Next, elodea water plant and onion cells were compared.
Finally, two animal cells were compared. The two animal cells were…
PARAGRAPH 3 INCLUDES:
HYPOTHESIS CHECK – SUPPORTED BY DATA OR NOT / WHY OR WHY NOT?
The hypothesis stated that
The hypothesis was (supported by results / not supported by results)
The six cells examined