Cells Reading Guide
Biology
The cell is the unit of structure and function of all organisms. Therefore, in order to
understand life, we must have a thorough understanding of the cell. Write ALL answers on a
separate sheet of paper.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Describe the differences between a light and electron microscope, including
magnification and resolution. Which one can be used to look at living organisms?
Explain.
Describe Anton Von Leeuwenhoek’s contribution to our understanding of cells.
Describe Robert Hooke’s contributions to our understanding of cells.
Describe the cell theory. Which scientists contributed to the Cell Theory?
Why must there be a limit to cell size? (In other words, WHY do cells have to stay
small?)
Explain the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Explain the differences between plant cells and animal cells.
Classify each of the following cells as a prokaryote or a eukaryote and IF a eukaryote,
as a plant or animal cell. Provide a rationale (reason) for your decision.
a.
The cell has a cell wall, plasma membrane, no nuclear membrane and can make
its own food by photosynthesis.
b.
The cell contains mitochondria, ribosomes, centrioles, and is irregularly shaped.
c.
The cell has a cell wall, cell membrane, nucleolus, and one large central vacuole
that pushes the cytoplasm to the edge of the cell.
Describe the structure of the cell membrane. (How is it “constructed”, what is it made
of, and how are those components placed in relationship to each other.)
Describe the function of the cell membrane.
Explain the difference between osmosis and diffusion.
What factors affect the rate of diffusion? (3 factors that will either speed it up or slow it
down)
If there is more of a substance inside of a cell than there is outside, will the substance
tend to move inside or outside of the cell? Explain, using a diagram. (Assume it CAN
move through the membrane, and the substance is not water.)
If the concentration of a substance inside the cell is the same as outside the cell, will
osmosis occur? Explain using a diagram.
Which has a higher concentration of water, a salt solution or pure distilled water?
Explain.
Explain why turgor pressure does not build up in animal cells. Why is turgor pressure
important to plants?
People kill weeds by pouring salt on them. Explain why this would work, using a
diagram.
What happens to a cell placed in a hypertonic solution? In a hypotonic solution? In an
isotonic solution? Use diagrams to explain.
Explain the differences between active and passive transport, giving examples of each.
How are facilitated diffusion and active transport alike? How are they different?
Cells Reading Guide
Biology
The cell is the unit of structure and function of all organisms. Therefore, in order to
understand life, we must have a thorough understanding of the cell. Write ALL answers on a
separate sheet of paper.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Describe the differences between a light and electron microscope, including
magnification and resolution. Which one can be used to look at living organisms?
Explain.
Describe Anton Von Leeuwenhoek’s contribution to our understanding of cells.
Describe Robert Hooke’s contributions to our understanding of cells.
Describe the cell theory. Which scientists contributed to the Cell Theory?
Why must there be a limit to cell size? (In other words, WHY do cells have to stay
small?)
Explain the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Explain the differences between plant cells and animal cells.
Classify each of the following cells as a prokaryote or a eukaryote and IF a eukaryote,
as a plant or animal cell. Provide a rationale (reason) for your decision.
a.
The cell has a cell wall, plasma membrane, no nuclear membrane and can make
its own food by photosynthesis.
b.
The cell contains mitochondria, ribosomes, centrioles, and is irregularly shaped.
c.
The cell has a cell wall, cell membrane, nucleolus, and one large central vacuole
that pushes the cytoplasm to the edge of the cell.
Describe the structure of the cell membrane. (How is it “constructed”, what is it made
of, and how are those components placed in relationship to each other.)
Describe the function of the cell membrane.
Explain the difference between osmosis and diffusion.
What factors affect the rate of diffusion? (3 factors that will either speed it up or slow it
down)
If there is more of a substance inside of a cell than there is outside, will the substance
tend to move inside or outside of the cell? Explain, using a diagram. (Assume it CAN
move through the membrane, and the substance is not water.)
If the concentration of a substance inside the cell is the same as outside the cell, will
osmosis occur? Explain using a diagram.
Which has a higher concentration of water, a salt solution or pure distilled water?
Explain.
Explain why turgor pressure does not build up in animal cells. Why is turgor pressure
important to plants?
People kill weeds by pouring salt on them. Explain why this would work, using a
diagram.
What happens to a cell placed in a hypertonic solution? In a hypotonic solution? In an
isotonic solution? Use diagrams to explain.
Explain the differences between active and passive transport, giving examples of each.
How are facilitated diffusion and active transport alike? How are they different?