Revised Unit Example
UNIT II: Cells
Topical Outline
1. Cell structure and function
A. Cellular Level of organization
i. Cell theory
ii. Microscopy
iii. Cell Size
1. Surface area to volume ratio
B. Prokaryotic cells
C. Eukaryotic cells
D. Stem cells
2. Membrane structure and function
A. Membrane models
B. Plasma membrane structure and function
C. Permeability of the plasma membrane
D. Modification of cell surfaces
3. Cellular reproduction
A. Mitosis
i. The cell cycle
ii. Mitosis and cytokinesis
iii. The cell cycle and cancer
iv. Prokaryotic cell division
B. Meiosis
i. Halving the chromosome number
ii. Genetic recombination
iii. The phases of meiosis
iv. Comparison of mitosis with meiosis
v. The human life cycle
Essential Questions: To what extent can we be sure that all life is cellular? How do
multicellular organisms differentiate? What are the fundamental characteristics of stem
cells? What are the differences between eukaryote and prokaryote cells, between plant and
animal cells? How does the structure of the plasma membrane relate to its function? How
is cancer a disease of the cell cycle? How does mitosis ensure genetic continuity?
Objectives: Upon completion of this unit the student will be able to
1.
2.
3.
4.
Outline the cell theory (5.1.12. B.2,C.1)
Discuss the evidence for the cell theory (5.1.12., B.2,C.1)
State that unicellular organisms carry out all the functions of life.
Compare the relative sizes of molecules, cell membrane thickness, viruses,
bacteria, organelles and cells, using the appropriate SI unit.
5. Calculate the linear magnification of drawings and the actual size of
specimens in images of known magnification.
Revised Unit Example
6. Explain the importance of the surface area to volume ratio as a factor limiting
cell size.
7. State that multicellular organisms show emergent properties.
8. Explain that cells in multicellular organisms differentiate to carry out
specialized functions by expressing some of their genes but not others
(5.3.12.A.4-6).
9. State that stem cells retain the capacity to divide and have the ability to
differentiate along different pathways (5.3.12.A.4-6).
10. Outline one therapeutic use of stem cells (5.3.12.A.4-6).
11. Analyze the ethical issues of therapeutic cloning. ( 9.1.12.F.5-6)
12. Draw and label a diagram of the ultra structure of Escherichia coli (E. coli) as
an example of a prokaryote.
13. Annotate the diagram of Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the functions of each
named structure.
14. Identify structures in electron micrographs of E. coli.
15. State that prokaryotic cells divide by binary fission.
16. Draw and label a diagram of the ultra structure of a liver cell as an example of
an animal cell.
17. Annotate the diagram of a liver cell with the functions of each named
structure.
18. Identify structures in electron micrographs of liver cells.
19. Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
20. State three differences between plant and animal cells.
21. Outline two roles of extra cellular components.
22. Draw and label a diagram to show the structure of membranes.
23. Explain how the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of phospholipids
help to maintain the structure of cell membranes (5.3.12.A.1)
24. List the functions of membrane proteins 5.3.12.A.1)
25. Define diffusion and osmosis (5.3.12.A.3)
26. Explain passive transport across membranes by simple diffusion and
facilitated diffusion (5.3.12.A.3)
27. Explain the role of protein pumps and ATP in active transport across
membranes (5.3.12.A.1)
28. Explain how vesicles are used to transport materials within a cell between the
rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and plasma membrane
(5.3.12.A.1)
29. Describe how the fluidity of the membrane allows it to change shape, break
and re-form during endocytosis and exocytosis (5.3.12.A.1)
30. Outline the stages in the cell cycle, including interphase (G1, S, G2), mitosis
and cytokinesis (5.3.12.A.4)
31. State that tumors (cancers) are the result of uncontrolled cell division and that
these can occur in any organ or tissue (5.3.12.A.6)
32. Research and dissect a journal article on current cancer treatments (5.1.12.C.1,
D.1; LA.ST.12.A.2, LA.ST.12.D.10)
33. Present information about a current cancer treatment based upon a research
journal article( 5.1.12.C.1, D.1)
Revised Unit Example
34. State that interphase is an active period in the life of a cell when many
metabolic reactions occur, including protein synthesis, DNA replication and
an increase in the number of mitochondria and/or chloroplasts.
35. Describe the events that occur in the four phases of mitosis (prophase,
metaphase, anaphase and telophase).
36. Explain how mitosis produces two genetically identical nuclei.
37. State that growth, embryonic development, tissue repair and asexual
reproduction involve mitosis.
38. State that meiosis is a reduction division of a diploid nucleus to form haploid
nuclei.
39. Define homologous chromosomes.
40. Outline the process of meiosis, including pairing of homologous
chromosomes and crossing over, followed by two divisions, which results in
four haploid cells (5.3.12.D.5)
41. Explain that non-disjunction can lead to changes in chromosome number,
illustrated by reference to Down syndrome (trisomy 21) (5.1.12.D.1)
42. State that, in karyotyping, chromosomes are arranged in pairs according to
their size and structure.
43. State that karyotyping is performed using cells collected by chorionic villus
sampling or amniocentesis, for pre-natal diagnosis of chromosome
abnormalities (5.1.12.C.1,D.1)
44. Analyze a human karyotype to determine gender and whether nondisjunction
has occurred (5.1.12.C.1).
Activities
Suggested Formative Assessments:
- power point led discussion on cells
- lab: metric measurement and microscopy
- web quest: stem cells
- lab: plant and animal cell histology
- power point led discussion on membranes and transport
- construction of a phospho-lipid bilayer model
- cell and membrane data based questions
- internal assessment lab : determining the internal solute concentration of pant
tissues
- power point led discussion on the cell cycle and cancer
- lab: onion and whitefish mitosis
- group project: Research and presentation of a recent cancer therapy
Suggested Summative Assessments:
- cell quiz
- cell and membrane exam
- mitosis quiz
Expected Timeframe:
- 15 class periods
Revised Unit Example