321/324 Cells: Structure & Function
Essential Questions and Mastery Objectives
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Essential Questions
What is the structure and organization of life?
 What do all cells have in common?
 What are some ways in which cells differ from each other?
How are materials imported and exported from cells in order to maintain homeostasis?
Mastery Objectives
Upon completing this unit the student will be able to:
Techniques for Cell Study:
a) Correctly utilize a light microscope and do simple slide preparation.
b) Be able to calculate the diameter of any field of view.
c) Using FOV diameter, be able to estimate the size of any object in microns (micrometers).
Cell Structure:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
Describe major characteristics of and differences between eukaryotic & prokaryotic cells.
Identify the 3 parts of the cell theory.
List several differences between plant and animal cells.
Describe the structure and function of all major cell organelles including: nucleus,
ribosomes, smooth& rough endosplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes,
vacuoles, mitochondria, chloroplasts, nucleolus, and cytoskeleton.
Be able to label diagrams of plant, animal, and prokaryotic cells.
Be able to distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells from diagrams.
Discuss the structure and function of cell walls & cell membranes. Be able to diagram
and label a plasma membrane.
Describe the current “fluid-mosaic” model of the cell membrane.
Describe how proteins and carbohydrates are arranged in cell membranes.
Describe the importance of cell-cell recognition structures and other membrane
components. Mention immune system and organ transplant implications.
How substances get into and out of cells:
a) Distinguish between a solute, solvent, and solution.
b) Describe what is meant by the statement, “Biological membranes are selectively
permeable.”
c) Distinguish between Diffusion, Osmosis, Facilitated Diffusion, and Active Transport
d) Explain what factors determine whether passive or active transport occurs
e) Predict how substances will move (into or out of the cell) in given cellular situations
f) Identify and define hypertonic, hypotonic, and isotonic solutions and their effects on
living tissues
g) Define concentration gradient and explain the importance of one in cell transport.
h) Compare pinocytosis, phagocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis.
i) Explain why cells cannot be too large or too small.
j) Explain the surface area to volume ratio.
k) Explain the relationship between the surface area to volume ratio and the acquisition of
nutrients and removal of wastes.
Cell Vocabulary:
1. cell theory
2. cell membrane
3. cytoplasm
4. ribosome
5. prokaryote
6. cell wall
7. flagella
8. eukaryote
9. nucleus
10. organelle
11. cilia
12. cytoskeleton
13. cytosol/cytoplasm
14. microtubules
15. phospholipids
16. lipid bilayer
17. nucleus
18. rough endoplasmic reticulum
19. smooth endoplasmic reticulum
20. golgi apparatus
21. lysosome
22. mitochondria
23. centrioles
24. chloroplasts
25. central vacuole
321/324 Excretory and Respiratory
Essential Questions and Mastery Objectives
Essential Questions
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 How does the respiratory system function to maintain homeostasis?
How does the urinary/excretory system function to maintain homeostasis?
 How does the body rid itself of waste?
Mastery Objectives
At the end of this unit, students should be able to:
Excretory System
a.) Name the organs of the excretory system.
b.) State or identify the role of each of the organs of the excretory system.
c.) Label diagrams of the excretory system.
d.) Explain how the kidneys maintain homeostasis.
e.) Explain how diffusion is used to filter the blood.
f.) Describe how homeostasis is maintained by machine (dialysis).
g.) Name and explain some diseases of the excretory system.
Respiratory System
a.) Describe respiration.
b.) Identify the structures of the respiratory system.
c.) Label diagrams of the respiratory system.
d.) Describe gas exchange and breathing.
e.) Explain how smoking affects the respiratory system.
f.) Identify and explain other diseases or disorders of the respiratory system.