Cell Structure and Function
Cell/Developmental Biology I
Group Members
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Kelly Hogan, Facilitator
Rita Graze
Matthew Kearley
Zheng-Hua Ye
Xiaoyu Zhang
Christine Sestero
Heather Tinsley
Learning Goal:
Understand how organelles/cell structure relate to the overall
function of the cell.
– How is cell structure and content responsible for differences
between plant and animal cells or cell types in different tissues?
– What functions are not related to the organelles/cell structure?
Learning Objectives:
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Identify the major cell organelles.
List the major functions of the organelles.
Predict how changes in organelle/cell structure could alter
cellular function .
Explain how overall cellular function is dependent upon
organelles/cell structure.
Relate cell structure to every day contexts.
Target Audience: Introductory biology course for non-majors;
One 50 minute lecture.
Unit Outline
• Pre-class: Students read the chapter about cells and
organelles in their textbook. 1 hour
• Introduction: Review with students what activities cells must
perform and which organelles are responsible for these
activities. 10 minutes
• Activity #1: Students build a model plant or animal cell. 10
minutes
• Activity #2, Cell Detective: Students build an imaginary cell
suited for a specific function; students exchange cells and
attempt to guess function. 15 minutes
• Mini-lecture: Give real life examples of how cell structure aids
with function; clarify misconceptions revealed during
activities. 10 minutes
• Summation: Leave students with a thought-provoking
question to take their understanding a step further. 5 minutes
Cell Detective
• Part 1: Design a cell.
• Part 2: Exchange with a neighbor and guess
the identity of your neighbor’s cell.
• Part 3: Discuss with the class.
Cell Detective (Part 1 – 7 minutes)
• Each group has a handout with a specific description
of an imaginary cell.
• Your task is to draw a cell that best fits the
description given.
• Be sure to pay particular attention to any differences
that this cell should possess when compared to the
model cell that you constructed earlier.
• Begin by deciding on and drawing the outline of the
cell, then fill in with the appropriate organelles.
• Be sure to label the organelles, but do not write the
function of your cell on the paper.
• Feel free to use your notes and textbook.
Cell Detective (Part 2 – 5 minutes)
• Exchange your cell with a neighboring group.
• DO NOT GIVE YOUR DESCRIPTION TO THE OTHER
GROUP.
• As a group, try to decide what the function of
your neighbor’s cell is.
• Again, pay particular attention to how the cell in
front of you differs from the model cell with
which you are familiar.
Cell Detective (Part 3 – 3 minutes)
• Share with the class what you think the function
of your neighbor’s cell is and why.
Post-Activity Summing Up/Transition (5 min.)
• Have students ponder the question:
“Do differences in organelles alone account for
the different functions of cells?”
Summative Assessment
Sample Exam Questions
• Is the cell that is depicted below most likely
taken from a plant or an animal? Provide 3
pieces of evidence to support your answer.
Summative Assessment
Sample Exam Questions
• For the cell structures indicated by the arrows,
name the structure and list the primary
function?
Summative Assessment
Sample Exam Questions
• Cell type A and cell type B contain the same
types of organelles but have vastly different
functions. Speculate how this is possible.
• Review of previous lecture (~10 slides)