Navigating+the+Cell

Welcome to Cell World!

Look at the structures W, X, Y and Z. Do you know what they are and what they do?


 * Even if you are able to identify these structures and their functions, you will soon know far more about the cell than you ever imagined! In fact, you might even feel as if you have vacationed in Cell World. **

For a quick overview of an animal cell,[| view this site.]
 * Activity One **

Now check out [|this site.] You will use this resource exactly as you would a textbook.You will be given worksheets that correlate exactly with this site. Use this site to flesh out your understanding of the [|chloroplast].

For pictures of organelles that are much easier to draw, [|access this site].

If you aren't sure of the pronunciation of the organelles,  [|listen] to the words as they are spoken aloud for you.

What is the [|difference] between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
 * To which category do you belong? How do you know?
 * Give an example of a prokaryotic organism.
 * Construct a table that shows the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.


 * Activity Two **You will have noticed that some organelles are bound by a double membrane similar to the cell membrane. These organelles are part of the  [|endomembrane system.] Find out about this system of interrelated organelles:


 * Which organelles are part of this system?
 * What do they have in common?
 * Which organelles are not part of this system?
 * Why aren't they?
 * Is the endomembrane system found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes? Explain.

Want to see cells commit suicide? Check out [|apoptosis.] Even more on this amazing event can be found on the [|Kimball biology site.]
 * Activity Three **
 * Why is apoptosis such an important part of the cell cycle?
 * List 4 examples of apoptosis in animals.

This apoptotic pathway is one of the most sophisticated cellular pathways discovered in the cell up to this time. The cell closely monitors and tightly regulates this event. Even though the apoptotic pathway is not completely understood, due to the advances in apoptotic research, scientists have discovered newer and more effective treatments against cancer and certain other diseases.

Let's see what you know. Click [|here] and select Quiz on Cell Biology. **Project time!** You and your partner will complete the J ourney Into a Cell project described on the worksheets given to your by your teacher. (Um, this is that vacation I was talking about). The websites you have been using will provide you with the information you need to complete your project. Certainly you are not bound by these sites only; Google yourself silly! After completing your research, you and your team will create a PowerPoint or Photostory using the software on your computer. A rubric is included that will explain how your work will be graded.
 * Activity Four **
 * Activity Five **
 * I really don't think we can begin to understand the workings of the organelles and their relationships to each other unless we visit them in their own environment..........so......**
 * Scheduled turn-in date for this project:** **September 4, 2009.**
 * Extra Credit Opportunity: If you are able to work into your story the following words, you will receive extra credit points based on how well you fit them in and how accurately they were used: apoptosis, plasmodesmata, and cell sap.**

Find a tutorial on Photo Story using this link.

Check out the [|rubric for PowerPoint] before your presentation.

If your are presenting a Photo Story, check this [|rubric].

Activity Six Two labs are planned for observing plant and animal cells. You will be responsible for completing all lab information  and for learning the structure and function of the compound microscope.  This [|website] has helpful information as well as excellent diagrams of both plant and animal cells. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 108%;">a. **Observing Cheek Cells** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 96%;"> You will use your own cells for the purpose of observing an animal cell. <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 108%;">b. **Observing Plant Cells** View [|this lab] online. c. **Structure and function of the [|microscope].**

Your project information should serve as a review tool for your test on the cell. Be sure you can
 * <span style="background-color: #c0c0c0; color: #ff0000; display: block; font-size: 120%; text-align: center;">Activity Seven **
 * recognize each organelle,
 * describe its function,
 * relate its function to its structure and
 * identify any unique characteristics that this organelle may have.
 * Know the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
 * explain the three parts of cell theory,
 * describe apoptosis, and
 * recall the organelles that make up the endomembrane system.
 * Information from your cell labs may also be included; you must be able to distinguish between plant and animal cells. If you aren't sure you could recognize a human cheek cell and a plant cell under the microscope, use [|this site] for review. Most of the information may also be found on pages 55-66 in your textbook. **Scheduled test date: September 14, 2009.**