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Cells: Order and Structure in a Chaotic World

Unit Plan

Cells: Order and Structure in a Chaotic World

Objectives

In this unit, students will compare, contrast, and observe prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Students will also practice safe laboratory skills when obtaining, mounting, staining, and observing specimens. Students will:

  • observe bacteria cells under a microscope.

  • build a model of a typical prokaryotic cell.

  • describe the function of each structure in a prokaryotic cell.

  • compare and contrast a prokaryotic cell with a eukaryotic cell.

  • observe the structures found in elodea and onion leaf cells.

  • compare and contrast a typical plant cell with a typical animal cell.

  • write an analogy for the function of each of the organelles found in a eukaryotic cell.

  • describe how the biological levels of organization are arranged in increasing order.

Essential Questions

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Related Materials & Resources

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Formative Assessment

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    Multiple Choice Items:

    1. Which organelle is common to plant and animal cells?

    A

    Chloroplast

    B

    Mitochondria

    C

    Centrioles

    D

    Cell Wall

    2. Which order of levels of biological organization is correctly arranged from smallest to largest?

    A

    Cell, organism, tissue, ecosystem, community, biosphere

    B

    Biosphere, community, organism, ecosystem, tissue, cell

    C

    Tissue, organism, cell, ecosystem, biosphere, community

    D

    Cell, tissue, organism, community, ecosystem, biosphere

    3. The capsule around the cell wall of a prokaryote helps it to

    A

    move through water or soil.

    B

    reproduce under harsh conditions.

    C

    protects the cell from being engulfed.

    D

    convert sunlight into energy.

    4. At which level of biological organization does life emerge?

    A

    Organism

    B

    Molecules

    C

    Cells

    D

    Organelles

    5. Which structure is unique to eukaryotic cells?

    A

    Cell Wall

    B

    Nucleus

    C

    Ribosome

    D

    Flagellum

    6. Which cell part is analogous to the packaging and shipping department of a factory?

    A

    Golgi Apparatus

    B

    Endoplasmic Reticulum

    C

    Ribosomes

    D

    Nucleolus

    7. Which structure of the prokaryotic cell aids in the exchange of genetic material?

    A

    Nucleoid

    B

    Flagellum

    C

    Cell Membrane

    D

    Pilus

    8. Which statement best describes the function of the cell wall?

    A

    Supports the plasma membrane.

    B

    Helps the cell attach to surfaces.

    C

    Manufactures proteins and lipids.

    D

    Stores water and food.

    9. When comparing leaf cells to root cells, which organelle would you expect to be more abundant in the leaf?

    A

    Vacuoles

    B

    Golgi apparatus

    C

    Mitochondria

    D

    Chloroplast

    Multiple Choice Answer Key:

    1. B

    2. D

    3. C

    4. C

    5. B

    6. A

    7. D

    8. A

    9. D

    Short-answer Item

    1. While looking in a microscope, you see this same specimen, which is magnified 100X. Determine its type of cells and the level of biological organization. Give evidence used to make your determination.

    10a.PNG

    http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artnov03/wdonion.html

    Short-answer key and Scoring Rubrics:

    1. While looking in a microscope, you see this same specimen, which is magnified 100X. Determine its type of cells and the level of biological organization. Give evidence used to make your determination.


    10a.PNG

    http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artnov03/wdonion.html


    Points

    Description

    2

      The student:

    • states that the cells were eukaryotic because you can see the nucleus.

    • states that the cells are plant cells because of the “brick-like” appearance.

    • states that this shows a tissue of a multicellular organism because it is a group of similar cells.

    1

    • classifies the cells as eukaryotic OR belonging to a plant, only.

    • recognizes that the cells belong to a tissue.

    • does not give evidence for classification.

    0

    • does not recognize that the cells are eukaryotic, OR belong to a plant.

    • does not state that the cells belong to a tissue.

    • does not give evidence for classification.

    Performance Assessment:

    Students will make a booklet designed to teach eighth graders about prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The booklet should include labeled images of each type of cell, as well as a written description of similarities and differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The booklet should explain in detail the functions of at least five organelles or structures for each type of cell.

    Performance Assessment Scoring Rubric:

    Points

    Description

    4

    Student must complete all four components for full credit:

    • describes the functions of at least five organelles for prokaryotic cells.

    • describes the functions of at least five organelles for eukaryotic cells.

    • includes a thorough written comparison of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures.

    • includes complete, labeled diagrams of both kinds of cells.

    3

    The student completes three of the requirements.

    2

    The student completes two of the requirements.

    1

    The student completes one of the requirements.

    0

    The student demonstrates lack of understanding or does not attempt to complete the assessment.

DRAFT 11/19/2010
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