1. . Cell Biology (Core) – 1.

1 Introduction to cells

Name:

Understandings, Applications and Skills (This is what you maybe assessed on)

Statement Guidance

1.1.U1 According to the cell theory, living organisms are

composed of cells.
1.1.U2 Organisms consisting of only one cell carry out all Students are expected to be able to name and
functions of life in that cell. briefly explain these functions of life:
nutrition, metabolism, growth, response,
excretion, homeostasis and reproduction.
1.1.U3 Surface area to volume ratio is important in the limitation of cell
size.
1.1.U4 Multicellular organisms have properties that emerge from the
interaction of their cellular components.
1.1.U5 Specialized tissues can develop by cell differentiation in
multicellular organisms.
1.1.U6 Differentiation involves the expression of some genes and not
others in a cell’s genome.
1.1.U7 The capacity of stem cells to divide and differentiate along
different pathways is necessary in embryonic development and
also makes stem cells suitable for therapeutic uses.
1.1.A1 Questioning the cell theory using atypical examples, including
striated muscle, giant algae and aseptate fungal hyphae.

1.1.A2 Investigation of functions of life in Paramecium and one named Chlorella or Scenedesmus are suitable
photosynthetic unicellular organism. photosynthetic unicells, but Euglena should be
avoided as it can feed heterotrophically.
1.1.A3 Use of stem cells to treat Stargardt’s disease and one other
named condition.
1.1.A4 Ethics of the therapeutic use of stem cells from specially created
embryos, from the umbilical cord blood of a new-
born baby and from an adult’s own tissues.
1.1.S1 Use of a light microscope to investigate the structure of Scale bars are useful as a way of indicating
cells and tissues, with drawing of cells. Calculation of the actual sizes in drawings and micrographs.
magnification of drawings and the actual size of structures
and ultrastructures shown in drawings or micrographs.
(Practical 1)

Recommended resources:
http://www.bioknowledgy.info/11-introduction-to-cells.html

Allott, Andrew. Biology: Course Companion. S.l.: Oxford UP, 2014. Print.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 1.1. U1 According to the cell theory, living organisms are composed of cells.

1. State the three core ideas of cell theory: 1.

A cell is identified as the basic unit of life.

2. Living things are constructed of one or more cells.

3. Cells emerge from existing cells.

4. What evidence supports the idea that living organisms are composed of cells?

a. Living organisms are made up of cells.

b. Organelles cannot survive by themselves.
c. Cells multiply through the process of division.

1.1.A1 Questioning the cell theory using atypical examples, including striated muscle, giant algae and aseptate fungal
hyphae. AND Nature of Science: Looking for trends and discrepancies - although most organisms conform to cell
theory, there are exceptions. (3.1)

5. For each atypical example outline how it challenges conventional cell theory

a. Striated muscle

challenges the idea that a cell has one nucleus

Muscle cells have more than one nucleus per cell Muscle
Cells called fibres can be very long (300mm)
They are surrounded by a single plasma membrane but they are multi-nucleated (many nuclei).
This does not conform to the standard view of a small single nuclei within a cell

b. Giant algae

Challenges both the ideas that cells must be small and simple in structure.
A bigger size (5-108mm)
Has a complex form which is constructed of 3 anatomical parts: long stalks, bottom rhizoid and a top umbrella of branches
that can fuse into a cap.
The single nucleus can be found in the rhizoid.
Acetabularia is identified as a single-celled organism.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 c. Aseptate fungal hyphae

Multi-nucleated, like muscle cells.

The cell walls are constructed of chitin.
Questions the idea that a cell is a single unit.
The tubular system of hyphae is responsible for forming dense networks known as mycelium.
The cytoplasm continues along the hyphae without a membrane or cell wall.
Fungal hyphae are known to be large and contain multiple nuclei and a continuous cytoplasm.

1.1.U2 Organisms consisting of only one cell carry out all functions of life in that cell.

6. State the functions of life, as demonstrated by all living organisms.

M - Metabolism

R -Reproduction

H -Homeostasis

G -Growth

R -Response

E -Excretion

N -Nutrition

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 1.1.A2 Investigation of functions of life in Paramecium and one named photosynthetic unicellular organism.

7. Below is an image of a paramecium. Label and annotate the image to indicate how it performs each of the
functions of life.

Anal pore: Excretion

Food Vacuole: Nutrition
Macronucleus: Growth and Reproduction
Contractile Vacuole: Homeostasis
Micronucleus: Growth and Reproduction

http://umanitoba.ca/Biology/BIOL1030/Lab1/biolab1_3.html#Ciliophora

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 1.1.U3 Surface area to volume ratio is important in the limitation of cell size.

8. Explain why small cells are more efficient than big cells:

 Have a large surface area to volume ratio, making the transport of substances more efficient

The smaller the cell the more surface area, meaning they can abosorb a greater quantity of nutrients.
 Have a more manageable size, meaning they are much more efficiently controlled.
Smaller volume means that nutrients and materials can travel into and out of the cell quicker.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 9. As a cell grows in size eventually the metabolic rate increases beyond it’s ability to exchange materials and waste
causing the cell to die. To prevent this increase in cell size is used as a trigger for cell division. The smaller cells
restore a viable SA:vol.

a. What mechanisms other than cell division to cells use to maintain viable, efficient SA:Vol ratios?

 Diffusion pathways are much shorter.

 Concentration gradients have been identified as easier to generate.
 Active transport, meaning they take less energy and time.

b. What mechanisms other than cell division to multicellular organisms use to maintain viable,
efficient SA:Vol ratios?
 Membrane folding.
 Compartmentalizing.

10. Extension: describe how the invasive Caulerpa algae genus break the rules of SA:Vol (you will have to research
this point – include your citations below your answer)

The algae is identified as a cell which contains multiple nuclei. The only valid way for it to function in an efficient
manner at a larger size would be through the help of its multiple nuclei.

1.1.U4 Multicellular organisms have properties that emerge from the interaction of their cellular components.

11. Unicellular organisms carry out all the functions of life, multi-cellular organisms differentiate and show
emergent properties.
a. Describe what is meant by the term emergent properties.

An emergent property is identified as a property which can be found in a complex system or collection, which is
missing in the individual members.

b. Outline the advantages of cells differentiating to carry out specific functions.

When cells begin to differentiate, they have the ability to complete tasks that not all cells can complete. Another advantage
would be that all cells found in a multi-cellular organism carry all the genes found in the organism.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 1.1.U6 Differentiation involves the expression of some genes and not others in a cell’s genome.

12. All cells in an organism share the same, identical, genome (i.e. they all possess the same genetic
information).

a. In which type of cells is the entire genome active?

Totipotent.

b. Describe how newly formed cells become specialized.

Active genes are mainly packaged in a both accessible and expanded form. However, inactive genes are usually packaged in
a condensed form. A cell will become more specialized if a cell possesses fewer active genes.

(Extension: refer to the packaging of genes in your answer)

1.1.U5 Specialized tissues can develop by cell differentiation in multicellular organisms.

13. Collections of similar cells are called tissues. How many different distinct highly specialized cell types have
been recognized in humans?

220.

1.1.U7 The capacity of stem cells to divide and differentiate along different pathways is necessary in embryonic
development and also makes stem cells suitable for therapeutic uses.

14. Describe what is meant by the term stem cell.

Stem cells are identified as cells which are unspecialized which can continuously replicate and divide along with
having the capacity to differentiate into different types of specialized cells.

15. Define the following types of stem cells. Giving an example of each:

a. Totipotent

Has the ability to differentiate into any type of cell.

- Zygotes.

b. Pluripotent

Has the ability to differentiate into a variety of types of cells.

- Embryonic stem cells.

c. Multipotent

Has the ability to differentiate into a few types of cells which are closely related.
- Cord blood.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 d. Unipotent

Has the ability to regenerate but can only differentiate into a cell type they are associated with.
- Adult stem cells.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

1.1.A3 Use of stem cells to treat Stargardt’s disease and one other named condition.

16. Complete the table to detail the use of stem cells in the treatment of specific conditions.

Condition Stargardt's macular dystrophy

Outline the  Affects around one in 10,000 children

condition and the problems
it s  Recessive genetic (inherited)
causes
condition
 The mutation causes an active
transport protein on photoreceptor
cells to malfunction
 The photoreceptor cells degenerate
 the production of a dysfunctional
protein that cannot perform energy
transport
 that causes progressive, and
eventually total, loss of central
vision

Describe - Embryonic stem cells are treated in order to divide and differentiate, as a
treatment of the condition result becoming renal cells.
using stem cells - The retinal cells would then be injected into the retina.
- For them to become functional, the retinal cells attach to the retina.
- As a result, the central vision improves through the functional retinal
cells.

The benefit of Stem cells are currently the only viable treatment for this condition.
using stem cells

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

1.1.A4 Ethics of the therapeutic use of stem cells from specially created embryos, from the umbilical cord blood of a
new-born baby and from an adult’s own tissues. AND Nature of Science: Ethical implications of research—research
involving stem cells is growing in importance and raises ethical issues. (4.5)

17. Complete the table to compare the different sources of stem cells available:

Comparison of stem cell sources

Embryo Cord blood Adult
Differentiation Can differentiate Limited capacity to
into any cell type differentiate (without
inducement only
naturally divide into
blood cells)

Genetic There is a lower chance for there to be genetic damage Due to accumulation of
damage than adult cells.
mutations through the life of the
adult genetic damage can
occur

Compatibility Stem cells are not The stem cells are classified as genetically identical, meaning they
classified to be genetically are fully compatible with the patient.
identical to the patient.

18. Therapeutic cloning remains a controversial area of medicine.

a. Outline the main arguments for therapeutic cloning

 A push to pave the way for upcoming discoveries and beneficial innovations which would not have
been discoevered if these had been banned.

 Cells are removed when embryos have no sign of a nervous system, therefore cannot feel pain.

 Stem cells have the ability to be created without the need for destruction or fertilization of natural
human embryos.

 Stem cells can be extracted from embryos which have stopped developing and would’ve ended up
dead anyway.

 The death of another human is not required when it comes to transplants.

 Cell therapy can be used in order to cure disabilities or diseases.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 There is a fewer chance that the transplant would be rejected as the cells are genetically idenical to
the parent.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

 b. Outline the main arguments against therapeutic cloning

-Involves the creation and destruction of human embryos

-Embryonic stem cells are capable of continued division and may develop into cancerous cells
and cause tumors 
-Involves the creation and destruction of human embryos
-The embryo generated might potentially be utilized in IVF and develop into a human child 
-Potential for a race to clone the first person 
-Religious or moral issues due to the "playing God" argument

1.1.S1 Use of a light microscope to investigate the structure of cells and tissues, with drawing of cells. Calculation of the
magnification of drawings and the actual size of structures and ultrastructures shown in drawings or micrographs.
(Practical 1)

19. The diagram below shows the characteristic rod-shaped structure of E. coli bacteria.

a. Calculate the magnification of the image.

b. State the method (shown here) by which bacteria reproduce.

The binary fission method is used by bacteria to reproduce. The bacteria, which is a single cell, splits into two identical
daughter cells throughout this procedure. When a bacterium's DNA separates into two replicas, binary fission occurs.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

20. Calculate the actual size of the structures delineated in yellow.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

21. Calculate the magnification of these scale bars:

22. What is the magnification of these images?

a. Scale bar 10µm measures 40mm on the image.

b. Scale bar 5µm measures 25mm on the image.

23. A micrograph has a scale bar of 2µm, which measures 40mm on the image. Measuring the maximum length of
the cell in the image, the ruler reads 180mm. How long is the cell?

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)

24. A student views an image of a cell magnified 350 times. The image is 250mm long. What is the actual length of
the sample in the image?

Citations:

Allott, Andrew. Biology: Course Companion. S.l.: Oxford UP, 2014. Print. Taylor,

Stephen. "Essential Biology 02.1 Cell Theory.docx." Web. 17 Aug. 2014.

<https://www.box.net/shared/r2o3scijx1>.

http://www.bioknowledgy.info/ (Chris Paine)