Topic 2: cells
In this unityou are introduced to cells. All living organisms are composed of cells. A cell is a small, membrane-bound compartment that contains all the chemicals and molecules that help support an organism's life. An understanding of the structure of cells is one of the first steps in comprehending the complex cellular interactions that direct and produce life.
Cells can be thought of as building blocks of organisms.
How does life perpetuate itself? How do cells work? Answers to these questions and many others can be found in the resource collection below.
It can be broken down into the following main topics:
Cells can be thought of as building blocks of organisms.
How does life perpetuate itself? How do cells work? Answers to these questions and many others can be found in the resource collection below.
It can be broken down into the following main topics:
- Cell Theory
- Microscope
- Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structure
Describe why cells have limited size
- Describe: Give a detailed account.
image from BioNinja
Cells are microscopic, meaning they can't be seen with the naked eye. Although it might seem logical for an organism to be made of one giant cell, our cells are specialized: they have unique jobs in the body.
There are physiological limits to how big a cell can grow. The scale, or size of a cell compared to other objects, is incredibly small. Cells are microscopic mostly because of this constraint.
As a cell grows, its volume increases more quickly than its surface area. If a cell was to get very large, the small surface area would not allow enough nutrients to enter the cell quickly enough for the cell's needs.
Smaller single-celled organisms have a high surface area to volume ratio, which allows them to rely on oxygen and material diffusing into the cell (and wastes diffusing out) in order to survive. The higher the surface area to volume ratio they have, the more effective this process can be. Larger animals require specialized organs (lungs, kidneys, intestines, etc.) that effectively increase the surface area available for exchange processes, and a circulatory system to move material and heat energy between the surface and the core of the organism.
Large cells have a way of dealing with some size challenges. Big cells, such as some white blood cells, often grow more nuclei so that they can supply enough proteins and RNA for the cell's requirements. Large, metabolically active cells often have lots of cell protrusions, resulting in many folds throughout the membrane. These folds increase the surface area available for transport of materials into or out of the cell. Such cell types are found lining your small intestine, where they absorb nutrients from your food through protrusions called microvilli.
Scale of Measurements
Surface area refers to the outside area of an object, e.g. it is the area around the outside of a cell. Unit = cm2.
Volume refers to the amount of space inside of the object, e.g. it is the space inside the cell. Unit = cm3.
There are physiological limits to how big a cell can grow. The scale, or size of a cell compared to other objects, is incredibly small. Cells are microscopic mostly because of this constraint.
As a cell grows, its volume increases more quickly than its surface area. If a cell was to get very large, the small surface area would not allow enough nutrients to enter the cell quickly enough for the cell's needs.
Smaller single-celled organisms have a high surface area to volume ratio, which allows them to rely on oxygen and material diffusing into the cell (and wastes diffusing out) in order to survive. The higher the surface area to volume ratio they have, the more effective this process can be. Larger animals require specialized organs (lungs, kidneys, intestines, etc.) that effectively increase the surface area available for exchange processes, and a circulatory system to move material and heat energy between the surface and the core of the organism.
Large cells have a way of dealing with some size challenges. Big cells, such as some white blood cells, often grow more nuclei so that they can supply enough proteins and RNA for the cell's requirements. Large, metabolically active cells often have lots of cell protrusions, resulting in many folds throughout the membrane. These folds increase the surface area available for transport of materials into or out of the cell. Such cell types are found lining your small intestine, where they absorb nutrients from your food through protrusions called microvilli.
Scale of Measurements
- 1 centimeter (cm) = 10 millimeters (mm) = 10-2 meters (m)
- 1 mm = 1000 micrometers (µm) = 10-3 m
- 1 µm = 1000 nanometers (nm) = 10-6 m
- 1 nm = 10-3 µm
Surface area refers to the outside area of an object, e.g. it is the area around the outside of a cell. Unit = cm2.
Volume refers to the amount of space inside of the object, e.g. it is the space inside the cell. Unit = cm3.
Intestinal tissue of the digestive tract may form a ruffled structure (villi) to increase the surface area of the inner lining
Aveoli within the lungs have membranous extensions called microvilli, which function to increase the total membrane surface
Aveoli within the lungs have membranous extensions called microvilli, which function to increase the total membrane surface
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Outline the cell theory
- Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
image from en.wikipedia.org
The cell theory is a scientific theory which describes the properties of cells. Cells are the basic unit of structure in all organisms and also the basic unit of reproduction. Credit for the formulation of this theory is given to German scientists Theodor Schwann, Matthias Schleiden, and Rudolph Virchow.
The Cell Theory states:
The Cell Theory states:
- All living organisms are composed of cells. Multicellular organisms (example: humans) are composed of many cells while unicellular organisms (example: bacteria) are composed of only one cell. Cells are the basic unit of structure in all organisms.
- Cells are the smallest unit of life. They are the smallest structures capable of surviving on their own.
- Cells come from preexisting cells and cannot be created from nonliving material. For example, new cells arise from cell division and a zygote (the very first cell formed when an organism is produced) arises from the fusion of an egg cell and a sperm cell.
Outline the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
image from en.wikipedia.org
A prokaryote is a single-celled organism which lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, or any other membrane-bound organelle. Prokaryotic cells are the simplest systems that exhibit all of the signs of life. They are the smallest types of cell, averaging 2-5 µm in length
Describe cell structures and functions, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast and vacuole of a eukaryotic cell.
- Describe: Give a detailed account.
Cells have particular structures or organelles that perform specific jobs. These structures perform the life activities within the cell. Just as body systems are coordinated and work together in complex organisms, the cells making up those systems must also be coordinated and organized in a cooperative manner so they can function efficiently together.
Inside the cell a variety of cell organelles, formed from many different molecules, carry out the transport of materials, energy capture and release, protein building, waste disposal, and information storage. Each cell is covered by a membrane that performs a number of important functions for the cell as well.
Inside the cell a variety of cell organelles, formed from many different molecules, carry out the transport of materials, energy capture and release, protein building, waste disposal, and information storage. Each cell is covered by a membrane that performs a number of important functions for the cell as well.
Compare the structures of plant and animal cells
- Compare: Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
State that specialized tissues can develop by cell differentiation in multicellular organisms
- State:Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or calculation.
Every cell in a multicellular organism contains all genes of that organism. However, not all of those genes are activated in every cell or at the same time. When the gene is activated, the gene will encode for specific proteins. These proteins will affect the structure and function of cells.
By activating certain genes and not others, the cells are able to differentiate and form specialized tissues. Differentiation depends on gene expression which is regulated mostly during transcription. It is an advantage for multicellular organisms as cells can differentiate to be more efficient unlike unicellular organisms who have to carry out all of the functions within one cell.
In development after the zygote divides to form the blastocyst ( around 120-130 cells), and then the gastrula, which is differentiated into several dermal layers of cells (mesoderm, endoderm, ectoderm, and germ cells) that form into specific specialized cells.
By activating certain genes and not others, the cells are able to differentiate and form specialized tissues. Differentiation depends on gene expression which is regulated mostly during transcription. It is an advantage for multicellular organisms as cells can differentiate to be more efficient unlike unicellular organisms who have to carry out all of the functions within one cell.
In development after the zygote divides to form the blastocyst ( around 120-130 cells), and then the gastrula, which is differentiated into several dermal layers of cells (mesoderm, endoderm, ectoderm, and germ cells) that form into specific specialized cells.
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Embryonic-stem-cell-forms-the-cells-of-all-there-germ-layers-45_fig1_308053311
Identify the capacity of stem cells to divide and differentiate along different pathways is necessary in embryonic development
- Identify: Provide an answer from a number of possibilities. Recognize and state briefly a distinguishing fact or feature.
Stem cells are the body’s natural reservoir – replenishing stocks of specialized cells that have been used up or damaged.Stem cells have the unique ability to produce both copies of themselves (self-renewal) and other more specialized cell types (differentiation) every time they divide. Stem cells, therefore, are essential to the maintenance of tissues such as blood, skin, and gut that undergo continuous turnover (cell replacement), and muscle, which can be built up according to the body's needs and is often damaged during physical exertion.
Types of Stem Cells
Types of Stem Cells
- Embryonic stem cells are obtained from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, a mainly hollow ball of cells that, in the human, forms three to five days after an egg cell is fertilized by a sperm. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can give rise to every cell type in the fully formed body, but not the placenta and umbilical cord. These cells are incredibly valuable because they provide a renewable resource for studying normal development and disease, and for testing drugs and other therapies. Human embryonic stem cells have been derived primarily from blastocysts created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) for assisted reproduction that were no longer needed.
- Tissue-specific stem cells (also referred to as somatic or adult stem cells) can come from different parts of the adult body. They are specific to a certain kind of tissue in the body: for instance, liver stem cells can regenerate liver tissue, and muscle stem cells can regenerate muscle fibers. But adult stem cells are limited to only becoming more of their specialized tissue—liver stem cells cannot make new muscle fibers, nor can muscle stem cells make new liver tissue.
- Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are pluripotent cells that are derived from adult tissue using new scientific technology. They share characteristics with embryonic stem cells in that they can become any cell type in the body. Reprogramming stem cells to create iPSCs involves some genetic manipulation, and this may cause some differences that are not present in cells that are already embryonic in nature. It is essential to continue research using all cell types. Because the field of stem cell research is so new, it is critical to explore all avenues of stem cell research, from pluripotent to tissue stem cells
Describe the medical uses for stem cells
- Describe: Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or process.
Stem cells are the body's raw materials — cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. Under the right conditions in the body or a laboratory, stem cells divide to form more cells called daughter cells.
These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells
Researchers and doctors hope stem cell studies can help to:
These daughter cells either become new stem cells (self-renewal) or become specialized cells (differentiation) with a more specific function, such as blood cells, brain cells, heart muscle cells or bone cells
Researchers and doctors hope stem cell studies can help to:
- Increase understanding of how diseases occur.
- People who might benefit from stem cell therapies include those with spinal cord injuries, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, stroke, burns, cancer and osteoarthritis.
- Stem cells may have the potential to be grown to become new tissue for use in transplant and regenerative medicine.
- Test new drugs for safety and effectiveness
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Fig4-The-promise-of-stem-cell-research-Stem-cells-also-hold-great-potential-for_fig1_265145211
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks in using embryonic, cord blood and adult stem cells
- Discuss:
Debates over the ethics of embryonic stem cell research have divided scientists, politicians, and religious groups for years.
However, promising developments in other areas of stem cell research have led to solutions that help bypass these ethical barriers and win more support from those against embryonic stem cell research; the newer methods don't require the destruction of blastocysts.
Many parties continue to have strong opinions that trigger ongoing debates about stem cell research, and the following pros and cons provide a snapshot of some the points on each side of the issue.
However, promising developments in other areas of stem cell research have led to solutions that help bypass these ethical barriers and win more support from those against embryonic stem cell research; the newer methods don't require the destruction of blastocysts.
Many parties continue to have strong opinions that trigger ongoing debates about stem cell research, and the following pros and cons provide a snapshot of some the points on each side of the issue.
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Cons
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Pros
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Use of adult-derived stem cells—known as induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs)—from blood, cord blood, skin, and other tissues have been demonstrated as effective in treating different diseases in animal models. Umbilical cord-derived stem cells obtained from the cord blood also have been isolated and used for various experimental treatments. Another option is uniparental stem cells. Although these cell lines are shorter-lived than embryonic cell lines, uniparental stem cells hold vast potential if enough research money can be directed that way: pro-life advocates do not technically consider them individual living beings.
https://ib.bioninja.com.au/standard-level/topic-1-cell-biology/11-introduction-to-cells/stem-cell-therapy.html
Key Terms
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cytoplasm
organelles chloroplast vacuole surface area differentiation somatic cell |
mitochondria
chloroplasts nucleus cell theory volume stem cell |
plasma membrane
endoplasmic reticulum golgi apparatus membrane pili totipotent |
lysosomes
cell wall cellulose prokaryote nucleiod pluripotent |
flagellum
ribosomes gene eukaryote plasmid multipotent |
Class Materials
Surface Area to Volume Ratio worksheet
Cell Theory poster activity
Cell Theory video worksheet
Cells Alive activity sheet.
Big Picture Cell Poster
Microscope practical
How To Calculate Magnification handout
Cells R Us activity
Cell Theory poster activity
Cell Theory video worksheet
Cells Alive activity sheet.
Big Picture Cell Poster
Microscope practical
How To Calculate Magnification handout
Cells R Us activity
Helpful Links
Cells
Cell size and scale Learn Genetics
Cells and Cellular Structure from Biology4Kids
Bacteria Cell Structure from BBC Bitesize
Cell Animation
Cells Alive
Check out this video clip on Mitochondria
Click here for an audio presentation about cells from the Naked Scientists
Video clip Mitochondria
Quizlet study set: Cell structure and function
Cell structure and function interactive activity – from Wiley Education
The Cell: Basic Unit of Structure and Function by McGraw-Hill. Animations, quizzes, flashcards, and other resources aligned with their Human Anatomy textbook. Links to other chapters can be found in the sidebar.
Cells Alive!
Cells
Cell size and scale Learn Genetics
Cells and Cellular Structure from Biology4Kids
Bacteria Cell Structure from BBC Bitesize
Cell Animation
Cells Alive
Check out this video clip on Mitochondria
Click here for an audio presentation about cells from the Naked Scientists
Video clip Mitochondria
Quizlet study set: Cell structure and function
Cell structure and function interactive activity – from Wiley Education
The Cell: Basic Unit of Structure and Function by McGraw-Hill. Animations, quizzes, flashcards, and other resources aligned with their Human Anatomy textbook. Links to other chapters can be found in the sidebar.
Cells Alive!
Correct use of terminology is a key skill in Biology. It is essential to use key terms correctly when communicating your understanding, particularly in assessments. Use the quizlet flashcards or other tools such as learn, scatter, space race, speller and test to help you master the vocabulary
Video Clips
Surface Area to Volume Ratio Explained
Stephanie Castle discusses Surface area to volume ratio is important in the limitation of cell size
Part 1 Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Part 2 Cell Structure and Organelles
Scientific discovery isn't as simple as one good experiment. The weird and wonderful history of cell theory illuminates the twists and turns that came together to build the foundations of biology.
Hank tells us about the city of Eukaryopolis - the animal cell that is responsible for all the cool things that happen in our bodies
Hank describes why plants are so freaking amazing - discussing their evolution, and how their cells are both similar to & different from animal cells.
Compares and contrasts prokaryote cells and eukaryote cells before exploring organelle structures and functions! Video includes the modern cell theory and plant vs. animal cell comparisons.
Explore some examples of specialized plant and animal cells with the Amoeba Sisters! Video explains how specialized cell structure suits their function
Hank gives you the facts on stem cells - what they are, what they're good for, where they come from, and how they're used in medicine
Learn about the science of stem cells and how these incredible, transforming cells could lead to personalized medicine for individual bodies
How do cells in your body differentiate into other types of cells? Explore cell specialization featuring stem cells and their role in cell differentiation.
Every single one of us is affected by diseases which stem cells could potentially treat in the future. Dr. Crystal Ruff explains what stem cells are and how they are changing the way we treat diseases
