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Cell Biology Unit
Advanced Biology 11
You are about to embark on a wonderful journey through cells. Through lecture, labs and research you will
become familiar with the similarities and differences between prokaryote and eukaryote cells, describe the
roles of the more common cell organelles, see plant and animal cells with a light microscope and investigate
some of the ethical issues around cell research. Please read the following activities that follow. Note the
activities that you must do and those where you have choice.
Activity One- Compulsory Value: 10 points
Due:_______________________
Create a chart to organize the following information about cell organelles. Include a comparison between
eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Name of organelle, types of cells most likely to contain this organelle,
electron micrograph, a labeled hand drawing showing the main structures, description of structure,
description of function, an analogy, and any miscellaneous information you might find. Nucleus, nuclear
envelope, nucleolus, chromatin (chromosomes), plasma membrane, RER, SER, ribosome ( free and
attached), golgi apparatus, lysosome, peroxisome, mitochondrion, cytoskeleton, centrosome, centriole,
vacuoles, chloroplasts, flagellum, cilia, cell wall, cytoplasm
Start with your notes, text and then add to this with further research. Here are some sites that you might try.
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/A/AnimalCells.html
http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/animcell.htm
http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/plntcell.htm
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/lmexer1a.htm#plant
http://www.rothamsted.bbsrc.ac.uk/notebook/courses/guide/cell.htm
http://www.cell-biology.com/organ.html
Activity Two- Compulsory Value: 15 points Due: _______________________
Comparing Plant and Animal cells. This will be a scheduled lab. You will observe cells with the light
microscope and learn proper drawing techniques.
Activity Three – Choose one of the following mini projects to demonstrate your understanding of the
objectives above. Value: Due: _________________________________
1. Design a “psuedo” single-celled organism that can perform photosynthesis, get food when sunlight is
absent and move quickly in a water-based environment. Identify all the organelles( and their relative
abundance) that your cell needs to support life function and make a 3-D model of your cell. Be
prepared to give a brief explanation of your plan.
2. Review an article on the “Symbiotic theory of evolution” which is one idea about how eukaryote
cells evolved from prokaryote cells. See the outline provided for how to review an article. You will
create a flip book (looks like a little movie) to visually support your research. Be prepared to make a
brief explanation of your findings.
3. Relate the “endomembrane system” to the production and release of the hormone insulin. Take it one
step further …… how is insulin related to cell permeability (our last unit) to sugar. Create a colorful
well-organized pamphlet that organizes your results. No photocopies or downloaded images.
4. We are composed of many different types of specialized cells: nerve cells, bone cells, muscle cells,
red blood cells, white blood cells and dermal cells to name a few. Choose five different human
specialized cells. Create your own lab (slides of many different cells are available in our lab) or web
quest that another student could use to investigate the structures that each cell has that enable it to
perform its specialized function. You must provide an example of the anticipated finished product
by the student.
5. Design a brochure or a video clip to entice readers or viewers to visit a cell and navigate through it.
You could use “roadside attractions” or set the cell up like an amusement park ……have fun….. a
performance is expected!!!
Activity Four – Choose one of the following issues. Value: 10 points
Due: ____________________
( 2 typed pages + bibliography, you must properly cite references in text)
1. Stem Cells: A Medical Miracle? Research stem cells. What are they? Where do researchers get
stem cells? What issues surround stem cell research? Design a brochure that displays what you know
about stem cell research. What are the pros and cons? What is your point of view? This real-life
situation may help you focus your research: (There are lots of stories out there…) Again…any art
work must be original.
In the U.S., parents of a six year old girl with a rare inherited blood disease asked doctors for help in
conceiving a baby that could provide donor stem cells for their daughter. They selected the most suitable
embryo from among 15 created through in vitro fertilization. They had a little boy, and their daughter
received stem cells from his cord blood in the hope that she will now produce healthy bone marrow.
2. Creating Life in a Test Tube: Jack Szostak believes that to understand what life really is,
researchers need to create a cell with a plasma membrane and RNA in the laboratory. He hopes his
RNA will not only carry instructions but carry out the instructions of the genetic code and replicate
itself. If he succeeds he will have the most lifelike RNA found outside living things. Is it right for
scientists to try to create life in a test tube? What might happen if this cell escapes from the
laboratory? What might happen if the cell becomes a pathogen of humans or other animals? Should
such an “invention” be patented in case the cells are sold to other laboratories? Who will really own
these cells? Research Jack’s work ( an any other similar researcher) and the answers to the other
questions above. Compose a letter to Jack Szostak based on your research and ask him to clarify any
questions and express your concerns.
.
3. Selling your cells: Doctors at a California university removed a man’s spleen, standard procedure
for a type of leukemia. The disease did not recur. In culturing the cells of the spleen, he found that
they produced a large amount of a protein that stimulates the growth of blood cells. After several
years of research, a drug made from this protein was tested and found to bring the blood count to
normal in several AIDS patients and those being treated for cancer. The researchers patented the
cells. The man who unknowingly donated the spleen to research now states that the doctor owes him
money for his cells because the doctor signed a paper that stated the diseased spleen would be
destroyed. The drug company that developed the new drug from the man’s spleen would not have
this drug if it were not for his spleen. Research this case. How did the California Supreme Court
rule? Do you think the patient was treated fairly? Should patients receive money for cells removed
from their bodies that are used in research….Should researchers be required to ask patients for
permission to use their cells? What else would you like to know about this case that might help you
make up your mind? Should embryos “left over” from in vitro fertilization procedures be used as
sources of stem cells for biomedical research? This would be neat presented as a news
documentary. What do you think?
I choose # ____________ and # _________________. Name: _______________________________