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1.1 Introduction to cells

IB Syllabus Statements

Understandings:

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

  • Stem cell research has depended on the work of teams of scientists in many countries who share results thereby speeding up the rate of progress. However, national governments are influenced by local, cultural and religious traditions that impact on the work of scientists and the use of stem cells in therapy.

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

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

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

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Applications and skills:

  • Application: Questioning the cell theory using atypical examples, including striated muscle, giant algae and aseptate fungal hyphae.

  • Application: Investigation of functions of life in Paramecium and one named photosynthetic unicellular organism.

  • Application: Use of stem cells to treat Stargardt’s disease and one other named condition.

  • Application: 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.

  • Skill: 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)

Videos

Cell Theory

Measurement Conversions (IB Biology)

Calculating Magnification

Stem Cells

Cell Theory - Emergent Properties + Differentiation

Why are cells so small? Surface-area-to-volume ratio

Microscope Resolution and Magnification

Functions of Life

Therapeutic Stem Cell Uses

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Topic 1.1 Introduction to cells HookED SOLO Hexagons

Topic 1.1 Introduction to cells SSaQ (Syllabus Statement as Questions)

  • What are some exceptions to the cell theory? How are they exceptions?

  • What are some of the ethical implications that arise from stem cell research?

  • What are living organisms composed of, according to the cell theory?

  • Explain how surface area to volume ratio is important in the limitation of cell size.

  • What is meant by emergent properties? Why is this particularly important for multicellular organisms?

  • Explain how specialized tissues can develop in multicellular organisms.

  • Outline the relationship between genes, genomes, and differentiation.

  • Explain why stem cells are suitable for therapeutic uses. Use a specific example.

  • Why is differentiation important in embryonic development?

  • Explain what the following things have in common: striated muscle, giant algae, fungal hyphae

  • Compare the functions of life in Paramecium and Chorella.

  • Outline how stem cells are used to treat Stargardt’s disease.

  • Outline how stem cells are used to treat a disease other than Stargardt’s disease.

  • Outline the ethical implications of using the following sources of stem cells: specially created embryos, umbilical cord blood of a new-born baby, adult’s own tissues.

  • Explain how a light microscope is used to investigate the structure of cells.

  • Explain how the magnification of drawings or photographs are calculated.

  • Calculate the magnification of an image of a bacteria cell if the drawing is 8.4 cm while the actual size is 12 micrometers.

  • Briefly explain the meaning of the following functions of life: nutrition, metabolism, growth, response, excretion, homeostasis, reproduction.

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