Fundamentals of Cells
Many microorganisms are living cellular beings, and thus possessing an understanding of the foundational basics of cells is integral to understanding microbiology. Use this page to assist in developing this understanding. It is divided into the following sections:
An assessment will be administered on each section upon its completion. Practice tests are linked at the end of each section to help prepare for this.
- Introduction to Cells
- Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
- Cell Structures and Functions
An assessment will be administered on each section upon its completion. Practice tests are linked at the end of each section to help prepare for this.
Introduction to Cells
Section Outline:
- Characteristics of Life
- Cell Theory
- Cell Scale and Size
Characteristics of Life
Read this article from Khan Academy regarding the characteristics of life. Pay special attention to the discussion on viruses and consider the contemplation questions at the end. Answer the questions on the sheet linked below after viewing the article.
Cell Theory
Watch the video below on cell theory and take notes on its key concepts. Pay attention to the timeline of early cell discovery and the development of the three points of cell theory. Also consider the chemical theories mentioned about the origin of life.
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Cell Scale and Size
View the two videos embedded below on the scale and size of cells, taking notes on the key points brought up in each. Pay attention to the units used in measuring matter from a molecular to a cellular scale, and the magnitude of the quantities of such items when considered in terms of biology. Also pay attention to what factors limit cell size to theoretical lower and upper bounds, and how cell size affects the efficiency of different cell processes.
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After watching both of these videos, reference the microscopy handout for Microbe Mission from Science Olympiad and review the sizes of the common microbes listed. Consider how each's size might affect its "life" as a microbe.
Conclusion
After viewing all of the above materials, use this practice test to prepare for the upcoming assessment:
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Section Outline:
Prokaryotic Cells
Watch the videos below on the two prokaryotic domains of life. Take notes on the contrasts between bacteria and archaea, paying special attention to their chemical differences. Also pay attention to structural, reproductive, and metabolic characteristics common to all prokaryotic cells.
- Prokaryotic Cells
- Eukaryotic Cells
- Overlapping Characteristics
Prokaryotic Cells
Watch the videos below on the two prokaryotic domains of life. Take notes on the contrasts between bacteria and archaea, paying special attention to their chemical differences. Also pay attention to structural, reproductive, and metabolic characteristics common to all prokaryotic cells.
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After viewing the above videos, read this article about prokaryotic cells from Khan Academy. Be sure to click on the "Are all prokaryotes single-celled?" hyperlink to open that part of the reading as well. Pay attention to the features of all prokaryotes and review the discussion on cell size. After reading, answer the questions linked below.
Eukaryotic Cells
(add notes)
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After watching the above videos, read this article about eukaryotic cells from Khan Academy. (add notes)
Overlapping Characteristics
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Conclusion
After viewing all of the above materials, use this practice test to prepare for the upcoming assessment: