Systems of Life: Cells & Organisation
The chapter delves into the cell as the fundamental unit of life, tracing the historical development of cell theory and comparing the architecture and functions of organelles in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Key learning objectives encompass microscopy techniques, laboratory safety, and the design of controlled investigations culminating in a formal lab report. Additionally, students engage with advanced microscopy principles and the technological evolution impacting biological sciences.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Historical milestones have shaped modern cell biology.
- Organelle ultrastructure and their functions integrate to facilitate cellular processes.
- A comprehensive understanding of microscopy techniques is crucial for biological investigations.
Key Concepts
- -- Cell Theory
- A fundamental scientific theory that states all living organisms consist of cells, which are the basic units of life.
- -- Prokaryotic Cells
- Cells without a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles, typically smaller and simpler in structure.
- -- Eukaryotic Cells
- Cells that contain a nucleus and other organelles surrounded by membranes, showing greater complexity than prokaryotic cells.
- -- Microscopy
- A technique that uses light or electrons to visualize and magnify objects that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- -- Endosymbiotic Theory
- The hypothesis that certain organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, originated from free-living prokaryotic cells that were engulfed by ancestral eukaryotic cells.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.