Cellular Structure and Function

Lesson Plan for Grades 9-12

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Resources for this Lesson:

Animal and Plant Cell
(Image)

Cell Membrane: Just Passing Through
(Interactive)

Gallery of Cells
(Image)

Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Membrane
(Video)

Organelles in the Cytoplasm
(Video)

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Standards

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Overview

In this activity, students explore the relationship between structure and function in a cell. They start by viewing a variety of specialized cells. They learn the three main parts of a cell -- the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane -- and discuss generally what each part does. Then, through a Web activity, they explore the gatekeeper role of the cell membrane. They follow up by examining in more detail the organelles located in the cytoplasm. Next, students compare animal and plant cells. Finally, they explore the similarities and differences among specialized cells.

Objectives

Recognize the relationship between structure and function in a cell
Explore the role of the cell membrane
Explore the role of organelles
Compare animal and plant cells
Compare the structure and function of specialized cells

Suggested Time

One to two class periods

Multimedia Resources

Gallery of Cells JPEG Image
Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Membrane QuickTime Video
Cell Membrane: Just Passing Through Flash Interactive
Organelles in the Cytoplasm QuickTime Video
Animal and Plant Cell JPEG Image

Materials

Unlined 3 in. x 5 in. index cards (3-4 per student) for cell drawings

After the Lesson

Have students explore a variety of plant and animal cells under a microscope and identify the cell structures described in this lesson. Have students measure cells to compare sizes.

The Lesson

Part I

1. Have students explore the Gallery of Cells stills to see the variety of specialized cells that exist in organisms. Then show the Nucleus, Cytoplasm, Membrane video and discuss the following:

How does the structure of a cell suggest its function?
In what way does the nucleus dictate the structure and function of the cell?
How does the cell membrane act as the "gatekeeper" for the cell?

2. Have students explore the Cell Membrane: Just Passing Through Web activity. Discuss the following:

How does the composition of the cell membrane help regulate the movement of substances into and out of the cell?
Describe the different processes involved in the movement of these substances into and out of the cell: oxygen, carbon dioxide, glucose, potassium, sodium, water, and enzymes.

3. Show the Organelles in the Cytoplasm video. Ask:

What is meant by the phrase "the cell is the functional unit of life"?
How are the organelles in a cell like the organs in a human body?
Why do you think cells that produce large numbers of proteins have more rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) than cells that produce fewer proteins?
In which kinds of human cells would you expect to find the most mitochondria? The most lysosomes? The most ribosomes? Explain your answers.

4. Have students examine the Animal and Plant Cell stills and identify the similarities and differences between the two types of cells. Ask:

What is the most significant difference between animal and plant cells? Why do you think that?

5. Have students explore the Gallery of Cells stills again, this time looking for similarities and differences in the cells. Ask them to draw at least three different types of specialized cells on separate index cards and to label the cell type (animal or plant) and any recognizable cell structures. Then have students compare the different cells and describe how their structures are related to their functions.