The purpose of this Web page is to give you a sampling of some of the aspects of Cells, the basic and fundamental units of life.

Every cell is a highly organized structure that is responsible for the form and function of organisms. Some organisms are only one cell, while other organisms are multi-cellular. These many cells work together to carry out life's functions. When you understand the cell, you will begin to understand and appreciate living things.

As you work through these pages and activities, use your critical thinking skills to explain, discuss, and describe.

When you finish the following activities, add your understanding of these questions.

Describe the make-up of the nucleus. How do materials enter and leave the nucleus?

What is the difference between osmosis and diffusion?

Explain the relationship between cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.

Each web resource listed below will assist you with particular information. You can, however, navigate through the resources and collect more information.

As you finish this page, develop a mulit-media presentation that includes your ideas of the important topics. Use your presentation to explain and illustrate cells and their structure to another student. You may choose to work with a partner or team to create this instructional presentation.

To work through this 'chapter' of information, use a word document as a science journal. Date each day of entry. Copy and paste the questions along with the web link as a citation. Then, type your information to follow each question or prompt. Please remember to make timely saves to your material.

Your teacher will provide more specific guidance with this assignment.

Sites to Explore

Cell Theory Questions:

1. Discuss the Cell Theory. Restate the cell theory in your own words.
2. Create a timeline for cell theory.
3. What invention improved biology research? Who was responsible for this invention?

1. Identify and give the function of the three basic structures of most cells.
2. Discuss the function of the cell membrane.
3. Distinguish between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Explain their major differences. Explain why their distinction is important.

1. Follow the clickable pathway for more information to help you discuss prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Go to 'topics,' 'cell biology,' then 'plant and animal cell models.'
2. Explain the difference in structure between a plant cell and an animal cell.

1. Use this site for illustrated information about the parts and functions of a cell.

1. Define an organelle. List the major cytoplasmic organelles. Describe their functions.
2. Explain how lysosomes function to digest particles.

1. Describe the processes by which materials move through the cell membrane.
2. Describe how diffusion and osmosis move materials into and out of cells.
3. Explain how active transport and passive transport differ.

1. Define and illustrate endocytosis, phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and exocytosis.

1. Relate cell specialization to cell structure.
2. Give three examples of cell specialization.
3. Illustrate your examples.

1. Describe the four levels of organization in a complex multi-cellular organism.
2. Describe the difference between an organ and tissue.

1. Explain why blood is classified as connective tissue.

1. Skim the information. Then go back and pick out comparison information about the parts of a cell.
2. Compare mitochondria and chloroplasts. Use a Venn diagram.

1. Complete the quiz. Follow directions. Make sure your teacher gets your score and you turn your paper in.

Conclusion

While exploring this sampler on Cells, I hope you've had fun, learned, and most importantly connected with some part of this topic.

Is there any part of cellular biology or cellular research that you have more questions about? If so, use your favorite search engine to help you find the answer or more information about your particular question.

With all this information and what you have learned,how would you explain cells to another student?