Cells: Plant and Animal Cells

Upon viewing the Cells video series, students will be able to do the following: Understand that cells are the basic building blocks of life. Explain the main components of the cell theory: - all organisms are made up of one or more cells. - the cell is the basic unit of life in all living things. - all cells come from previously existing cells. Appreciate the fact that cells are very tiny organisms, too small to be seen with the naked eye. Identify and describe the function of the following parts of a cell: - cell membrane - cytoplasm - nucleus Understand that when new cells are made, they receive a copy of the genetic material (DNA) from the original cell. Generally describe prokaryotic cells (bacteria) as cells that do not possess a nucleus. Explain that there is a wide variety of prokaryotic cells. Some bacteria cause disease and infection, but not all are harmful. Explain that plants and animals are made up of eukaryotic cells, which tend to have a greater number of cell parts. Understand that a third group of cells, archaea, have some characteristics common to prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Differentiate between plant and animal cells by explaining that plant cells possess cell walls and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not. Explain the important role chloroplasts play in the process of photosynthesis. List some of the important activities carried out by cells, including the conversion of food into energy, the exchange of materials between the cell and the outside environment, and cell reproduction.