Introduction
The cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life. In this lab, the internal and external structures of the cell are identified along with their functions. Cellular organelles, membrane structure, membrane transport, and the stages of the cell cycle and mitosis are examined. Microscopy techniques are used to observe representative cell types.
Prelab Activity 3.1 β Cell Structure and Function
Definitions
| Cytoplasm |
Material inside the cell membrane but outside the nucleus |
| Cytosol |
Semiβfluid portion of the cytoplasm |
| Organelles |
Membraneβbound structures that perform specific functions |
Organelle Types
| Rough endoplasmic reticulum |
Protein synthesis and modification |
| Smooth endoplasmic reticulum |
Lipid synthesis and detoxification |
| Golgi apparatus |
Modifies and packages proteins |
| Mitochondrion |
Produces ATP |
| Lysosome |
Digestion of cellular material |
| Peroxisome |
Detoxifies harmful substances |
| Microfilaments |
Cytoskeletal support and movement |
| Microtubules |
Shape, transport, and cell division |
| Cilia |
Move substances across cell surface |
| Flagella |
Propel the cell |
| Nucleus |
Contains DNA |
| Nucleolus |
Produces ribosomal subunits |
Membrane Transport
Passive transport: Movement across a membrane without energy input Active transport: Movement requiring ATP Diffusion: Movement from high to low concentration Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a membrane
Cell Cycle
Cell cycle: Life cycle of a cell Interphase: Growth and DNA replication phase Mitosis: Division of nucleus
Stages of Interphase
Interphase: Entire growth period G1 phase: Cell growth S phase: DNA synthesis G2 phase: Preparation for mitosis
Prelab Activity 3.2 β Stages of Mitosis
| Prophase |
Chromatin condenses |
Chromosomes visible |
| Metaphase |
Chromosomes align |
Line at center |
| Anaphase |
Chromatids separate |
Pulled apart |
| Telophase |
Nuclear membranes reform |
Two nuclei |
| Cytokinesis |
Cytoplasm divides |
Two cells |
Prelab Activity 3.3 β Cell Identification
| 1 |
Nucleolus |
| 2 |
Nucleus |
| 3 |
Ribosome |
| 4 |
Vesicle |
| 5 |
Rough ER |
| 6 |
Golgi apparatus |
| 7 |
Cytoskeleton |
| 8 |
Smooth ER |
| 9 |
Mitochondrion |
| 10 |
Vacuole |
| 11 |
Cytosol |
| 12 |
Lysosome |
| 13 |
Centrosome |
| 14 |
Plasma membrane |
Prelab Activity 3.4 β Cell Membrane Structure
| a |
Phospholipid bilayer |
| b |
Hydrophilic head |
| c |
Hydrophobic tail |
| d |
Integral protein |
| e |
Cholesterol |
| f |
Peripheral protein |
| g |
Glycoprotein |
Prelab Activity 3.5 β Cell Cycle Definitions
Cytokinesis: Division of cytoplasm Interphase: Growth and DNA replication M-phase: Mitotic phase Chromosome: Condensed DNA Chromatin: DNA-protein complex
Stages of mitosis:
Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase Cytokinesis
Lab Activity 3.2 β Organelles and Function
| Plasma membrane |
Regulates entry and exit |
| Cilia |
Move substances |
| Microvilli |
Increase surface area |
| Nucleolus |
Makes ribosomes |
| Nucleus |
Houses DNA |
| Nuclear envelope |
Protects nucleus |
| Nuclear pore |
Material transport |
| Ribosome |
Protein synthesis |
| Vesicle |
Transport |
| Peroxisome |
Detoxification |
| Lysosome |
Digestion |
| Golgi apparatus |
Protein packaging |
| Mitochondrion |
ATP production |
| Rough ER |
Protein synthesis |
| Smooth ER |
Lipid synthesis |
| Centriole |
Cell division |
Post Lab Activity 3.1 β Fill in the Blanks
The smallest independent unit that is alive is the cell. The region housing most genetic material is the nucleus. Most cellular machinery is in the cytoplasm. The membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with integral and peripheral proteins.
Post Lab Activity 3.2 β Multiple Choice
1. Integral proteins 2. Ribosomes 3. The water 4. Ribosomes 5. Production of proteins 6. Mitochondria 7. G1
Post Lab Activity 3.3 β Matching
| 1 |
f |
| 2 |
e |
| 3 |
i |
| 4 |
d |
| 5 |
g |
| 6 |
a |
| 7 |
c |
| 8 |
b |
| 9 |
j |
| 10 |
h |
Post Lab Activity 3.4 β Crossword Answers
Across:
3 Cell nucleus
5 Plasma membrane
6 Lysosome
7 Peroxisome
Down:
1 Nucleolus
2 Centriole
4 Golgi apparatus
8 Ribosome