5

The Cell UNIT OUTLINE

The Functional Anatomy
of the Cell
Activity 1: Identifying Cell Components
in a Wet Mount
Activity 2: Identifying Cell Structures
Activity 3: Examining the Possible Role
of Osmosis in Cystic Fibrosis

Cellular Division
Activity 4: Identifying the Stages of the
Cell Cycle

Cellular Adaptations

T
he cell is the fundamental unit of life. Cells of the human body are classified as Activity 5: Exploring Cellular Diversity
eukaryotic, meaning that each has a true nucleus during some portion of its life Exercise 1:
™

cycle. A typical human body cell also includes cytoplasm containing a variety of Cell Transport Mechanisms
organelles (literally, “little organs”) and is surrounded by a selectively permeable plasma and Permeability
PEx Activity 1: Simulating Dialysis
membrane. Different types of body cells have different appearances because they are (Simple Diffusion)
structurally adapted (specialized) to perform a wide range of specific functions. PEx Activity 2: Simulating Facilitated
Diffusion
In this unit we will be studying each of these cell types in more detail, but first
PEx Activity 3: Simulating Osmotic
we will look at the structure and function of a generalized (or composite) cell. A Pressure
generalized cell contains all the structures that can be found among the body’s PEx Activity 4: Simulating Filtration
various cell types, but no cell in the body looks exactly like the generalized cell. PEx Activity 5: Simulating Active
Transport
Instead, each cell type has a form that is highly adapted to its specific functions.

T h i n k A b o u T i T The structural adaptations of specialized cells are

related to the cells’ functions in the body.

A red blood cell is packed with hemoglobin. How does this

adaptation assist its function? _________________________

________________________________________________

A cardiac muscle cell contains an abundance of contractile

proteins. Why is this a necessary adaptation? _____________

________________________________________________

Some nerve cells have a long axon. How does this adaptation

assist its function? __________________________________

________________________________________________

Each sperm cell contains a whip-like flagellum. What func-

tion does this adaptation serve? _________________________

_______________________________________________ ▪

61
P re
R E - L ab
A B A ssignments
SSIGNMENTs Pre-lab quizzes are also assignable
in 

To maximize learning, BEFORE your lab period carefully read this entire lab unit
and complete these pre-lab assignments using your textbook, lecture notes, and
prior knowledge.

P R E - L A B Activity 1: Identifying Cell Components in a Wet Mount

1. Name the three components of a typical cell:
__________________________________________________________________
Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus

2. How will you obtain isolated cells for this procedure?

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

P R E - L A B Activity 2: Identifying Cell Structures

1. Use the list of terms provided to label the accompanying diagram of a cell;
check off each term as you label it.
□ centrosome □ plasma membrane □ lysosome □ rough endoplasmic
reticulum
□ cytosol □ free ribosomes □ nucleus
□ mitochondrion
□ golgi apparatus □ smooth endoplasmic □ nucleolus
reticulum

centrosome lysosome g
a

cytosol
b
golgi apparatus
h
c ribosome

nucleolus
nucleus i
d

rough endoplasmic reticulum j

plasma membrane
e

f smooth endoplasmic reticulum mitochondrion k

62
 UN IT 5 | The Cell 63

P R E - L A B Activity 3: Examining the Possible Role of Osmosis in Cystic Fibrosis

1. In this procedure, what is used to represent a plasma membrane? ________________________________

2. A plasma membrane is ________________________________________

semipermeable (impermeable, semiper-
meable, freely permeable).

P R E - L A B Activity 4: Identifying the Stages of the Cell Cycle

1. Match each of the following stages of the cell cycle with its correct description:
_____
4 a. metaphase 1. sister chromatids reach opposite poles
_____
3 b. prophase 2. DNA is replicated
_____
2 c. interphase 3. nuclear envelope breaks down
_____
5 d. anaphase 4. chromosomes line up along the equator
1
_____ e. telophase 5. sister chromatids split and move to opposite poles

P R E - L A B Activity 5: Exploring Cellular Diversity

1. Match each of the following cell types with its correct description:
3
_____ a. red blood cell 1. packed with actin and myosin
1
_____ b. cardiac muscle fiber 2. propelled by a flagellum
_____
4 c. neuron 3. filled with hemoglobin
_____
2 d. sperm 4. characterized by an extension called an axon

The Functional Anatomy molecules such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and steroid hor-
mones pass freely through the membrane. However, water-sol-
of the Cell uble substances, such as amino acids, sugars, proteins, nucleic
acids, and many ions, are unable to pass freely through the
In this section we will study the structure and function of the membrane. Integral proteins can serve as transport channels
cells of the human body. We begin by examining the three major through which substances move from one side of the mem-
parts of a cell: the plasma membrane, the cytoplasm and its or- brane to the other. Both integral and peripheral proteins can
ganelles, and the nucleus. As you read about the parts of the cell, serve as receptors and enzymes and they also play major roles
refer to Figure 5-1, which depicts a generalized body cell. in cell-to-cell recognition and intercellular joining.
Cells depend on the selectively permeable plasma mem-
brane to import substances such as nutrients, oxygen, and
The Plasma Membrane hormones, and to export substances such as carbon diox-
The plasma membrane is a thin phospholipid bilayer in which ide and other waste products. A cell’s membrane transport
various proteins are embedded or attached (Figure 5-2). The mechanisms are of two types (Figure 5-3): passive, in which
phospholipids are composed of hydrophilic (“water-loving”) substances cross the membrane without the cell expending
phosphate heads and hydrophobic (“water-fearing”) lipid tails. any energy, and active, which requires the cell to expend en-
Two types of proteins are associated with the phospholipid bi- ergy in the form of the high-energy molecule ATP.
layer: Integral proteins are embedded at least partially within Among passive transport mechanisms the most common
the cell membrane, whereas peripheral proteins are located on are diffusion and osmosis (see Figure 5-3a–d). Passive trans-
the interior or exterior surface of the cell membrane. Some in- port mechanisms can be either unassisted or assisted (facili-
tegral proteins, called transmembrane proteins, span the entire tated). The unassisted net movement of molecules from an
width of the phospholipid bilayer. area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentra-
A plasma membrane is selectively permeable—that is, it tion is called simple diffusion (see Figure 5-3a). When red
allows the passage of some substances but not others. Nonpolar blood cells carrying oxygen come into proximity of body
64 U NI T 5 | The Cell

Cytosol

Lysosome

Plasma membrane
Centrosome

Endocytic vesicle

Peroxisome

Exocytic vesicle
Nucleus

Nucleolus
Golgi apparatus

Inclusions
Mitochondrion

Rough endoplasmic
reticulum Ribosomes (free)

Smooth endoplasmic
reticulum Ribosomes (bound)

Figure 5-1 A generalized cell showing its various structures and organelles.

cells, oxygen molecules move from the blood (where the

oxygen concentration is high) into the body cells (where the CliniCal ConneCtion
oxygen concentration is lower) via simple diffusion. By con- Dialysis
trast, the passive process called facilitated diffusion requires
the assistance of either a channel protein (channel-mediated
facilitated diffusion; see Figure 5-3b) or a carrier protein
(carrier-mediated facilitated diffusion; see Figure 5-3c).
Osmosis is a special type of diffusion involving the passive
movement of a solvent (usually water) from an area of higher
water concentration (and thus lower solute concentration) to
an area of lower water concentration (and thus higher solute
concentration) across a selectively permeable membrane, ei-
ther through the phospholipid bilayer or through a specific Two common energy-requiring transport mechanisms are
channel protein called an aquaporin (see Figure 5-3d). termed active transport and vesicular transport. Active transport
In another passive process, filtration, substances are driven is the movement of molecules from an area of lower concentra-
through a selectively permeable membrane by hydrostatic pres- tion to an area of higher concentration and is accomplished with
sure. (We will study filtration’s major role in the formation of the expenditure of energy. The sodium-potassium pump is a clas-
urine by the kidneys when we study renal physiology.) sic example of an active transport mechanism (see Figure 5-3e).
 UN IT 5 | The Cell 65

Extracellular fluid (ECF) Carbohydrate chains

Glycoproteins

Cholesterol

Glycolipid

Phospholipid
molecule

Peripheral Integral
proteins proteins

Transmembrane
protein

Cytoplasm

Phospholipid
bilayer

Figure 5-2 The plasma membrane.

PASSIVE ACTIVE

Ion Polar/ionic molecules Water

Extracellular +
fluid + + molecules Na+
+
+
Nonpolar +
+
molecules

Phospholipid
bilayer

P
+ ATP
Channel Carrier Aquaporin ADP
Cytosol + K+
+ Na +/K+ pump

(a) Simple diffusion of (b) Facilitated diffusion (c) Facilitated diffusion (d) Osmosis of water (e) Active transport of substance
nonpolar molecules of ions through a of molecules using a through a specific across cell membrane with the
channel carrier channel protein expenditure of energy (ATP)
(aquaporin) or through
a phospholipid bilayer

Figure 5-3 Mechanisms of membrane transport.

66 U NI T 5 | The Cell

The Cytoplasm and Its Organelles cells such as skeletal muscle fibers and liver cells are multi-
nucleate, and a mature red blood cell is anucleate (lacks a
The cytoplasm of a cell consists of a variety of specialized nucleus). The nucleus is surrounded by a double-layered nu-
structures called organelles suspended in a fluid portion clear envelope that is penetrated at various points by nuclear
called the cytosol, which is largely water containing a vari- pores that regulate the movement of substances into and out
ety of solutes such as sugars, proteins, and ions. Organelles of the nucleus. Within the nucleus are nucleoli, which are
perform specific functions to maintain homeostasis within round, dark-staining structures that function in ribosome
the cell. synthesis. Also visible in the nucleus is chromatin, which is
Note that the cytosol of some cells also contains inclu- composed of tightly coiled DNA (the genetic material), pro-
sions, which are stored cellular products such as glycogen teins, and RNA.
granules (in muscle fibers and liver cells), lipid droplets (in
adipocytes), and pigment granules (in certain skin cells).
The major organelles are depicted in Figure 5-1, and their
most important functions are listed in Table 5-1.
LabbooST
Organelles It is important to know what each organelle
The Nucleus looks like and to remember what its function is. But instead of
simply memorizing individual structures and their functions,
The nucleus is the control center of the cell. Even though it begin training yourself to “tell a story” that explains how the
is actually the largest of a cell’s organelles, it is typically con- functions of each of the organelles enable the cell to achieve
sidered to be a separate part of the cell. Most cells contain a its functions.
single nucleus (such cells are termed uninucleate), but some For example, consider a cell within a salivary gland that
produces the digestive enzyme amylase, which is a protein.
Many organelles are involved in the process of synthesizing,
transporting, packaging, and secreting a protein. First, ribo-
Table 5-1 Functions of the Major Organelles somes located on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)
Organelle Function produce the protein. The RER then transports it to the Golgi ap-
paratus, where it is packaged into a secretory vesicle. The secre-
Ribosome Synthesizes proteins.
tory vesicle then moves to the plasma membrane and releases
Rough endoplasmic Synthesizes and transports proteins. its contents via exocytosis (an example of vesicular transport,
reticulum (RER) an active transport mechanism, which therefore requires the
Smooth endoplasmic Synthesizes lipids and steroids expenditure of energy). The cell’s mitochondria provide the ATP
reticulum (SER) (cholesterol); detoxifies drugs. needed for all these events to occur. So, remember to practice
Golgi apparatus Packages and modifies proteins. developing strategies for connecting the individual parts of
processes in a way that explains how those parts function to-
Mitochondrion Synthesizes ATP; is the “powerhouse” of gether to accomplish some larger function in the body.
the cell.
Lysosome Contains enzymes that digest worn-out
organelles and substances that have
entered the cell.
Peroxisome Detoxifies toxic substances.

Centrosome with Organizes the mitotic spindle during cell

centrioles division.
Cytoskeleton
•  Microtubules Support the cell and give it shape;
are components of centrioles, cilia,
and flagella; form spindle apparatus
during mitosis; transport organelles and
structures within the cell.
•   Intermediate  Strengthen the cell and help maintain
filaments its shape; stabilize the position of
organelles.
•  Microfilaments Anchor the cytoskeleton to integral
proteins of the plasma membrane;
enable cellular movements.
 UN IT 5 | The Cell 67

ACTIVITY 1
Identifying Cell Components
in a Wet Mount
Learning Outcomes
1. Prepare a wet mount of a cheek cell smear and observe the wet
mount under the microscope.
2. Identify the plasma membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm of a
cheek cell.

Materials Needed
□ Microscope slide and coverslips Plasma Nucleus Cytoplasm
LM (100×)
□ Saline solution membrane with organelle
□ Toothpick
□ Methylene blue Figure 5-4 Human cheek epithelial cells stained with
methylene blue.
□ Filter paper or piece of paper towel
□ Microscope
Instructions
Cheek cells are the major cell type of the epithelial tissue lin-
ing the inside of your mouth. This epithelium is composed 8. Dispose of materials and clean up as directed by your
of many layers of thin, flattened cells. Perform the following instructor.
steps to make a wet mount of these cells in order to identify
the three major components of a typical cell:
1. Place a drop of saline solution on a microscope slide.
2. Carefully scrape the inside of your cheek with the end
ACTIVITY 2
of a toothpick. Identifying Cell Structures
3. Place the cheek scrapings in the drop of saline solution Learning Outcomes
on the slide and stir with the toothpick.
1. Describe the structure and function of the three major
4. Add a drop of methylene blue to the drop of saline and components of a cell (plasma membrane, cytoplasm containing
stir again. organelles, and nucleus), and identify each on a cell model or
anatomical chart.
5. Place a coverslip over the drop on the slide. Use the
2. Identify on a cell model or anatomical chart the following
folded edge of a piece of filter paper (or paper towel) to cytoplasmic organelles and describe the function of each:
absorb any excess fluid. ribosome, rough endoplasmic reticulum, smooth endoplasmic
6. Place the slide on the microscope and observe the reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondrion, lysosome,
scrapings at low power. Now, switch to the high-power peroxisome, centrosome, and cytoskeletal elements.
objective and examine the scrapings more closely 3. Identify on a cell model or diagram the following nuclear
(Figure 5-4). structures and describe the function of each: nuclear envelope,
nuclear pore, nucleolus, and chromatin.
7. Make a sketch of the 4. Explain how the components of the cell function together to
epithelial cells that synthesize, package, transport, and secrete proteins.
you observe. On
your sketch label Materials Needed
the plasma □ Cell model or anatomical chart
membrane, the
nucleus, and the Instructions
cytoplasm. Identify each of the following cell structures on a cell model,
and then write down one key word or phrase to help you

Total magnification: _____ ×

68 U NI T 5 | The Cell

remember the function of each structure. The first answer protein, which is then degraded so that it cannot perform its
has been provided as an example. usual function in the apical plasma membranes of epithelial
cells lining the respiratory and digestive tracts. The absence
Cell membrane selectively permeable of the normal protein disrupts normal membrane transport
Ribosome _____________________________ processes.
How this malfunction of these epithelial cells causes the
RER _____________________________ clinical signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis is not well un-
derstood. One hypothesis proposes that chloride ions are
SER _____________________________ unable to leave the cells due to the absence of a normal pro-
Golgi apparatus _____________________________ tein. As a result, water moves into the cell by osmosis, and
the mucus on the surface of the epithelial cells becomes de-
Mitochondrion _____________________________ hydrated, thick, and sticky. In normal respiratory tract epi-
thelia, pathogens and foreign material are removed from the
Lysosome _____________________________ respiratory tract through the movement of mucus by ciliary
Peroxisome _____________________________ action. In affected cells, however, a thickened, sticky layer
of mucus inhibits ciliary action and thus the movement of
Centrosome _____________________________ mucus, thereby increasing the both the frequency and sever-
ity of respiratory infections.
Cytoskeleton _____________________________ The purpose of this activity is twofold: to demonstrate the
Nucleus _____________________________ normal process of osmosis, and to suggest how a salt imbalance
can lead to the production of very thick mucus in the respira-
Nuclear envelope _____________________________ tory passages. In this activity, fluid-filled bags made of dialysis
tubing represent cells, and the dialysis tubing itself represents
Nuclear pore _____________________________ the plasma membrane of those cells. Like a plasma membrane,
Nucleolus _____________________________ the dialysis tubing is “selectively permeable”—it allows some
molecules (such as water) to pass freely through it, but pre-
Chromatin _____________________________ vents the passage of other substances (such as sodium ions and
chloride ions). The passage of sodium ions and chloride ions
through the plasma membrane or dialysis tubing requires the
presence of special transport molecules.
ACTIVITY 3 Instructions
Examining the Possible Role Set up and conduct the demonstration as follows:
of Osmosis in Cystic Fibrosis 1. Cut two 6-inch-long strips of dialysis tubing.
Learning Outcomes 2. Pour 100 ml of distilled water into a 250-ml beaker, sub-
1. Demonstrate and explain the process of osmosis. merge the two strips of dialysis tubing in the water in
2. Demonstrate the role that a salt imbalance and osmosis might the beaker, and soak the strips for 3 minutes.
have in causing the symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
3. Tie off one end of one of the strips with a piece of string.
Materials Needed Rub the other end of the strip between your thumb and
first finger to open it.
□ Dialysis tubing □ Two 500-ml beakers
□ String □ Scale 4. Fill the tubing approximately half full with 0.9% NaCl
□ Scissors □ Timer solution. While being careful not to trap air within the
□ Wax pencil □ Graduated cylinder tubing, tie off the other end of the strip with a second
□ 0.9% NaCl solution □ Paper towels piece of string. This bag of fluid represents a “normal
□ 20% NaCl solution □ Graph paper cell” of the respiratory passageway. Dry off the outside
□ 250-ml beaker of the “cell” with a paper towel; then use the scales to
weigh the bag, and record the data as “Starting weight of
Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most common lethal genetic disease
bag” in the chart that follows these instructions.
in the United States, is a progressive disease that causes pul-
monary and pancreatic insufficiency as a result of the thick- 5. Repeat step 4 with the remaining strip of dialysis tubing
ening of secretions produced by the lungs and pancreas. In using a 20% NaCl solution. This “cell” represents a respira-
CF, a gene mutation results in the production of an abnormal tory passageway cell that has a defective chloride channel
 UN IT 5 | The Cell 69

(a “defective cell”). Remember that defective chloride

channels cause chloride levels inside the cell to increase
because the normal transport of chloride out of the cell
is prevented. As a result, water moves into the cell by
osmosis and the mucus on the surface of the respiratory
passageway cell becomes dehydrated, thick, and sticky.
0.9% NaCl 0.9% NaCl
6. Fill one 500-ml beaker with 400 ml of 0.9% NaCl solu- Dialysis
tion, and label this beaker “Normal Condition.” bags

7. Fill the other 500-ml beaker with 400 ml of 0.9% NaCl 0.9% NaCl 20% NaCl
solution, and label this beaker “Cystic Fibrosis Patient.”
The 0.9% NaCl solution in each beaker represents
the mucus on the surfaces of cells in the respiratory
(a) Dialysis bag containing 0.9% (b) Dialysis bag containing 20%
passageways. NaCl represents a normal cell. NaCl represents a CF cell.
8. Place the “normal cell” in the “Normal Condition” bea- Figure 5-5 The setup for the osmosis demonstration in Activity 3.
ker, and place the “defective cell” in the “Cystic Fibrosis
Patient” beaker (Figure 5-5).
12. Answer the following questions based on your results:
When the “normal cell” is placed in the beaker of 0.9% a. Did a net movement of water occur into the “normal
NaCl solution, what do you predict will happen? Why? cell” or out of the “normal cell”? Why?
_____________________________________________ _______________________________________________
_____________________________________________ _______________________________________________
When the “defective cell” is placed in the beaker of 0.9% _______________________________________________
NaCl solution, what do you predict will happen? Why?
_____________________________________________ b. Did a net movement of water occur into the “defec-
tive cell” or out of the “defective cell”? Why?
_____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
9. Remove the bags from the beakers and weigh them at
_______________________________________________
5-minute intervals; that is, at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes.
Each time be sure to wipe excess fluid off the outside of _______________________________________________
each “cell” before weighing it.
c. Based on this osmosis demonstration, explain how
10. Record the resulting weight data in the table below. defective chloride channels in the epithelial cells of
the respiratory tract could result in the formation of
11. Plot your data on a piece of graph paper. Using change
thickened mucus.
in weight along the y-axis and time along the x-axis,
plot the change in weight over time. Be sure to label _______________________________________________
both axes and to include units. _______________________________________________

“Normal Cell” Containing 0.9% NaCl “Defective Cell” Containing 20% NaCl
Time Starting New weight New weight of Starting weight New weight New weight of
weight of bag of bag bag minus starting of bag of bag bag minus starting
(in grams) (in grams) weight (in grams) (in grams) (in grams) weight (in grams)
Start:
0 minutes
5 minutes

10 minutes

15 minutes

20 minutes
70 U NI T 5 | The Cell

Centrosomes
(with centriole pairs) Nucleolus

Nuclei Chromatin Mitotic Centriole Chromosomes Sister Centriole Spindle

spindle pair (sister chromatids) chromatids pairs fibers

LM (1430×) LM (1630×) LM (1630×)

(a) Interphase (b) Prophase (c) Metaphase

Figure 5-6 The appearance of a cell during (a) interphase and (b–e) the stages of mitosis.

Cellular Division Interphase (Figure 5-6a) is further subdivided into three

subphases: G1, S, and G2. During G1 (“gap 1”), the cell
Next we consider an important aspect of basic cell biology: grows, produces additional organelles, and is metabolically
the cell cycle. active. Toward the end of G1, the cell begins to replicate
its centrioles in preparation for cell division. During the
S phase, replication (DNA synthesis) occurs. During repli-
The Cell Cycle cation, the cell makes an identical copy of its genetic mate-
The cell cycle, which consists of the series of events that occur rial so that each daughter cell produced during the mitotic
in the life of a cell, is divided into two major parts: interphase phase will have one complete set of chromosomes and will
(during which the cell grows and is metabolically active) and a be genetically identical to the parent cell. In other words,
mitotic phase (during which the cell divides). each of the 23 chromosomes in humans is “duplicated” and
 UN IT 5 | The Cell 71

Nucleolus

Daughter
cells

Daughter Centriole
chromosomes pairs Cleavage Decondensing Chromatin Nuclear
furrows chromosomes envelopes

LM (1580×) LM (1480×)

(d) Anaphase (e) Telophase and cytokinesis (f) End result

consists of two sister chromatids held together by a cen- Remember that interphase precedes the first phase of the
tromere. During G2 (“gap 2”), the cell continues to grow, mitotic phase: prophase. During prophase (see Figure 5-6b),
synthesizes the proteins necessary for cell division, and the chromosomes (each consisting of two sister chromatids
completes the production of new centrioles. The cell is now held together by a centromere) coil and become visible, the
ready to enter the mitotic phase. Note that some mature, nuclear envelope breaks down, the centrioles move to op-
highly specialized cells (such as skeletal muscle fibers and posite poles of the cell, and the mitotic spindle forms. Dur-
neurons) instead enter an indefinite G0 phase and never ing metaphase (see Figure 5-6c), the chromosomes line up
enter the mitotic phase. along the metaphase plate (equator). During anaphase (see
The mitotic phase of the cell cycle consists of two specific Figure 5-6d), the sister chromatids of each chromosome split
events: mitosis (division of the nucleus) and cytokinesis (di- apart and move to opposite poles of the cell. During telo-
vision of the cytoplasm). Mitosis is divided into four phases: phase (see Figure 5-6e), the sister chromatids reach the op-
prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. posite poles and uncoil to become chromatin once again as
72 U NI T 5 | The Cell

1 Cells go through the three 4. Identify a cell in interphase and a cell in each of the four stages
phases of interphase in DNA of mitosis on microscope slides or photomicrographs.
preparation for cell division. replicated
5. Sketch a cell in interphase and a cell in each stage of mitosis and
INTERPHASE
then describe the major events that occur during each of these
G0 phase phases of the cell cycle.

3 The cells then Materials Needed

return to
S phase: □ Whitefish blastula slides
interphase.
Under certain G1 phase:
DNA □ Microscope
synthesis
conditions, Cell growth (replication)
Or
specific cells □ Whitefish blastula photomicrographs
may enter a
nondividing Instructions
G0 phase. G2 phase:
is

Further growth,
es

Using either a whitefish blastula slide or photomicrographs pro-

in

preparation for
Mitosis
k
to

Daughter division vided by your instructor, locate cells in interphase and in each
Cy

cells phase of mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telo-

M

HA phase). Sketch the appearance of each phase within the circles

P

SE
:C
e ll d provided for this activity, and then write a brief description of the
ivisio n
events that are occurring in each of these phases of the cell cycle.
2 Cells divide their DNA in
mitosis and their cytoplasm
in cytokinesis.

Figure 5-7 The cell cycle.

new nuclear envelopes form around each mass of chroma-

tin. Cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm) begins dur-
ing anaphase and continues through and beyond telophase.
Cytokinesis is completed by the formation of two daughter
cells, each of which is genetically identical to the parent cell.
The entire cell cycle is summarized in Figure 5-7.

T h i n k A b o u T i T Mitosis is a type of cell division

in which a parent cell divides to form two genetically identi- Total magnification: _____ ×
cal daughter cells. Meiosis is another type of cell division Interphase: ___________________________________________
that results in the formation of daughter cells with only half
the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. ____________________________________________________
Where does mitosis occur? ____________________________
_______ _____________________________________________
Where does meiosis occur in males? ____ ____________________
Where does meiosis occur in females? ______________________ ▪

ACTIVITY 4
Identifying the Stages of the Cell Cycle
Learning Outcomes
Total magnification: _____ ×
1. Characterize the stages of the cell cycle.
2. Explain the events that occur during interphase. Prophase: ____________________________________________
3. Outline the events that occur during the four mitotic stages.
____________________________________________________
 UN IT 5 | The Cell 73

Cellular Adaptations
Next we explore how cells that have different functions typi-
cally have different structures.

ACTIVITY 5
Exploring Cellular Diversity
Learning Outcomes
1. Sketch the following four specialized cell types: erythrocyte (red
blood cell), sperm cell, cardiac muscle fiber, and nerve cell.
Total magnification: _____ × 2. Compare and contrast the structure and function of each of these
four specialized cell types.
Metaphase: ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________ Materials Needed
□ Photomicrographs or microscope and slides of a blood smear,
sperm cells, cardiac muscle fibers, and a neuron smear

Instructions
Observe each of the following specialized cell types using
photomicrographs or microscopic slides provided by your
instructor. Make a sketch of each cell type and then state
where each of these specialized cell types is found in the
body and describe how each is adapted to its function.

Total magnification: _____ ×

Anaphase: ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________

Total magnification: _____ ×

Erythrocyte: ________ _______________________________

____________________________________________________

Total magnification: _____ ×

Telophase: ___________________________________________
____________________________________________________
74 U NI T 5 | The Cell

Optional Activity
View and label histology slides of cell division at
™
> Study Area > Practice Anatomy Lab >
Histology > Cytology

ExERCISE 1
Cell Transport Mechanisms
and Permeability
The PhysioEx 9.1 computer simulations can be used as an
Total magnification: _____ × alternative to or as a supplement to the lab activities in this
unit. Each simulation allows you the opportunity to investi-
Sperm cell: ________ ________________________________ gate important concepts in cellular physiology.
____________________________________________________
Access the simulations in these activities at
> Study Area > PhysioEx 9.1.

Total magnification: _____ ×

Cardiac muscle fiber: ___________________________________

There you will find the following activities:
____________________________________________________
PEx Activity 1: Simulating Dialysis (Simple Diffusion)
PEx Activity 2: Simulating Facilitated Diffusion
PEx Activity 3: Simulating Osmotic Pressure
PEx Activity 4: Simulating Filtration
PEx Activity 5: Simulating Active Transport

Total magnification: _____ ×

Nerve cell: ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
 Post-lab quizzes are also assignable POST-LAB ASSIGNMENTS
in 

Name: ______________________________________________________________
Karylle Ezra A. Gulifardo Date: ______________________ Lab Section: __________

Part I. Check Your Understanding

Activity 1: Identifying Cell Components in a Wet Mount

1. Cheek cells: 2. Name the three components of a typical cell.

a. are anucleate.
b. are filled with hemoglobin. ________________________________________________
Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus

c. are thin, flattened cells. ________________________________________________

d. are classified as connective tissue cells.
e. contain axons and dendrites. ________________________________________________

Activity 2: Identifying Cell Structures

1. Label each of the following components of a typical cell.

a. ____________________________
lysosome

golgi apparatus
b. ____________________________
c. ____________________________
nucleus

mitochondrion a e
d. ____________________________
e. ____________________________
centrosome

f. ____________________________
ribosomes
b
g. ____________________________
nuicleolus f
smooth endoplasmic reticulum
h. ____________________________

g
c

d h

  75
76 U NI T 5 | The Cell

2. Fill in the blank with the appropriate organelle.

a. Functions in the synthesis of steroid hormones. _______________________________________
Smooth ER

b. Synthesizes actin and myosin. _____________________________________________________

Ribosomes

c. Is the smallest of the cytoskeletal elements. ___________________________________________

Microfilaments

d. Contain digestive enzymes. _______________________________________________________

Lysosomes

e. Receives proteins from the rough endoplasmic reticulum. _______________________________

Golgi Apparatus

Activity 3: Examining the Possible Role of Osmosis in Cystic Fibrosis

1. The movement of a ___________________________
solvent (usually water) from an area of _____________
low
concentration to an area of _______________
high concentration through a __________________________
____________________________
semipermeable membrane is called osmosis.
2. One possible hypothesis explaining the cause of cystic fibrosis involves a defective protein in the
plasma membrane. As a result of this defective protein, chloride ions are unable to leave the epithelial
cells of the respiratory and digestive tracts and water moves ___________________________
out of the cell
by osmosis. How does this movement of water affect the mucus on the surface of the epithelial cells?
____________________________________________________________________________________
the mucus becomes thick, dehydrated, and sticky
____________________________________________________________________________________

Activity 4: Identifying the Stages of the Cell Cycle

1. Identify the stages of mitosis represented by each of the following photomicrographs.

LM (1600×) LM (1600×) LM (1600×) LM (1600×)

Anaphase Metaphase
a b c Prophase d Telophase and Cytokinesis
 UN IT 5 | The Cell 77

Activity 5: Exploring Cellular Diversity

1. Identify the following cell type and label its three parts.
____________________________________________________________________________________

a Head

Body
b

Tail
c

LM (1000×)

2. Identify the indicated cell type and name one unique feature of it.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Nucleus
a

LM (765×)
78 U NI T 5 | The Cell

PART II. Putting It All Together

A. Review Questions
Answer the following questions using your lecture notes, your textbook, and your lab notes:

1. Circle the organelle that you would expect to be most abundant in each of the following cells:
a. A cell that produces an abundance of steroid hormones
smooth endoplasmic reticulum; ribosome; rough endoplasmic reticulum
b. A cell that synthesizes and secretes proteins
Golgi apparatus; peroxisome; lysosome
c. A cell that exhibits a high rate of metabolic activity
ribosome; centrosome; mitochondrion
d. A cell that detoxifies alcohol
peroxisome; rough endoplasmic reticulum; inclusion
2. Fill in the blanks as you describe how a pancreatic β-cell produces and secretes insulin: Insulin, a
Rough ER _______________________________________.
protein, is produced by ribosomes attached to the ____________
The insulin is then packaged by the _________________________________________________.
membrane bound vessicle

Secretory vesicles pinch off and the protein is released from the cell via a process called
____________________________.
exocytosis

3. In Activity 3, the dialysis tubing containing 0.9% NaCl represented a “normal cell” and the dialysis
tubing containing 20% NaCl represented a “defective cell.” Each of these “cells” was placed in a
0.9% NaCl solution. Circle the correct term to describe the tonicity of the “cells” and the solution in
which each was placed.

a. The “normal cell” was ________________________

isotonic (hypertonic, isotonic, hypotonic) compared
to the solution in which it was placed.
b. The “defective cell” was ________________________
hypertonic (hypertonic, isotonic, hypotonic) compared
to the solution in which it was placed.

4. Determine whether each of the following characteristics is unique to a sperm cell (sperm), unique
to a nerve cell (nerve), or common to both cell types (both).

a. Contains a flagellum. ________________________

Sperm

b. Contains mitochondria. ________________________

Nerve

c. Is uninucleate. ________________________
Both

d. Contains an axon. ________________________

Nerve

e. Transmits electrical messages. ________________________

Nerve
 UNIT 5  |  The Cell  79

5. Determine whether each of the following characteristics is unique to a mature red blood cell
(RBC), unique to a cardiac muscle fiber (muscle fiber), or common to both cell types (both).

a. Is packed with proteins. ________________________

both

b. Is anucleate. ________________________
RBC
c. Is surrounded by a cell membrane. ________________________
RBC

d. Is packed with mitochondria. ________________________

Cardiac muscle fiber
e. Transports oxygen. ________________________
both

B. Concept Mapping

1. Fill in the blanks to complete this concept map outlining the structure and function of
a highly specialized skeletal muscle fiber.

ATP contractile 
proteins mitochondrion nucleus ribosome

CARDIAC MUSCLE FIBER

= a highly specialized

Cell

Which contains 3 parts

nucleus Cell membrane Cytoplasm with organelles

ribosome mitochondrion

Synthesizes proteins “powerhouse”

Such as Generates

Actin and myosin ATP

Classified as

contractile proteins
80 U NI T 5 | The Cell

2. Construct a unit concept map to show the relationships among the following set of
terms. Include all of the terms in your diagram. Your instructor may choose to assign
additional terms.

ATP cardiac muscle fiber contractile proteins erythrocyte exocytosis

filtration flagellum Golgi apparatus hemoglobin lysosome

mitochondrion osmosis ribosome secretory vesicle spectrin