Why are cells considered the basic unit of life?

Cells are the smallest living things that perform all of the life-
Identify the key parts of a Eyepiece (ocular lens) supporting functions (i.e., they have all of the required
microscope and their functions:  the part you look characteristics of living things). Cells make up all living
What characteristics do most scientist agree on as shared by all living
through organisms. Cells contain DNA, which contains the stored
things? Tube information that forms the basic building blocks of life. They
need energy / respond and adapt to environment / reproduce / grow / produce waste
 has a magnifying lens
 connects eyepiece to (usually 10x) are the smallest unit of structure and function.
(above all, to be considered alive, it must be made of one or more cells) objective lenses
Why might some scientists disagree on whether movement is a
Grade 8 Science - Cells and Systems - Unit at a Glance

characteristic of all living things?

Revolving Nosepiece
Because animals and plants don’t “move” the same way; they don’t Arm How are single-celled and multi-celled
 holds and allows rotation
both change locations, plants just adjust their position; but some type of of objective lenses  connects base and tube organisms both similar and different?
movement is typically essential for survival  used for carrying Single and multi-cellular organisms all perform the basic life-
Explain how or why each of the following processes are life-sustaining for Objective Lenses
Stage supporting functions (e.g., using energy, reproducing, etc.).
living organisms:  magnify the object They are both/all “cellular”.
 Supports the microscope
Movement (the ability to move all or part of the organism)  different sizes for different slide (adjustable, has a hole
The key differences are the organism’s size and the number
powers (largest = highest of cells and the fact that in single-celled organisms (which
 ability to move towards water or energy sources (hunting, magnification)
for light)
are small), all of the functions are performed within one
photosensitivity) Coarse-adjustment Knob specialized cell BUT in multi-cellular organisms (which are
Stage Clips
 ability to avoid predation / escape from dangers  hold slide in position  moves tube or stage to allow larger and typically considered more complex), cells have
focusing different specializations according to function and grouped
 cellular processes only work if fluids and particles can move  ONLY used with LOW POWER
Diaphragm and Condenser Lens into tissues and organs to perform the life-sustaining
Reproduction (the ability to produce more of its kind) processes. Unicellular organisms are generally aquatic,
 lens directs the light to the object and Fine-adjustment Knob
 allows the species to continue  brings object into sharper since water makes it easier to move and brings many of
diaphragm can be used to control the
 allows evolution/adaptations to happen focus their “needs” to them.
amount of light
 for organisms that exist in groups (e.g., herds), reproduction makes this  used with medium and high
possible Light Source power magnification
Sensitivity (the ability to respond)  shines light through the object Base Use words and graphics to identify and
to make it viewable  heavy base supports and
 detect danger explain the function of the organelles found
provides stability for the unit
 respond to changes in the environment (e.g., temperature) in plant and animal cells:
 awareness of illness or injury to allow for recovery
Growth (the ability to increase in size and complexity) Organelles found in both:
What type of microscope is the one pictured above?
 allows maturation to happen (e.g., to allow for reproduction); This is a compound light microscope. It gets its name from the fact that the magnification is 2,5 Cell membrane – surrounds and protects cell; acts
variations in maturation are in important “social” signal compounded by two different lenses (ocular x objective). It is called a light microscope as a gatekeeper to decide what comes in and goes
 allows for independence, fully functioning adult because it has a light source used to make objects viewable. out
Respiration (the ability to exchange gases) How do the lenses in microscopes change the image being viewed? 12,4 Cytoplasm – fills out most of the cell; is jelly-like;
 all organisms need gases, particularly oxygen (basic unit required to The images are inverted (upside down and backwards) so, under the acts as a transport system for nutrients, oxygen, etc.
microscope, the letter “e” looks like:
use energy)
How does this affect the apparent movement of objects being viewed?
9,1 Nucleus – central control system for the cell; often
 allows living organisms to “do work” seen as a round, dark spot in the cell; contains genetic
When you slide an object or specimen to the left, it appears to move to the right and vice
Excretion (the ability to remove waste materials) versa. When you slide an object or specimen away from you or “forwards”, it appears to
material (chromosomes)
 remove toxins so they don’t build up and poison the body move towards you or “backwards”. Except for the up and down movement of the stage, all 5,6 Vacuoles – storage sacs used for food, water and
 ability to maintain homeostasis (comfortable equilibrium of all systems) movements under the microscope appear “opposite”. waste until they are used or disposed of
Nutrition (the ability to take in food or the raw materials required to 1,8 Mitochondria – powerhouse of the cell where the
produce useable energy) What is the field of view and how is it calculated? food particles are processed and energy is released for
 provides the units of nourishment required for energy/to do work The field of view is the area you can see through the microscope. Its size is use by the cell
calculated by measuring in millimeters with a ruler while in low power. You can’t
Organelles that are only in plant cells:
see the ruler in medium or high power, so you have to use a formula to calculate
Name and describe two organisms (one plant, one animal) and the specialized it. Low Objective Lens Power 3 Cell wall – rigid outer wall of the cell created from
structures or systems each has for performing one or more of its life-sustaining Medium Power FoV = Low Power FoV X cellulose that protects the cell and allows the plant to
Medium Objective Lens Power maintain its rigid shape
processes:
Respiration in Fish … the gills work by providing a Respiration in Leaves … The High Power FoV = Low Power FoV X
Low Objective Lens Power 7 Chloroplasts – folded membranes that contain the
High Objective Lens Power chlorophyll necessary for photosynthesis
surface where the water (which has dissolved exchange of oxygen and carbon
oxygen) comes into contact with the blood of the dioxide in the leaf occurs through
fish. Because oxygen will tend to flow (diffuse) from pores called stomata. Stomata Animal Cell Plant Cell
open when the light strikes the leaf What are some key rules to remember about the proper handing and use of a
the site of highest concentration to the place of
in the morning and close during the microscope?
lowest concentration, oxygen will always flow from
the water into the blood of the fish. The opposite night. Carrying – hold by the arm and under the base
happens with carbon dioxide. Cleaning – only use lens paper
Make a similar comparison between a unicellular and multi-cellular organism: Adjustment – course adjustment should only be used in low power to avoid
A single-celled euglena uses its flagella (whip-like tail) to move, whereas a whale breaking slides or the microscope lenses ($$$$)
uses its large fluke to propel itself. An amoeba surrounds (using a pseudopod) and “Ready Position” – microscopes should always be left in low power, with the
absorbs its food, whereas a cow has grinding teeth and multiple stomachs to stage lowered, and turned off when not in use (our microscopes need to be
8
process the grass it eats. charged)
What are the key differences between plant and animal cells? How are the following plant parts similar in function to human parts?
Plant cells have much larger vacuoles and are usually larger, in general than animal Epidermal tissue: the plant’s protective outer layer … works like our skin
cells. Plant cells need a rigid cell wall because the organism doesn’t have bones. Xylem tissue: vessels transport water throughout the plant … work like the vessels of our circulatory system
The cell wall and the rigidity provided by large water-filled vacuoles, along with firm Phloem tissue: vessels that transport glucose throughout the plant … work like the vessels of our circulatory system
tissues, take the place of a skeletal system. Plants also need chloroplasts because Stomata and Guard Cells: air holes with controlling cells around them in the leaves … work like our respiratory system to exchange gases
they are producers. Leaves: have chloroplasts with chlorophyll in their cells so they can get energy … similar purpose to our digestive system

Grade 8 Science - Cells and Systems - Unit at a Glance

Distinguish between diffusion and osmosis, and relate this to cells: How are cells, tissues, How has scientific research brought about improvements in health and nutrition?
Diffusion is a general term for the movement of particles of a substance from an area of higher organs, and systems related? We have learned about vitamins and minerals necessary to ward of disease and degeneration of our
concentration to an area of lower concentration. In cells, particles that are allowed in and out Cells of similar type and tissues and systems. We have learned about the importance of high fibre diets and limiting the
of the cell move when there are different concentrations on either side of the membrane. function group together to amounts of saturated fat, cholesterol, salt and refined sugars.
Osmosis is a type of diffusion that occurs when water moves across a selectively-permeable Why are these ideas constantly changing?
form tissues, different tissues
membrane (e.g., cell membrane). Research constantly comes up with new findings and it often takes time to know the long term effects
group together to form
Explain how concentration is a factor in both processes: of certain practices. Sometimes what we think is a great idea or a “cure” turns out badly later on, and
Concentration differences cause the cell membrane to “act” to create balance.
organs and organs are
connected to form systems. sometimes things that we thought were bad for us turn out to be necessary but only when used in
controlled ways.

How are the following types of cells specialized for their purpose:
Muscle: muscle cells are thin and elongated and have evolved to carry out one highly specialized function Use words and graphics to describe the specialized structure and function of your sensory awareness system.
— repetitive contraction – that is essential for coordinated movement
The function of the nervous system is to control and coordinate body activities and to sense and respond to internal and
Skin: surface skin cells are flat and scale-like, they contain a lot of keratin and arrange themselves in external changes.
overlapping layers to maintain a waterproof covering for the body
The nervous system has two main parts: the central and the peripheral. The central nervous system refers to your brain and
Blood: red blood cells are shaped like concave disks that give them a large surface that is rich in spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system refers to the network of nerves that connects the central nervous system to the
hemoglobin which attracts oxygen molecules limbs. A part of the peripheral nervous system is the autonomic system; these nerve pathways are those that connect to the
Nerve: nerve cells are long with finger-like ends that allow the “signals” from one nerve cell to be “caught” major internal organs and help the body maintain homeostasis. There are also cranial nerves which connect the sensory
by the next as they are passed along organs in your head (eyes, ears, nose, mouth) to the central nervous system. Most nerves fit into one of two categories: motor
Stem Cell: cells created during fetal development that can be transformed into a variety of other cells; their nerves that send out messages to control movements, and sensory nerves that send in messages about physical sensations
use/purpose is flexible and can be manipulated (feelings).

Use words and graphics to describe the specialized Use words and graphics to describe the Use words and graphics to describe the specialized
structure and function of your respiratory system. specialized structure and function of your structure and function of your digestive system. Use words and graphics to describe the
circulatory system. The function of the circulatory The function of the digestive system is to breakdown food, absorb specialized structure and function of your
The function of the respiratory system is to exchange oxygen and
carbon dioxide. Since the body’s cells can only burn the food system is to transport food and food particles and eliminate wastes. Food enters the system through excretory system.
oxygen to the cells and then to the mouth. The teeth and tongue perform mechanical breakdown of The function of the excretory system is to
and release the energy when oxygen is present, this is a process
collect waste products so that they food. Saliva begins chemical breakdown. regulate the composition of the blood
that keeps the body alive. Air can enter our bodies through either
can be eliminated from the body. and to expel waste fluids. The organs of
the nose or mouth. The nose is the “better” option, since the cilia
The circulatory system is made up of The act of swallowing sends the excretory system are the lungs, the
and mucus filter and moisten the air, which is better for your lungs.
three main components: the heart, chewed food down the kidneys, the liver, and the skin. The lungs
The air passes through the pharynx (throat) and larynx (voice box)
the blood, and the vessels through esophagus and into the are a part of the respiratory system and
and down the trachea. The epiglottis keeps food from entering
which the blood flows. The heart is a stomach. The muscular the excretory system. As part of the
the trachea and air from entering the esophagus. Air enters the
pump with four main chambers (left contractions that push food exchange of blood gases that takes place
lungs through tubes that get smaller and smaller, from the
and right atrium on top, left and through the tube (and through between the capillaries and the alveoli,
bronchi, to the bronchioles right down to the alveoli, which are
right ventricle below). The heart other stages of digestion) are waste carbon dioxide and water vapour
tiny sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged by
received deoxygenated blood called peristalsis. The churning of are released from the body.
the blood running through the capillaries.
When the body needs oxygen, from veins whose job it is to collect and return the “used” blood the stomach performs The kidneys are the main organs of the excretory system. They
the muscular diaphragm to the heart so it can be pumped to the lungs for re- mechanical digestion and the filter the blood to help the body maintain homeostasis. The
oxygenation. The tiny capillaries that connect the circulatory to stomach acids perform body’s blood runs through the kidneys twice an hour, and urea
below the lungs contracts. This
the respiratory system around the alveoli (air sacs in lungs) are chemical digestion. and other waste products (along with excess water) are
opens up more space for the
lungs to fill, and the vacuum where oxygen and carbon dioxide are absorbed and released. removed and sent to the bladder via the ureter. The liver stores
Digested food passes from the stomach to the small intestine,
effect allows you to draw in Oxygenated blood is returned to the heart so it can be pumped excess “food particles” found in the blood stream. The liver
where more chemical digestion takes place. The pancreas and
air. When the body is ready to through arteries (thick, muscular vessels that work well under monitors blood sugar level, and stores blood glucose (as
liver add digestive chemicals to assist in the process. Then the
exhale carbon dioxide, the pressure) and back to the tissues of the body. Nutrients are glycogen or fat) when it is not needed and breaks it down for
fingerlike villi that make up the walls (the villi increase the surface
opposite happens. absorbed by capillaries that run along the walls of the small use when it is needed. The skin contains sweat glands, which are
area to improve absorption) allow minute food particles to be
intestine, and the kidneys (excretory system) filter blood twice tubes that lead to the surface of the skin at points called sweat
collected by blood running through the capillaries (connection to
each hour, in this way wastes other than CO2 are removed from pores. Perspiration (water, urea, salt) is released at these sweat
circulatory system). Solid waste pass through to the large intestine,
What factors can affect the healthy functioning of this system? the blood. pores. Perspiration also cools the body and helps maintain a
where excess water is reabsorbed by the body before the waste is
Quality of air taken in, which is in turn affected by environmental What factors can affect the healthy functioning of this system? proper body temperature.
expelled through the rectum.
pollution (pollutants irritate the cilia lining of passages and cause quality of diet (salt increases blood pressure, fat leads to
cholesterol build up in vessels makes them harder and What factors can affect the healthy functioning of this system?
them to overproduce mucus, airways become inflamed and/or
clogged leading to bronchitis, etc.) and behaviours such as inflexible) and exercise, stress level, genetic predisposition, quality of diet (high fibre diets help the colon to function properly What factors can affect the healthy functioning
smoking (nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to and reduce risks of colon cancer) and exercise, genetic of this system?
smoking (lung cancer is caused when the tar in cigarettes causes
constrict which increases heart rate and blood pressure) predisposition, stress and smoking (lead to ulcers) quality of diet and exercise, genetic predisposition
cells to grow/mutate out of control and eventually kill out all the
healthy cells) ** disorders of this system are the leading cause of death in
North America