LSS1-2:
From Molecules to Organisms
Function of a cell as a whole and parts of the cell
- List several ways a cell is like a school.
- List several ways that most plant cells and most animal cells are similar.
- List several ways that most plant cells and most animal cells are different.
- How do different parts of the cell work together to maintain homeostasis, or a stable internal environment, in the cell?
- Why is DNA so important to every cell in every organism?
- Write a short story from the perspective of any cell organelle.
List several ways a cell is like a school.
Common Misconceptions
Misconceptions identified by Open AI ChatGPT
Cells are simple structures: Cells are actually highly complex and organized structures, containing a variety of specialized organelles and biomolecules that carry out specific functions.
All cells are the same: Not all cells are the same. There are many different types of cells, each with their own unique characteristics and functions. For example, human cells are different than plant cells, and nerve cells are different than muscle cells.
Cells are visible to the naked eye: Most cells are too small to be seen without the aid of a microscope.
Cells are passive structures: Cells are actually highly active structures that are constantly carrying out a variety of metabolic processes.
Dead cells can be brought back to life: Once a cell dies, it cannot be brought back to life. The death of a cell is permanent and irreversible.
All living organisms are made of one type of cell: Multicellular organisms are made of various types of cells which perform different functions, for example, nerve cells, muscle cells and blood cells.
Additional Resources
Common Misconceptions
Misconceptions identified by Open AI ChatGPT
Plant cells have chloroplasts and animal cells do not – Chloroplasts are only found in plant cells, but not all plant cells have chloroplasts.
Plant cells have cell walls and animal cells do not – While plant cells do have a cell wall, animal cells do have a cell membrane.
Plant cells are larger than animal cells – While plant cells can be larger than animal cells, this is not always the case. Some plant cells, such as those in mosses, are smaller than animal cells.
Plant cells have only one nucleus and animal cells have multiple – Plant cells can have multiple nuclei, and animal cells can have only one.
Plant cells are always immobile and animal cells are always mobile – Plant cells can be immobile, but some can move, such as those in the tendrils of a climbing vine. Similarly, animal cells can be immobile, such as those in the brain, but many animal cells, such as white blood cells, are highly mobile.
How do different parts of the cell work together to maintain homeostasis, or a stable internal environment, in the cell?
Why is DNA so important to every cell in every organism?
Write a short story from the perspective of any cell organelle.