Cell Structure and Function

Cell/Developmental Biology I
 Group Members
• Kelly Hogan, Facilitator
• Rita Graze
• Matthew Kearley
• Zheng-Hua Ye
• Xiaoyu Zhang
• Christine Sestero
• Heather Tinsley
Learning Goal:
Understand how organelles/cell structure relate to the overall
function of the cell.
– How is cell structure and content responsible for differences
between plant and animal cells or cell types in different tissues?
– What functions are not related to the organelles/cell structure?

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the major cell organelles.
2. List the major functions of the organelles.
3. Predict how changes in organelle/cell structure could alter
cellular function .
4. Explain how overall cellular function is dependent upon
organelles/cell structure.
5. Relate cell structure to every day contexts.

Target Audience: Introductory biology course for non-majors;

One 50 minute lecture.
 Unit Outline
• Pre-class: Students read the chapter about cells and
organelles in their textbook. 1 hour
• Introduction: Review with students what activities cells must
perform and which organelles are responsible for these
activities. 10 minutes
• Activity #1: Students build a model plant or animal cell. 10
minutes
• Activity #2, Cell Detective: Students build an imaginary cell
suited for a specific function; students exchange cells and
attempt to guess function. 15 minutes
• Mini-lecture: Give real life examples of how cell structure aids
with function; clarify misconceptions revealed during
activities. 10 minutes
• Summation: Leave students with a thought-provoking
question to take their understanding a step further. 5 minutes
 Cell Detective

• Part 1: Design a cell.

• Part 2: Exchange with a neighbor and guess
the identity of your neighbor’s cell.
• Part 3: Discuss with the class.
 Cell Detective (Part 1 – 7 minutes)
• Each group has a handout with a specific description
of an imaginary cell.
• Your task is to draw a cell that best fits the
description given.
• Be sure to pay particular attention to any differences
that this cell should possess when compared to the
model cell that you constructed earlier.
• Begin by deciding on and drawing the outline of the
cell, then fill in with the appropriate organelles.
• Be sure to label the organelles, but do not write the
function of your cell on the paper.
• Feel free to use your notes and textbook.
 Cell Detective (Part 2 – 5 minutes)
• Exchange your cell with a neighboring group.
• DO NOT GIVE YOUR DESCRIPTION TO THE OTHER
GROUP.
• As a group, try to decide what the function of
your neighbor’s cell is.
• Again, pay particular attention to how the cell in
front of you differs from the model cell with
which you are familiar.
 Cell Detective (Part 3 – 3 minutes)
• Share with the class what you think the function
of your neighbor’s cell is and why.
Post-Activity Summing Up/Transition (5 min.)

• Have students ponder the question:

“Do differences in organelles alone account for

the different functions of cells?”
 Summative Assessment
Sample Exam Questions

• Is the cell that is depicted below most likely

taken from a plant or an animal? Provide 3
pieces of evidence to support your answer.
 Summative Assessment
Sample Exam Questions

• For the cell structures indicated by the arrows,

name the structure and list the primary
function?
 Summative Assessment
Sample Exam Questions

• Cell type A and cell type B contain the same

types of organelles but have vastly different
functions. Speculate how this is possible.
• Review of previous lecture (~10 slides)