Cells, The Structural and Functional Units of Life

Carollyn V. Warlick            South Shore High School
                               7500 South Constance Street
                               Chicago, Illinois 60619
                           

Objective:

In this exercise you will
A. Have a working knowledge of the vocabulary applicable to plant and animal 
   cells and the organelles within each cell. 
B. Observe the general structure and organelles of cork cells, plant cells and 
   animal cells using iodine and methylene blue. 
C. Apply your knowledge of lab equipment, chemicals and operations of the 
   microscope. 
D. Discuss the similarities and structurally diverse differences between 
   eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. 
E. Observe the structure of:
   
        1. ELODEA      2. ONION      3. CHEEK      4. CORK
  (Draw, label and identify whether plant or animal; prokaryotic or eukaryotic.)

F. Identify major differences between plant and animal cells.
G. Student will be able to list principle functions of each cellular organelle. 
H. Students will be able to identify and state the characteristic that is unique 
   to eukaryotic cells, that is, the compartmentation; a sequestering of 
   functional metabolic machinery. 
I. Students will have an understanding of the structure and functions of the 
   cells. 
J. Be able to identify cells by size and shape whether unicellular, 
   multicellular, plant or animal. 


Materials: 
            
   Compound Microscope                   Cork Stopper
   Scalpel or Single-edged razor blade   Onions
   Cover Slip and Slides                 Elodea
   Flat Toothpicks                       Cheek cells (taken in class)
   Forceps                               Lugol's Iodine
   Paper towels; Kleenex                 Methylene Blue and Water

Recommended Strategies:

Have the students prepare work stations with 
  1) paper towels  
  2) microscope
  3) gather materials from stations set up in class room necessary for lab.
  4) use alcohol for cleaning lab areas after experiment.  Each table will
     have an onion wedge, a stem of elodea and a cork stopper.


CAUTION STUDENTS ON:

1. Use of iodine and methylene blue because of damage to clothing and 
   discoloring of skin. 
2. Iodine inhaled can be hazardous to your health.
3. Use of sharp objects: take necessary precautions.