Cell Observations

Knowledge Probe

Learning Target
I can provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either
one cell or many different numbers of cells.

What is a cell?
- The smallest structure that can perform all of lifes processes.
- The theory of cells has developed over time. Here is a video
showing the history of the cell theory.

All living things are made of cells.

This includes both unicellular organisms and multicellular
organisms.
What is the difference?

Unicellular
-

Composed of a single cell.

A single cell performs all tasks necessary for life.
Very small.
Life span is typically short.
Examples:
- Yeast (An organism added to breads to help the bread rise and become
fluffy.)
- E. Coli (A beneficial bacteria that lives in your digestive system and helps to
digest your food.)
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae (The bacteria that causes pneumonia, a
respiratory disease.)

Multi-Cellular
- Composed of multiple cells
- Specialized cells work together to keep the organism alive by
performing their own jobs.
- Can be large or small.
- Life span is longer than unicellular organism.
- Examples:
-

Humans
Oak Trees
Daisies
Mice

Both
- Contain DNA
- Need energy and nutrients in order to survive and grow.
- Perform all of the characteristics necessary for life.

How can we tell if something is living???

Use the Life Science textbook (p. 38 - 41) to remind yourself of
the characteristics of living things.

Observation Instructions
You will move around to eight stations. At each station is a
microscopic slide. The slide may have a living thing or a
non-living thing on it. You will also find pictures and a paragraph
or two of information about each thing.

Observation Instructions
1. Decide based on the information card and prior knowledge whether the
thing is living or nonliving.
2. Write the name of the thing in the correct table (based on whether it is
living or nonliving).
3. Draw and color a detailed picture of what you see under the microscope.
4. Choose one of the six characteristics of a living thing and explain how the
thing either does or does not display that requirement. (***Please use at
least four different characteristics throughout your eight stations.)

Dictyostelium