Ultrastructure of cells

Nature of science

• Developments in scientific research follow improvements in apparatus—the invention of electron microscopes led to greater understanding of cell structure. (1.8)

Understandings:

• Prokaryotes have a simple cell structure without compartmentalization.

• Eukaryotes have a compartmentalized cell structure.

• Electron microscopes have a much higher resolution than light microscopes.

Applications:

• Structure and function of organelles within exocrine gland cells of the pancreas and within palisade mesophyll cells of the leaf.

• Prokaryotes divide by binary fission.

Skills:

• Drawing of the ultrastructure of prokaryotic cells based on electron micrographs.

• Drawing of the ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells based on electron micrographs.

• Interpretation of electron micrographs to identify organelles and deduce the function of specialized cells.