This document outlines the key learning objectives for a course on cells (cytology). It discusses the defining properties of cells, including that they are the smallest unit of life that can function independently. All cells share certain similarities, such as a membrane surrounding the cell. The document contrasts the cells of the three domains of life - bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. It focuses on describing the anatomy and components of bacterial, plant, and animal cells. Specifically, it explains that cell membranes are made of phospholipids that form a bilayer, and also contain proteins.

1. Cells (Cytology)
BIOL 1306
Ebeling

2. Learning Objectives
1.Describe the properties of a cell.
2.Identify the components common to all cells.
3.Compare and contrast the cells that characterize the three domains of life.
4.Explain how the chemical structure of phospholipids enables them to form a bilayer in water.
5.Explain why a biological membrane has selective permeability.
6.Identify different functions of membrane proteins.
7.Compare and contrast the ways that molecules move across membranes.
8.Explain the relationship between diffusion and concentration gradients.
9.Explain how processes of passive transport work including Osmosis and Diffusion
10.Explain how mechanisms of active transport work including the Sodium-Potassium Pump
11.Explain how larger objects/molecules cross membranes including: Exocytosis and Endocytosis
12.Predict when each of these transport mechanisms might be in use
13.Identify the functions of the organelles in eukaryotic cells.
14.Describe how organelles interact in carrying out a cell’s function.
15.Compare and contrast the structure and function of cytoskeletal proteins
16.Compare and contrast different cell junctions in animal cells.
17.Explain the function of plasmodesmata in plant cells.

3. All Organisms Are
Composed of Cells
A cell is the smallest unit
of life that can function
independently.

4. Cell theory explains the prevalence and
commonalities of cells.
Filamentous cyanobacteria and green alga © McGraw-Hill Education/Don Rubbelke, photographer

5. Size

6. Most cells are too small to see without a
microscope

7. What do you observe?
Radius = 1 cm Radius = 4 cm
Surface area = 12.6 cm2 Surface area = 201.1 cm2
Volume = 4.2 cm3 Volume = 268.1 cm3
Heat Gain Heat Loss
Surface-to volume ratio
Thermo-
How?
Why are cells so
small?

8. Surface Area to Volume ratio!
Smaller cells have more
_____________relative
to their _________.
High surface area allows
the cell to

9. Similarities among all cells
Regardless of size, all cells have:

10. Different Cell Types Characterize
Life’s Three Domains
Unique features distinguish the
Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

12. The Anatomy of a Bacterium
Bacteria are
prokaryotic.
DNA is free in
the cytoplasm.

14. The Anatomy of an Animal Cell
Eukaryote

15. The Anatomy of a Plant Cell
Eukaryote

16. A Membrane Surrounds Each Cell
Cell membranes are
composed of:

17. A phospholipid has two
regions:
a.
b.
Structure of a phospholipid

18. Phospholipids spontaneously form
bilayers in water

20. Besides phospholipids, cell
membranes also contain
proteins:
Fluid mosaic:
A Membrane Surrounds Each Cell