Organelles and Compartmentalization

(IB Topic B2.2)

Essential Idea(s): Organelles carry out the complex functionality of eukaryotic cells.

Unit Length: 1 Lesson SL (+ 2 AHL)

  Guiding Questions

◊ How are organelles in cells adapted to their functions?

◊ What are the advantages of compartmentalization in cells?

Materials:

Self-Teaching Slides (SL) / Self-Teaching Slides (AHL)   Quizlet Vocab Set
Teaching Slides (AHL)   Notes Template (SL) / Notes Template (AHL)

 

IB Statement(s) and Objective(s)

 

B2.2.1: Organelles as discrete subunits of cells that are adapted to perform specific functions

  • NOS Concept*: Technology Begets Discovery
  • Give an example of technology yielding discovery in understanding organelle structure and function 
  • Explain cell fractionation (and its use in discovering organelle functions)
  • Define organelle
  • State the universal organelles that are present in every living cell
  • Outline the membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells*

 

B2.2.2: Advantage of the separation of the nucleus and cytoplasm into separate compartments

  • Explain the advantage of the separation of the nucleus and cytoplasm into separate compartments

 

B2.2.3: Advantages of compartmentalization in the cytoplasm of cells

  • Define compartmentalization
  • Explain the advantage of the compartmentalization: 
    • in the cytoplasm of cells
    • using lysosomes as an example
    • using phagocytic vacuoles as an example

Additional Higher Level Topics

B2.2.6: Functional benefits of the double membrane of the nucleus

  • Define nuclear envelope (aka nuclear membrane)
  • Outline the benefits of the double membrane of the nucleus
  • Outline the breakdown of the nuclear membrane during mitosis and meiosis

 

B2.2.7: Structure and function of free ribosomes and of the rough endoplasmic reticulum

  • Contrast the synthesis of free ribosomes with synthesis of membrane-bound ribosomes
  • List destinations of proteins synthesized on free ribosomes
  • List destinations of proteins synthesized on bound ribosomes

 

B2.2.8: Structure and function of the Golgi apparatus

  • Describe the structure and explain the function of the Golgi apparatus

 

B2.2.9: Structure and function of vesicles in cells

  • Explain the structure and function of cellular vesicles
  • Explain the role of Clathrin in endocytosis
Activities: ⓟ = podcast / ⍰ = inquiry 5 / ⓦ = Write it /  Ӕ = The academy  / Ⓡ = Read it

ⓦ: Help Confused Students — Repeated Trials (👭 max 3)

Far, far too many students are tired of hearing the terms “repeated trials” or “reliability” without really knowing what they mean or why they’re vital to science experiments. Settle their confusion once and for all – create and record a clever, engaging presentation of experimental design, clarifying: 1) What repeated trials are, 2) How they help determine reliability, and 3) why they go hand-in-hand with control variables.

 

Lab ⓟ/ⓦ: (Advanced): How to Kill a Cell (👫max: 2)

**Note – requires quite a bit of setup + lab materials

What exactly is it about alcohol and pH that can kills cells? It all has to do with certain chemicals having the ability to rip apart cell membranes. Choose either the alcohol lab or the pH lab to see how different chemicals manage to do this.

 

Into the Lab — Practice with Precision

(Can be done 👭, but each sheet must be done 💁)

Jump into the RISS lab and use this sheet to practice measuring precision + uncertainty of the equipment. You’ll need to be a pro at it in order to do well on the IA (or the EE, should you choose a science).