Introduction
The cell was first discovered and named by Robert Hooke in 1665. He remarked that it looked strangely similar to cellula or small rooms which monks inhabited, thus deriving the name. But the cell observed by Hooke was the dead cell walls of plant cells (cork) as it appeared in the microscope. The first man to witness a live cell under a microscope was Anton Van Leewenhoek, who in 1674 described the algae Spirogyra. He probably also saw bacteria.
In biology, cell is now defined as the basic membrane-bound unit that contains the fundamental molecules of life and of which all living things are composed, simply as the “basic unit of life”. A single cell is often a complete organism itself, such as a bacterium or yeast. Other cells acquire specialized cells and become the building blocks of large multiceullular organisms like humans and other animals.
Moreover, cell has its distinctive capabilities, abilities and vital key roles as stated in the cell theory that all living things are made up of these cells and that cells are the basic units of life. It also says that new cells forms from preexisting cells. Some other concepts relating to the classic and modern cell theory states that “cells provide the basic units of functionality and structure in living things”. But most importantly, it should be emphasized that energy flow (such as metabolism) occurs within cells, it contains genetic information in DNA form and all cells are mostly made of the same chemicals.
Task
In order to accomplish this WebQuest, kindly answer the questions regarding some fundamental concepts in cell biology and other related concepts given in each questions per item in the "process" part. Note that there are links given in each item as a guide and source of the information you will be utilizing to answer. You can also use other sources for other information that will further support your answer.
After answering the questions given on the "process" part, make a simple concept map that will summarize the relationships of the concepts from those questions to the fundamental concepts of cell biology. You can cite some applications and examples to further elaborate your ideas.
Good luck and see you on our upcoming tasks soon!
Process
Briefly answer the questions with 100 word paragraph explanation. You may use other relevant and substantial sources and references to support your thoughts. If you will be using other reference material and/or websites, kindly cite it in APA citation in bottom part, three spaces after your paragraph.
1. Identify the organelles discussed and cite their functions and key roles in the cell.
https://www.britannica.com/list/6-cell-organelles
2. What are the essential biological macromolecules in the human body? Identify their functions in the human body and briefly explain.
3. The biological structure is said to be organized hierarchically. What are the four structures of the biological molecules? Briefly explain each in relation to chemistry and biochemistry.
4. Why is it that Cell signalling is important in body? What are some of the processes or occurrences in the human body that requires cell signalling?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-dbRterutHY
5. What is the relationship between the cell cycle and cell signalling?
6. Why does cancer treatment relies so heavily on understanding the science behind cell division and cell cycle regulation?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eqJqhA8HSJ0
Evaluation
| Content | 50% |
| Authenticity | 30% |
| Organization of Thoughts/Ideas | 20% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
Conclusion
With the advent of technology, the field of biology, especially the cell biology, is experiencing its rapid growth and development which leads to advancements of knowledge and applications. The tiny cells that composes the human body and other living organisms was further understood and is continuously being studied. The discoveries that made great impacts include DNA and the biological macromolecules that serves as vital keys for the processes in life itself. The reinforcement of various tools for the discovery and understanding of the cellular world has been one of the human’s advantages in this enormous, vast and growing field of discoveries in life.