Lesson Plan: Structure, Function, and Information Processing (Home School Version)

Topic: Structure, Function, and Information Processing

Grade Level: 7

Learning Objectives:

    Students will be able to define structure, function, and information processing.
    Students will be able to identify examples of structure, function, and information processing in living things.
    Students will be able to explain how structure, function, and information processing are interconnected.

Materials:

    Whiteboard or projector
    Markers or pens
    Paper
    Handouts on structure, function, and information processing (optional)

Procedure:

    Introduction:

    Begin by asking students what they know about structure, function, and information processing.

    Explain that structure refers to the physical parts of an organism, function refers to what those parts do, and information processing refers to the way that organisms receive, process, and respond to information from their environment.

    Give students some examples of structure, function, and information processing in living things. For example:
        Structure: The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body.
        Function: The heart pumps blood to deliver oxygen and nutrients to all of the body's cells.
        Information processing: The heart receives signals from the brain that tell it how fast or slow to beat.

    Activity:

    Divide students into small groups and give each group a handout on structure, function, and information processing (optional).
    Have students work together to identify examples of structure, function, and information processing in a living thing of their choice.
    Students can create a diagram, model, or presentation to share their findings with the class.

    Discussion:

    Once students have had a chance to share their findings, lead a class discussion on the following questions:
        How are structure, function, and information processing interconnected?
        How do structure, function, and information processing allow living things to survive and reproduce?
        Can you think of any examples of how structure, function, and information processing have been adapted by living things to survive in different environments?

    Assessment:

    Have students write a short paragraph explaining how structure, function, and information processing are interconnected and how they allow living things to survive and reproduce.

Differentiation:

    For students who need additional support, provide them with a list of examples of structure, function, and information processing in living things.
    For students who are ready for a challenge, have them research a specific adaptation in a living thing and explain how it is an example of structure, function, and information processing working together.

Extension:

    Have students create a presentation or video to teach others about structure, function, and information processing.
    Have students design an experiment to investigate a specific question about structure, function, or information processing.

TEST

Here is a 10-question multiple choice test on the topic of cell structure, function, and information processing, with answers and explanations:

Question 1: Which of the following is the smallest unit of life?

A. Organelle
B. Tissue
C. Cell
D. Organ

Answer: C

Explanation: The cell is the smallest unit of life. It is a basic structural and functional unit of all living things.

Question 2: Which of the following is the organelle that is responsible for energy production in the cell?

A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Golgi apparatus
D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer: B

Explanation: The mitochondria are the organelles that are responsible for energy production in the cell. They do this by converting food molecules into energy in the form of ATP.

Question 3: Which of the following is the organelle that is responsible for packaging and distributing proteins in the cell?

A. Golgi apparatus
B. Endoplasmic reticulum
C. Mitochondria
D. Nucleus

Answer: A

Explanation: The Golgi apparatus is the organelle that is responsible for packaging and distributing proteins in the cell. It also plays a role in the production of lipids and carbohydrates.

Question 4: Which of the following is the organelle that is responsible for the production of ribosomes?

A. Nucleolus
B. Nuclear envelope
C. Chromatin
D. Cytoplasm

Answer: A

Explanation: The nucleolus is the organelle that is responsible for the production of ribosomes. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Question 5: Which of the following is the organelle that contains the cell's DNA?

A. Nucleus
B. Mitochondria
C. Golgi apparatus
D. Endoplasmic reticulum

Answer: A

Explanation: The nucleus is the organelle that contains the cell's DNA. DNA is the genetic material that contains the instructions for building and maintaining the cell.

Question 6: Which of the following is the process by which cells divide to produce two new daughter cells?

A. Mitosis
B. Meiosis
C. Binary fission
D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: Mitosis, meiosis, and binary fission are all processes by which cells divide to produce new daughter cells. Mitosis is the process of cell division that occurs in somatic cells, or non-sex cells. Meiosis is the process of cell division that occurs in gametes, or sex cells. Binary fission is the process of cell division that occurs in prokaryotes, or single-celled organisms.

Question 7: Which of the following is the process by which DNA is copied to produce a new strand of DNA?

A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. Translation
D. All of the above

Answer: A

Explanation: Replication is the process by which DNA is copied to produce a new strand of DNA. This process is essential for cell division and for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next.

Question 8: Which of the following is the process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA?

A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. Translation
D. All of the above

Answer: B

Explanation: Transcription is the process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA. RNA is a molecule that is similar to DNA, but it is single-stranded and contains the sugar ribose instead of deoxyribose. RNA plays a role in protein synthesis and other cellular processes.

Question 9: Which of the following is the process by which RNA is translated into protein?

A. Replication
B. Transcription
C. Translation
D. All of the above

Answer: C

Explanation: Translation is the process by which RNA is translated into protein. Proteins are essential for all cellular processes.

Question 10: Which of the following is the organelle that is responsible for the transport of materials within the cell?

A. Microtubules
B. Microfilaments
C. Actin
D. All of the above

Answer: D

Explanation: Microtubules, microfilaments, and actin are all organelles that are responsible for the transport of materials within the cell. Microtubules are long, hollow tubes that provide structural support for the cell and are involved in cell division. Microfilaments are thin, solid fibers that are involved in muscle contraction and cell movement. Actin is a protein that is involved in cell movement and muscle contraction.

3 videos on science lesson on cells

• GCSE Biology Revision "Animal Cells" by Freesciencelessons
• GCSE Biology Revision "Plant Cells" by Freesciencelessons
• Introduction to Cells: The Grand Cell Tour by Amoeba Sisters

 

 Bonus

Completion Quiz

Topic: Structure, Function, and Information Processing

Performance Expectation: S.7.1 Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells.

Instructions: Fill in the blanks to complete the following sentences.

1. All living things are made up of tiny units called cells.
2. Cells are the basic structure and function of all living things.
3. Cells come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all share some basic features, including a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA.
4. Unicellular organisms are made up of only one cell, while multicellular organisms are made up of many different types of cells.
5. Cells work together to carry out all of the life processes of an organism, such as growth, reproduction, and repair.

Answers:

1. cells
2. structure, function
3. cell membrane, cytoplasm, DNA
4. unicellular, multicellular
5. cells

Explanation:

Cells are the basic building blocks of all life. They are the smallest units of life that can function independently. Cells come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all share some basic features, including a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and DNA.

Unicellular organisms are made up of only one cell, while multicellular organisms are made up of many different types of cells. Each type of cell has a specific structure and function. For example, muscle cells are specialized for contraction, while nerve cells are specialized for transmitting signals.

Cells work together to carry out all of the life processes of an organism. For example, cells in the digestive system work together to break down food into nutrients that the body can use. Cells in the respiratory system work together to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. And cells in the immune system work together to defend the body against infection.

Investigation:

To provide evidence that living things are made of cells, you can conduct a simple investigation. One way to do this is to use a microscope to examine a sample of a living organism. For example, you could examine a thin slice of onion or a drop of pond water. Under the microscope, you should be able to see individual cells.

Another way to provide evidence that living things are made of cells is to use a cell stain. Cell stains are chemicals that attach to specific parts of a cell, making them visible under a microscope. For example, you could use a cell stain to stain the nucleus of a cell. The nucleus is a structure in the cell that contains DNA.

Once you have stained the cells, you can use a microscope to examine them. If the stain is working properly, you should be able to see the stained parts of the cell. This will provide you with evidence that the cell is made up of different parts.

By conducting an investigation like this, you can provide evidence that living things are made of cells.

Sources

1. www.nextgenscience.org/topic-arrangement/mss

 True or False Quiz

True or False Quiz for Topic Structure, Function, and Information Processing: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells. S.7.1

Answers and explanations:

1. All living things are made of cells. (True)
2. Cells are the smallest unit of life. (True)
3. Unicellular organisms are made up of one cell. (True)
4. Multicellular organisms are made up of many cells. (True)
5. All cells have the same structure. (False)
6. All cells have the same function. (False)
7. Cells can reproduce themselves. (True)
8. Cells can obtain energy from their environment. (True)
9. Cells can respond to their environment. (True)
10. Cells can grow and develop. (True)

Explanations:

• Statement 5 is false: Different types of cells have different structures, depending on their function. For example, muscle cells have a long, fiber-like structure, while nerve cells have long extensions that allow them to communicate with other cells.
• Statement 6 is false: Different types of cells have different functions. For example, red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues, while white blood cells fight infection.

Example of an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells:

• Question: Are all living things made of cells?
• Hypothesis: All living things are made of cells.
• Materials: A microscope, a slide, and a variety of living things, such as a plant leaf, a drop of pond water, and a smear of saliva.
• Procedure:
  1. Place a small sample of the living thing on the slide.
  2. Place a drop of water on the sample and cover it with a coverslip.
  3. Place the slide under the microscope and view it at different magnifications.
• Observations:
  • In the plant leaf sample, you will see cells with a green cell wall and chloroplasts.
  • In the pond water sample, you will see a variety of single-celled organisms, such as amoebas and paramecium.
  • In the saliva sample, you will see cheek cells and bacteria.
• Conclusion:
  • All of the living things that you observed were made of cells. Therefore, you can support your hypothesis that all living things are made of cells.

Additional notes:

• Some living things, such as viruses, are not made of cells. However, viruses are generally considered to be non-living, or at least on the border between living and non-living.
• Some living things, such as slime molds, can exist as both unicellular and multicellular organisms.

Sources

1. www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cell-Organelles-S

Topic: Structure, Function, and Information Processing

Prompt: Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells. S.7.1

Essay:

All living things are made of cells. Cells are the basic units of life, and they are responsible for all of the functions that living things need to survive and reproduce. Some living things, such as bacteria, are made up of only a single cell. Other living things, such as humans, are made up of trillions of cells.

There is a lot of evidence that living things are made of cells. One piece of evidence is that all living things contain cells. This can be seen by looking at living things under a microscope. When you look at a plant or animal cell under a microscope, you can see the different parts of the cell, such as the cell membrane, the nucleus, and the cytoplasm.

Another piece of evidence that living things are made of cells is that cells can reproduce. This is important because it allows living things to pass on their genes to the next generation. Cell reproduction can be seen in both single-celled and multicellular organisms.

Finally, there is evidence that cells are responsible for all of the functions that living things need to survive and reproduce. For example, cells are responsible for getting energy from food, getting rid of waste products, and responding to the environment.

Here are some specific examples of evidence that living things are made of cells:

• All living things contain DNA. DNA is the genetic material that is passed down from parents to offspring. DNA is found in the nucleus of every cell.
• All living things have cell membranes. Cell membranes are thin, flexible layers that surround cells and protect them from the environment. Cell membranes also allow cells to communicate with each other and to take in and release substances.
• All living things have cytoplasm. Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance that fills the inside of cells. Cytoplasm contains all of the organelles that are responsible for the cell's functions.
• All living things can reproduce. Cells can reproduce by dividing into two new cells. This process is called cell division.
• All living things grow and develop. Cells grow and develop by making new proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of cells and tissues.
• All living things can respond to their environment. Cells can respond to their environment by changing their shape, moving, or releasing chemicals.

In conclusion, there is a lot of evidence that living things are made of cells. Cells are the basic units of life, and they are responsible for all of the functions that living things need to survive and reproduce.

Lecture 

Structure, Function, and Information Processing

Good morning, class. Today, we're going to be talking about structure, function, and information processing. These are three fundamental concepts in biology that are essential for understanding how living things work.

Structure

Structure refers to the arrangement of parts in a system. In biology, we can talk about the structure of cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms as a whole. Each level of structure has a specific function. For example, the structure of a cell's membrane allows it to control what enters and leaves the cell. The structure of the heart allows it to pump blood throughout the body.

Function

Function refers to the activity or purpose of a part or system. In biology, we can talk about the function of cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms as a whole. Each level of function is dependent on the structure of the system. For example, the heart's function of pumping blood is dependent on its structure, which includes four chambers and a series of valves.

Information Processing

Information processing is the ability of a system to receive, interpret, and respond to information. In biology, we can talk about the information processing abilities of cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms as a whole. Each level of information processing is dependent on the structure and function of the system. For example, the brain's ability to process information about the environment is dependent on its structure, which includes billions of neurons and synapses.

The Relationship Between Structure, Function, and Information Processing

Structure, function, and information processing are all interrelated. The structure of a system determines its function, and the function of a system determines how it processes information. For example, the structure of the eye allows it to focus light on the retina, which allows it to send information about the environment to the brain.

Examples of Structure, Function, and Information Processing in Living Things

Here are a few examples of structure, function, and information processing in living things:

• Cells: Cells are the basic building blocks of life. They have a variety of structures, including a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus. The structure of a cell determines its function. For example, the structure of a muscle cell allows it to contract and relax, which is essential for movement.
• Tissues: Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. There are four main types of tissues: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, and nerve tissue. The structure of a tissue determines its function. For example, the structure of epithelial tissue allows it to protect the body from the environment.
• Organs: Organs are groups of tissues that work together to perform a specific function. There are many different types of organs, including the heart, lungs, stomach, and brain. The structure of an organ determines its function. For example, the structure of the heart allows it to pump blood throughout the body.
• Organ Systems: Organ systems are groups of organs that work together to perform a specific function. There are eleven main organ systems: the circulatory system, digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, urinary system, reproductive system, integumentary system, skeletal system, and muscular system. The structure of an organ system determines its function. For example, the structure of the circulatory system allows it to transport oxygen and nutrients to cells and remove waste products.
• Organisms: Organisms are living things that are made up of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. The structure of an organism determines its function. For example, the structure of a bird allows it to fly.

Conclusion

Structure, function, and information processing are three fundamental concepts in biology that are essential for understanding how living things work. These concepts are interrelated, and they all play a role in the survival and reproduction of living things.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some examples of how structure and function are related in living things?
2. How does information processing play a role in the survival and reproduction of living things?
3. What are some challenges that scientists face in studying structure, function, and information processing in living things?

Image Discussion

The image you have provided shows the following text:

Topic Structure, Function, and Information Processing Conduct an investigation to provide evidence that living things are made of cells, either one cell or many different numbers and types of cells. S.7.1

This image suggests that the lecture you are giving is for students in grade 7

Sources

1. www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Cell-Organelles-Speed-D

 5 pictures that illustrate the concept of structure, function, and information processing:

1. The human brain: The human brain is a complex organ with many different structures, each with its own specific function. For example, the cerebellum is responsible for coordination and balance, while the frontal lobe is responsible for higher-order cognitive functions such as planning and decision-making. The brain also processes information from the senses and sends signals to the rest of the body to control movement and other bodily functions.
   Opens in a new window news-medical.net
2. A computer chip: A computer chip is a small electronic device that contains millions of transistors. These transistors are arranged in complex circuits that perform different tasks, such as processing data and performing calculations. The structure of a computer chip is essential to its function, and any changes to the structure can affect the chip's performance.
   Opens in a new window easytechjunkie.com
3. A flower: A flower is a complex structure that serves many different functions, including attracting pollinators and producing seeds. The different parts of the flower, such as the petals, sepals, and pistil, have different structures and functions. For example, the petals are brightly colored to attract pollinators, while the pistil contains the reproductive organs of the flower.
   Opens in a new window en.wikipedia.org
4. A bird: Birds have a variety of physical features that are adapted for flight, such as their streamlined bodies, lightweight bones, and wings. The structure of a bird's body is essential to its function as a flying animal.
   Opens in a new window wikipedia.org
5. A robot: Robots are machines that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks. The structure of a robot depends on its specific function. For example, a robot that is designed to walk will have different structures than a robot that is designed to swim.
   Opens in a new window cnn.com

These are just a few examples of the many ways that structure, function, and information processing are interconnected. In all of these examples, the structure of the object or system is essential to its function. Additionally, all of these examples involve the processing of information in some way. For example, the human brain processes information from the senses to control movement and other bodily functions. A computer chip processes data and performs calculations. A flower processes information from its environment to attract pollinators and produce seeds. A bird processes information about its surroundings to navigate and avoid predators. And a robot processes information from its sensors to perform its programmed tasks.

The concept of structure, function, and information processing is a fundamental concept in science and engineering. It is used to understand and design a wide variety of systems, from natural systems such as the human body to man-made systems such as computers and robots.

Fill-in-the-blank quiz with answers and explanations based on the image:

Topic: Structure, Function, and Information Processing

Grade Level: 7

Question 1: What is the most common type of structure found in a cell?

Answer: The most common type of structure found in a cell is the nucleus.

Explanation: The nucleus is the control center of the cell. It contains the cell's DNA, which is the genetic material that determines all of the cell's characteristics.

Question 2: What other structures are commonly found in cells?

Answer: Other common structures found in cells include the mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, vacuoles, and lysosomes.

Explanation:

• Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy for the cell.
• Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
• The endoplasmic reticulum is involved in the production of proteins and lipids.
• The Golgi apparatus is involved in the packaging and modification of proteins and lipids.
• Vacuoles store water and other materials in the cell.
• Lysosomes are responsible for breaking down waste products and other materials in the cell.

Question 3: What is the function of the cell membrane?

Answer: The function of the cell membrane is to protect the cell and to regulate the passage of materials into and out of the cell.

Explanation: The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer that surrounds the cell. It is made up of phospholipids, which are molecules that have both a hydrophilic (water-loving) and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) end. This allows the cell membrane to form a barrier that keeps water and other molecules from freely entering and exiting the cell.

Question 4: What is the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell?

Answer: Prokaryotic cells are simpler in structure than eukaryotic cells. They do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus.

Explanation:

• Prokaryotic cells are the simplest type of cell. They are found in bacteria and archaea.
• Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells. They are found in all other organisms, including plants, animals, and fungi.

Question 5: What is the importance of cells?

Answer: Cells are important because they are the basic building blocks of all living things. Cells are responsible for all of the life processes, such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

Explanation:

• Cells are the smallest units that can still be considered living.
• All living things are made up of one or more cells.
• Cells are responsible for all of the life processes, such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism.

I hope this quiz is helpful!

Sources

1. docplayer.net/48368254-Quick-vocabulary-lesson-1-lesson-2-cyto

 

Fill-in-the-blank quiz with answers and explanations based on the topic of prokaryotic cells:

Question 1: Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms that do not have a nucleus.

Question 2: Prokaryotic cells are found in two domains of life: Bacteria and Archaea.

Question 3: Prokaryotic cells have a simple structure, consisting of a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.

Question 4: Prokaryotic cells can reproduce by binary fission.

Question 5: Prokaryotic cells play an important role in the environment, including recycling nutrients and decomposing organic matter.

Explanations:

Question 1: The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, so their DNA is located in the cytoplasm.

Question 2: The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Eukaryotic cells are the most complex type of cell and have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells are found in the Bacteria and Archaea domains.

Question 3: The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer that surrounds the cell and protects it from the environment. The cytoplasm is the gel-like material that fills the cell and contains all of the cell's organelles. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Question 4: Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Question 5: Prokaryotic cells are essential for many processes in the environment. For example, they recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organisms and returning the nutrients to the soil. They also decompose organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead animals.

 

Fill-in-the-blank quiz with answers and explanations based on the topic of eukaryotic cells:

Question 1: Eukaryotic cells are single- or multicellular organisms that have a nucleus.

Question 2: Eukaryotic cells are found in the Eukarya domain of life.

Question 3: Eukaryotic cells have a complex structure, consisting of a cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and other membrane-bound organelles.

Question 4: Eukaryotic cells can reproduce by mitosis or meiosis.

Question 5: Eukaryotic cells play a variety of roles in living organisms, including energy production, protein synthesis, waste removal, and communication.

Explanations:

Question 1: The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, which is why they are called eukaryotic cells.

Question 2: The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Eukaryotic cells are found in the Eukarya domain.

Question 3: The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer that surrounds the cell and protects it from the environment. The cytoplasm is the gel-like material that fills the cell and contains all of the cell's organelles. The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA. Other membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells include the mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum.

Question 4: Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two identical daughter cells. Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces four gametes (sex cells).

Question 5: Eukaryotic cells play a variety of roles in living organisms. For example, mitochondria are responsible for energy production. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. Lysosomes are responsible for waste removal. And the Golgi apparatus is responsible for packaging and modifying proteins and lipids. Eukaryotic cells also communicate with each other through various signaling mechanisms.

 

Create an etymological study of Eukaryotic cells

The word "eukaryotic" comes from the Greek words "eu", meaning "true" or "good", and "karyon", meaning "nut" or "kernel". This is a reference to the fact that eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, which is a membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's DNA.

The study of the etymology of words can provide insights into their history and meaning. In the case of eukaryotic cells, the etymology of the word suggests that these cells were considered to be more advanced or complex than other types of cells, such as prokaryotic cells.

Here is a more detailed etymological study of the word "eukaryotic":

• Eu (Greek): true, good
• Karyon (Greek): nut, kernel
• Otic (Greek): of, relating to
• Eukaryotic (combined Greek and English): having a true nucleus

The word "eukaryotic" was first coined in the 1860s by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel. Haeckel was developing a new system of classifying organisms, and he used the presence or absence of a nucleus to distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

The etymology of the word "eukaryotic" is reflected in the way that it is used today. Eukaryotic cells are often described as being more complex and advanced than prokaryotic cells. This is because eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, which allow them to carry out more complex functions.

The study of the etymology of words can be a fun and informative way to learn more about their history and meaning. It can also provide insights into the way that we think about and classify the world around us.