Mitosis and Meiosis

We are now studying the phases of Mitosis and Meiosis. These are the names used to explain cell division among somatic (body cells)and sex cells (sperm and egg). All living cells divide in order to continue thriving. Prior to the initial phase of cell division, DNA is replicated. The chromosomes form and line up as the spindle fibers prepare to pull them apart evenly. In this and other animations, you can see what each phase looks like. In order to achieve mastery of this concept, you need to be able to explain all of the phases by name (such as interphase, prophase, metaphase etc...). You will also need to be able to describe what is going on within the cell during each phase.

Cellular Communication

Our cell phone technology with texting capabilities pale in comparison with the dynamics of celllular  communication.  The complexity cannot be overstated. How does it all happen?  How can one cell notify surrounding cells about hunger, danger, injury and other things.  This video just merely scratches the surface of the many modes of cell communication.  If you click here, you can see an enlarged (and animated) cell communication event and several other fascinating films. Mastery of this chapter 11 in your text means that you can explain the Signal Transduction Pathway and the associated proteins involved.

What is Cellular Respiration?

Here is a page featuring Dr. Fink. I created it to help you understand the whole process of cellular respiration from start to finish. If you need more a visual aid, there is a link on that page to a great set of films that illustrate everything!! You can travel back and forth from each page using the links provided.

***New***

At very bottom of both pages devoted to cellular respiration, you have a great video that demonstrates photosynthesis. As you know, photosynthesis is the term used to explain the way plant cells breath. We take in oxygen and breath out carbon dioxide (a waste product), whereas plants cells take in carbon dioxide and exhale fresh oxygen in return.  They are the ultimate recyclers among other things.  Check it out and try to remember how it relates to all of the information in your textbook for this topic.

Active and Passive Transport

Some things require energy in order to move into the cell. Other thinks do not require energy. Can you explain why? If not, here is a helpful demonstration. Remember, if you cannot explain the processes and meanings of active and passive transport (without looking at your book), then you dont truly understand it. Once it makes sense to you, simply revisit this page, or write it on paper a couple of times. This will make for inevitable retention of the concepts.

Tonicity: What Does It Mean?

Can you explain Tonicity as it pertains to a cell in a solution? It is important to be able to write an explanation as well as speak it clearly. Click here to see this video about hypertonic, isotonic and hypotonic solutes. It will help you with that. If you can answer the question underneath it, then you are ready to move on to the next topic.

What are the Parts and Functions of a Cell?

As of today, you now have the ability to name all of the organelles and describe their functions. After watching this film and reading your text book, this will be very easy for you.

Introducing the Cell

After watching this video, you should be able to describe what a cell looks like from the cell membrane, to the organelles inside. You may also grasp a basic understanding of how objects move into and out of the cell.