BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 5:49 PM Page 22

1.2 Cells

Using an analogy can help you understand science concepts, such as how the parts
of a cell function. All cells have similar cell structures and organelles. Each structure
and organelle carries out a specific task to help support the life functions of a cell.
Cellular respiration is the process that produces energy for the cell. Cell theory states
that the cell is the basic unit of life; all living things are composed of one or more
cells; all cells come from other living cells. There are two groups of cells: prokaryotic
cells and eukaryotic cells.

Imagine a planet in a nearby galaxy. There is a star like our Sun that
Key Terms
provides heat and light. Although smaller than Earth, the planet
bacteria supports many different life forms. One life form is the Icthos
cell membrane (pronounced ICK-THOSS). They are an advanced life form and have
cell theory developed a variety of technologies, such as the Protection Dome,
cytoplasm inside which they live (see Figure 1.12). Unlike life forms on Earth,
mitochondria the Icthos live in a liquid, not an air atmosphere.
nucleus Over time, the Icthos have spread across the planet and settled in
organelle groups known as colonies. One of these colonies is called Newo
vacuole (pronounced KNEW-OH). Newo is thriving, and the population has
viruses increased rapidly. The residents of Newo go about their daily activities,
such as ingesting food packets and nutrient fluids (eating and drinking)
and dreamdozing (sleeping).
Newo, however, has some serious problems, including pollution
and a need for a new energy source. Management groups are
responsible for performing different functions within the colony.
You are a specialist on colony operations. The management groups
have sent you their reports about their biggest problems. Your first
task is to read these reports carefully.

closed gate

Figure 1.12 The Newo colony

open gate

22 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 5:53 PM Page 23

Report 1 from Control Central (CC)

Control Central monitors all movement within Newo and ensures the day-to-day
operations of the colony are successfully completed. To communicate with our workers,
we send out messages telling them what to do. CC’s problem is that sometimes these
messages get lost or are sent to the wrong worker. This means a waste collector might
end up delivering food. These mix-ups cause confusion and make it difficult for people
to do their jobs. We sometimes lose track of what work has been done and what work
needs to be done.

Report 2 from Protection Dome (PD)

We at PD have no major problems. The Protection Dome remains solid and to date no
unauthorized entries have occurred. The only entry and exit gate is under constant guard.
We only allow movement of materials through the gate with prior permission. This system
gives us complete control of all movement, and it is working extremely well. If we were to
increase the amount of material passing through the gate, there would be delays.

Report 3 from Food and Nutrient Fluid Transportation (FNFT)

The main problem facing FNFT is transportation. It is our task to transport four food packets
and one packet of nutrient fluid from outside the Protection Dome to every resident in Newo.
Nutrient fluid is like a sports drink that contains important food for the residents of Newo.
Both types of packets are necessary for their survival. We need a better way to transport this
amount of food and nutrient fluid. Also, we are unsure whether there is enough energy to
operate a new transportation system if we make any improvements.

Report 4 from Energy Production (EP)

Energy Production is in serious trouble. EP needs a new source of energy to properly provide the
colony with energy to perform essential functions, such as food and nutrient-fluid distribution.
This energy source must produce no pollution, as we already have a pollution problem. Our
scientists have been working on an energy system that would convert the wastes we produce into
some sort of useful product. So far their attempts have been unsuccessful.

Report 5 from Waste Control (WC)

Waste Control is having problems storing and removing waste from Newo. For every food packet, two
smaller containers, or pods, of waste are produced. For every nutrient fluid packet delivered, one
smaller pod of additional waste is created. WC can get rid of only 7000 waste pods a day.
There is a second problem that will have a long-term effect on the colony. Our research team has
detected an increase in the level of a new form of pollution in Newo. The pollution produces small
black particles that are causing the liquid atmosphere inside Newo to turn grey. Our researchers have
noticed that when over 250 waste pods are in one place, black particles are produced. We need to find
a way to remove this pollution from our liquid atmosphere.

Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 23

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 5:54 PM Page 24

1-4 Finding Solutions for Problems

Find Out ACTIVITY
in the Newo Colony

In this activity, your task is to work with your
classmates to figure out a possible solution for each of
the problems facing the management groups of Newo.
What to Do
1. Record each problem the management groups
identified.
2. Brainstorm solutions for each problem.
3. Select the best solution for each problem. Each
solution must also work with the other solutions
you select.
4. Make a drawing of Newo that shows how you
solved each problem. Use labels and descriptions
to help explain your solutions.
What Did You Find Out?
1. Post your drawing on the wall.
2. Walk around and look at the drawings of other
classmates. Make notes on what you observe in
these drawings. Find an example of a drawing that:
(a) Shows a solution different from yours.
Record what is different.
(b) Shows a solution the same as yours.
Record what is the same.
3. Return to your drawing. Based on your
observations, what would you change about one of
your solutions so that it works better? Make this
change on your drawing.
4. Share your own drawing with the class and discuss
which solutions would probably work best for
solving Newo’s problems.

Using an Analogy to Understand a Cell

The colony of Newo is an analogy for a cell. In science, an analogy is
a way to understand new ideas by making a comparison. For example,
you have learned that each management group in Newo carries out
a specific task. You have also seen how these groups work together
to ensure the survival of the colony. You can use this knowledge to
help you understand how a cell works by comparing it to what you
read in this section. Try to connect what you learn about different
cell structures to what you know about the different groups in Newo.
You will find some hints in the paragraphs below.

Inside a Cell
As microscope technology has advanced, so has our ability to observe
two types of cells in greater detail: animal and plant cells. Figure 1.13
on the next page shows an electron micrograph of an animal cell and a
drawing of some of the cell’s parts, or structures. Some structures are
called organelles. An organelle is a cell structure in which functions are
carried out to ensure the cell’s survival. Organelles take up about 5 to
30 percent of a cell. The rest of the cell consists of water.

24 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 5:55 PM Page 25

Many organelles are surrounded by

a thin covering called a membrane. Each
cell is also surrounded by a membrane that
separates the interior of the cell from its
surroundings. This structure is called the
cell membrane. The Protection Dome that
surrounds Newo is like a protective barrier
that controls, or regulates, the flow of
materials in and out of the colony. The
cell membrane surrounding a cell has a
similar function. It protects the cell and
regulates the movement of particles in
and out of the cell.
Within the cell is a jelly-like substance
called cytoplasm. Cytoplasm contains
organelles, water, and other life-supporting cell membrane
materials. A cell’s cytoplasm is like the liquid lysosomes
atmosphere inside Newo’s Protection Dome. nucleus

The Functions of Cell Organelles

Control Central is an essential management
group in Newo that controls everything in
the colony. Like Control Central, the Figure 1.13 Some of the mitochondrion

nucleus is the organelle that controls all the organelles of an animal cell endoplasmic
reticulum
activities within a cell (see Figure 1.14). The
nucleus contains deoxyribonucleic acid or
DNA. DNA carries the heredity material
that is passed on from generation to
generation.

cytoplasm nucleus

Figure 1.14 The nucleus of an animal cell

Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 25

 BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 5:57 PM Page 26

The mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) are the energy

producers in the cell (see Figure 1.15). Mitochondria carry out
cellular respiration to produce energy for the cell. Cellular respiration
occurs when the chemical energy we take in through the food we eat
is changed into energy that our cells use to carry out their activities
(see Figure 1.16). The total of all the chemical reactions that take
place in our cells is called our metabolism.

inner membrane
outer membrane

Figure 1.15 The mitochondria

produce energy for the cell.
mitochondrion

Cells that do more work in the body have more mitochondria. For
example, there are more mitochondria in a muscle cell than in a cheek
cell. Recall that the Energy Production group in Newo needed an
energy source like mitochondria so that the colony could continue to
carry out its day-to-day activities.

?
F

food carbon energy that

(glucose) + oxygen dioxide + water + can be used
by living things

Figure 1.16 Cellular respiration

26 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 5:58 PM Page 27

Typical Animal and Plant Cells

Figure 1.17 shows the organelles in an animal cell and a plant cell.

lysosome

cell Golgi body

membrane

cytoplasm
nucleus
ribosome
vacuole
mitochondrion

endoplasmic
reticulum

ribosome
w
th
Animal cell

mitochondrion

cytoplasm

endoplasmic
reticulum

chloroplast

ribosomes

Golgi body

nucleus
cell wall

vacuole cell membrane

Plant cell

Figure 1.17 Notice the difference in shape between an animal cell and a plant cell.

Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 27

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:00 PM Page 28

Organelles for Assembly, Transport, and Storage

Many cell organelles carry out activities related to assembling (bringing
together), transporting, and storing proteins. Proteins are essential to
all life. They are the building blocks for a variety of structures in the cell.
Proteins are assembled by ribosomes. Each ribosome is like a
small factory that manufactures proteins. Some ribosomes float in
the cytoplasm, while others are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum
(see Figure 1.18). The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of
membrane-covered channels that look a bit like the folds of a fan or
accordion. Being folded means the endoplasmic reticulum has a large
surface area in a small space.

Figure 1.18 Protein manufacture

takes place in the ribosomes, some endoplasmic
of which are attached to the reticulum
endoplasmic reticulum.

ribosomes

Once the protein has been manufactured by a ribosome and passed

through the endoplasmic reticulum, it is put into a membrane package
by the Golgi body. The Golgi body sorts the proteins and packs them
into membrane-wrapped structures called vesicles (see Figure 1.19).
Vesicles are smaller than vacuoles and function like a mail system.
Vesicles carry proteins, nutrients, and water into, out of, and around
the inside of the cell.

Figure 1.19 Golgi body vesicles Golgi body

and vesicles

28 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:01 PM Page 29

Vacuoles are temporary storage compartments that sometimes

store waste. These organelles tend to be larger in plants and much
smaller in animals. If you look at Figure 1.20, you can see the
difference in vacuole size between a plant and an animal cell.
When organelles wear out, they are broken down and recycled
by another organelle called the lysosome (see Figure 1.17 on
page 27). The lysosome contains digestive chemicals that break
down food particles, cell wastes, and worn-out cell parts. [CAT
MICR
DYNA
A B

Figure 1.20A Plant cells usually have one large vacuole. Figure 1.20B Some animal cells contain many
smaller vacuoles.

The Difference between Plant and Animal Cells

Two cell parts found in plants but not in animals are the cell wall and
chloroplasts, which carry out functions animal cells do not require.
The cell wall is a tough, rigid structure that surrounds the cell
membrane and gives the cell a regular, box-like shape (see Figure
1.21). The cell wall protects the cell. Since each cell has a rigid outer
wall, plant cells also provide support for a growing plant.

Figure 1.21 The cell wall is a rigid

structure that protects the plant cell
and gives the cell its shape. inside of cell

cell
membrane
cell wall

outside of cell

Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 29

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:02 PM Page 30

Figure 1.22 shows the chloroplasts, which trap the energy from
the Sun and change it into chemical energy.

chloroplast

Figure 1.22 Chloroplasts trap the Sun’s energy and turn it into chemical energy for the plant.

This process occurs during photosynthesis, the chemical reaction

that takes place when carbon dioxide and water react in the presence
of sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen (see Figure 1.23).

light carbon food

energy + dioxide + water (glucose) + oxygen

Figure 1.23 Photosynthesis in plants

Suggested Activities
Conduct an Investigation 1-6
on page 35
Conduct an Investigation 1-7
on page 36

30 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/9/06 9:27 AM Page 31

Reading Check
1. In your own words, state the definition of organelle and provide
an example.
2. Which organelle is the control centre of the cell? Explain why.
3. In the Newo analogy, the Protection Dome represents which
cell structure?
4. What does the process of cellular respiration provide for the cell?
5. What is photosynthesis?
6. How do plant cells differ from animal cells?

Cell Theory
The survival of the smallest unicellular plankton in the Pacific Ocean
and the largest multicellular Douglas fir along the coast of British
Columbia depends on the life processes that take place within the cell
(Figure 1.24).

A B

Word Connect
The word “cell” comes from
the Latin word cella, which
means storeroom or small
container. When Hooke first
Figure 1.24 A unicellular dinoflagellate (A) saw cells through his
and multicellular Douglas Fir (B) depend on microscope, they reminded
the activities that take place within the cell him of the rooms in a
for their survival. monastery.

In the late 1600s and early 1700s, scientists were using simple
compound microscopes to examine cells. Their studies helped to build
the foundation on which our understanding of cells is based. One of
these scientists was British scientist Robert Hooke. In 1665, Hooke
observed that living things contain empty room-like compartments
that he called “cells.” Two hundred years later, two German scientists,
Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, suggested that all living
things are composed of cells. Their work demonstrated that the cell
was the basis for the development of both plant and animal tissues.

Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 31

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/23/06 12:31 PM Page 32

Hooke, Schleiden, and Schwann were conducting their research

at a time when little was known about living things. In fact, there
was much debate about how living things formed. Many people
believed that living things could come from non-living things. Until
the mid-19th century, people thought that to produce mice, you
put sweaty underwear and husks of wheat in an open jar. After about
21 days, the sweat and husks would change into mice. It was not until
1864 that this thinking was finally proven incorrect. French scientist
Did You Know? Louis Pasteur performed a controlled experiment that showed bacteria
About 10 percent of your cannot grow and reproduce unless bacteria are already present.
mass is due to the mass of
Pasteur’s experiment proved that new living things can come only
the bacteria in your body.
from other living things of the same type.
The research of these and other scientists and the ideas they
developed eventually became the basis of what is known as modern
cell theory:
• The cell is the basic unit of life.
• All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
• All cells come from other living cells.
Cell theory is considered one of the main ideas of modern biology,
Size Comparison
which is the science of living organisms.
Prokaryote

Eukaryote

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells are generally one to
one hundred times bigger than
prokaryotic cells.
Average size ranges
Eukaryotic cells: 0.01mm to 0.1mm
Prokaryotic cells: 0.001 mm to 0.01mm
Figure 1.25 Sizes of eukaryotic
and prokaryotic cells
Scientists divide cells into two different groups. Prokaryotic cells
are a type of cell whose organelles are not surrounded by membranes.
Eukaryotic cells are a type of cell whose organelles are surrounded by
membranes. Figure 1.25 shows the approximate size of a eukaryotic
cell compared to a prokaryotic cell. Figure 1.26 compares their cell
structures. Multicellular organisms and a few unicellular organisms,
such as amoebas, are composed of eukaryotic cells.

mitochondrion
DNA
ribosomes cell wall
nucleus

Prokaryotic cell
cell membrane
Figure 1.26 Comparison
of the structures of a
prokaryotic cell (bacterial
cell) and a eukaryotic cell
(animal cell)
ribosomes
Eukaryotic cell

32 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:05 PM Page 33

1-5 Comparing Prokaryotic and

Find Out ACTIVITY
Eukaryotic Cells

In this activity, you will use a graphic organizer to help

you compare the similarities and differences you
observe between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
What to Do
1. Examine the the prokaryotic cell (bacterial cell) and
the eukaryotic cell (animal cell) in Figure 1.26 on
the previous page.
2. Use a Venn diagram or other graphic organizer
to illustrate the similarities and differences you
observe between the two cells.
Science Skills
Go to Science Skill 10 for information about
how to organize and communicate scientific
information using graphic organizers.
What Did You Find Out?
1. Using the information from your graphic organizer,
describe in a short paragraph the similarities and
differences you observed between the two cells.
2. Discuss your findings with your class.

Bacteria
Bacteria are prokaryotic cells. To date, there are over 5000 different
types, or species, of bacteria that have been identified in environments
all over Earth. You have seen that a kitchen sponge is a suitable
environment for bacteria, and you have read about bacteria that live in
freshwater lakes and under ice sheets in the Antarctic. Bacteria can be
both harmful and helpful to humans.
Some bacteria cause diseases such as tuberculosis and strep
throat. Fortunately, most cases of these diseases can be treated with
antibiotics. Other bacteria, such as one species found in hospitals,
known as a “superbug,” are more resistant to antibiotics. These
bacteria can cause illnesses that are extremely difficult to treat with
known antibiotics.
Not all bacteria are harmful. For example, your digestive system
depends on the presence of helpful bacteria to keep it working
efficiently. Helpful bacteria are also used to make foods such as
yogurt and some cheeses, and to produce medicine such as insulin,
Figure 1.27 The three different
which helps treat diabetes. shapes of bacteria: cocci (spheres),
There are many different ways to classify bacteria, but often baccilli (rods), and spirilla (spirals)
they are grouped by the shapes of their cells. Figure 1.27 shows the
three different shapes of bacteria: cocci (sphere-shaped), bacilli (rod-
shaped), spirilla (spiral-shaped). These cells have been coloured so
you can see them better.

Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 33

 BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:06 PM Page 34

Figure 1.28 Three examples of
the different shapes of viruses
Viruses
If you have heard of HIV, chicken pox, cold sores, or the flu, then you
have heard about viruses (see Figure 1.28). You might think that
viruses are alive, but they are not. Viruses are tiny, non-living particles
that reproduce only when they are inside a host cell (see Figure 1.29).
A virus particle has no nucleus or any other organelles. It carries only
the information, in the form of DNA, necessary to reproduce itself. All
other functions are provided by the host cell. Viruses come in many
different shapes.

C
A B C

Human immunodeficiency virus Potato leaf roll virus that damages potato One of the many adenoviruses that can
(HIV) that attacks the human crops worldwide cause the common cold
immune system

New viruses are released

as the host cell bursts
open and is destroyed.
The virus attaches to
a specific host cell.

virus
New viruses form
inside of the host cell.
host cell

The virus’s hereditary material

causes the cell to make viral
hereditary material and protein.
nucleus
viral hereditary
material

viral
The virus’s hereditary proteins
material enters the
host cell.

Figure 1.29 A virus inserts its DNA into the nucleus of the host cell and “tricks” the cell into
making new virus particles.

34 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:08 PM Page 35

1-6 Building a 3-D Cell Conduct an INVESTIGATION

Problem-Solving Focus

Skill C h e c k
A cell may look flat under a microscope, but it actually has length, width, and
• Modelling
thickness. This activity gives you a chance to build your own three-dimensional
• Explaining systems cell using materials of your choice. Using models to explain an idea or concept
• Communicating is a key skill in science. By developing a model, you are demonstrating your
• Working co-operatively understanding of the cell.

Criteria
• The cell can be no smaller
than 10 cm ⫻ 15 cm, and
no larger than
24 cm ⫻ 30 cm.
• The cell is three-
dimensional.
• All organelles are
correctly labelled.
• Organelles are
approximately to scale.

Problem
How can you build a model of a plant or animal cell using a variety of materials?

Plan and Construct

Science Skills
Go to Science Skill 8 for
information about using
models in science.
1. Decide whether you are going to construct a plant cell or an animal cell.
2. Make a rough drawing of your cell. Include the following cell parts:
cell membrane endoplasmic reticulum nucleus
cell wall (plants only) Golgi body ribosome
chloroplasts (plants only) lysosome vacuole
cytoplasm mitochondria
3. For each cell part, determine what kind of material you will use. Ideas for
materials include yarn, beads, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, string, straws, plastic
foam, food, modelling clay.
4. Build your cell. Use clear drying glue if possible.
5. Deliver your model in a box. Provide a labelled diagram with a key that
matches each building material to the cell part.
Evaluate
1. Before you submit your model, make sure you have met all the criteria.
2. Your teacher may ask you to fill out a summary sheet that asks you to
explain your work.

Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 35

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:10 PM Page 36

1-7 Observing Onion Cells

Skill C h e c k There are many different kinds of cells to observe, but a common type to view
• Observing with a compound light microscope is the onion cell. In this activity, you will
• Communicating make a wet mount slide to view the parts of an onion cell. You will also learn
• Evaluating information
about a process called staining. Scientists stain cells to help them see organelles
that are not visible in a standard wet mount slide.

Safety
• Microscopes, slides,
and cover slips can break,
especially when using
the high-power objective
lens. Handle with care.
• Be careful when using
sharp objects such as
tweezers.
• Wash your hands
thoroughly after doing
this activity.
Question
What structures can you observe in an onion cell when using a compound light
microscope?
Procedure
1. Pick up your microscope and the materials you will need to make a wet
mount slide.
2. Clean your slides with lens paper before you begin. Prepare a wet mount
slide by putting a drop of water on the slide. Review Part 3 of Conduct an
Investigation 1-3 on page 17 for more information on preparing a wet
mount slide.
3. Take a piece of onion from the outer layer and carefully break it in half.
As you separate the two sections, use tweezers to pull the top layer of the
onion sideways as shown below. This should give you a sample of onion
cells called a thin section.

Materials
• microscope
• prepared microscope slides
• cover slips
• lens paper
• tweezers
• medicine droppers
• water
• onion
• iodine solution
• paper towel
Pull the top layer of the onion sideways to make a thin section.

4. Place the thin section in the drop of water on the slide. Finish making your
wet mount slide as in Part 3 of Conduct an Investigation 1-3 on page 17.
5. Place your slide on the stage of the microscope and focus at low power.
Select one cell and draw it. You should be able to label the cell wall, cell
membrane, and cytoplasm. You may also be able to include vacuoles in
your drawing.

36 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/23/06 11:34 AM Page 37
6. Place a drop of iodine solution on one side of
your slide. On the other side, place a small piece
of paper towel as shown below. The paper towel
will soak up the water under the cover slip and
draw the iodine solution under the slide and into
the cells. This process is called staining the cells.
Place a drop of iodine on one side of your slide and a small
piece of paper towel on the other.
7. Observe the onion cell under medium and high
power. Add any more organelles you observe to
your drawing and label them.
Science Skills
Go to Science Skill 9 for more
information about using microscopes
and making scale drawings.
Conduct an INVESTIGATION
Inquiry Focus
8. Your teacher may have additional types of cells
for you to observe. Prepare wet mount slides for
these samples. Draw and label the different cell
parts you observe.
9. Clean up and put away the equipment you
have used.
Analyze
1. What was the most difficult step in making your
wet mount slide?
2. Which organelle became more visible after you
stained the cell with iodine?
3. Vacuoles tend to be larger in plant cells than in
animal cells. Why do you think they are larger?
Conclude and Apply
1. Write a conclusion that answers the question for
this activity: What structures can you observe in
an onion cell when using a compound light
microscope?
Your conclusion should have the following
four sections:
(a) What were you doing in this activity?
(b) Why were you doing this?
(c) What did you observe in the onion cell?
(d) What is one thing you learned in this
investigation?
Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 37
BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:13 PM Page 38

Stem Cells
You enter a pharmacy with the $100 your grandmother
gave you to do her shopping. A pharmacist smiles and
asks if he can help you. You reply, “My grandma says
that lungs are on sale today—$74.99 for a medium
left. I will take one please.”
Sound like science fiction? It may surprise you
that the technology to grow organs exists today.
This ability to grow organs and cure diseases is due
Embryonic stem cells that are developing into nerve cells
to breakthroughs involving stem cells.

the lost function. Since the cells come from the

Unlike muscle cells, nerve cells, or skin cells, stem
cells are cells that do not yet perform a specific task.
These cells are valuable for medical research because
they can specialize into many different types of cells.
Stem cells can come from embryos, fetuses,
children, and adults. Embryonic stem cells have the
ability to become any of our 200 types of body cells.
As the fetus develops, the stem cells become more
limited in the number of cells that they can become.
Adult stem cells cannot become specialized cells as
easily as stem cells from embryos and fetuses can.
Today, doctors use healthy bone-marrow stem
cells from donors to treat leukemia patients. In the lab,
scientists have successfully repaired spinal cord injuries
in rats using stem cells. Researchers have also used
human embryo stem cells to treat rats with symptoms
of Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.
In the future, researchers hope to take adult
stem cells from patients, and grow the cells in a lab
to create a new tissue or organ. The tissue would be
transplanted back into the patient’s body to restore
patient, there would be less chance of tissue rejection.
However, the problem with stem cells is that they
naturally divide continuously. Researchers know that
they must find a way to stop the dividing after the
cells have become the desired tissue. Otherwise,
tumours may form.
Globally, laws governing the use of embryonic
stem cells are slowing research. These laws were
made because of concerns about the embryos used
as sources of stem cells. While stem cell research
looks promising, little success has yet been shown
in humans. However, someday, a spinal cord injury
may be as simple to repair as a broken finger.
Questions
1. How are stem cells different from normal cells?
Why are these differences important for
medical research?
2. What are some problems that face stem
cell researchers?
3. What do you think are the ethical concerns in
obtaining embryonic stem cells for research?
How could you convince a friend that stem cell
research is good? How might you convince a
friend that stem cell research is not good?

38 MHR • Unit 1 Cells and Systems

BCS_G8_U1C01_J13 5/8/06 6:14 PM Page 39
Checking Concepts
1. What is the role of the nucleus in a cell?
2. Describe the function of the cell membrane.
3. How does the cell produce energy to carry
out various cellular activities?
4. Which organelle is like a storage container?
5. How does a cell make its energy? Which
organelle performs this function?
6. Predict what would happen to a plant cell if
the chloroplasts stopped functioning.
7. Correctly identify the labelled organelles in
the illustrations below.
A
B C
D 16. Why would you not find chloroplasts in
E respiration and photosynthesis related?
F G
8. Which cell in question 7 is a plant cell?
Support your answer.
9. What is the composition of cytoplasm?
10. Summarize the key points of the cell theory.
11. Why do scientists consider the cell theory
to be a main idea of modern biology?
12. Draw and label a prokaryotic cell.
13. Describe one difference between bacteria
and viruses.
Understanding Key Ideas
14. Recall the Protection Dome of Newo.
Explain why a cell membrane could not
be like the Protection Dome, which had
a solid wall and just one opening.
15. Draw a Venn diagram like the one below.
Fill in each section with the correct
organelles.
Plant Animal
organelles organelles
an onion root cell?
17. Why do you think the openings in cell
membranes are different sizes?
18. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.
Explain why.
19. How is the process of cellular respiration
similar to the burning of a piece of paper?
20. How are the equations for cellular
21. Why do animal cell membranes have
different shapes, but the cell membranes
of plants tend to have a more regular,
box-like shape?
22. A virus is non-living, but it can reproduce.
How does this happen?
P ause and R eflect
Write a paragraph or develop a table to
explain how each of the examples below is
like a cell.
(a) an airport
(b) a shopping mall
(c) a hospital
Chapter 1 The cell is the basic unit of life. • MHR 39