3 Main Parts of Cells

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3 Main parts of cells

Created by: Emily Lingayat

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Deconstructing Cells

Welcome scientists! Today, you will learn to break down big ideas into small, manageable parts. Our big idea is a cell. After this module, you will be able to choose one type of cell and organize it into its three most important components.

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Begin

Choose Your Cell

You will become an expert on one of these three cell types. Click on the one you would like to explore: Plant Cell, Eukaryotic Cell, or Prokayrotic Cell.

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Eukaryotic Cell

Plant Cell

Prokaryotic Cell

Plant Cell

The Plant Cell

Plant cells are the basic units of life in plants. They have structures that allow them to perform photosynthesis and maintain a rigid structure. Look closely at the main parts of this cell. Notice the cell wall, the cell membrane, the large vacuole, the choloplats, and the nucleus.

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Click on the plant cell to be taken to an interactive poster!

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Eukaryotic Cell

Eukaryotic Cell

Eukaryotic cells are complex cells, including those found in animals, fungi, and protists. Their defining feature is the presence of a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Notice the cell membrane, mitochondria, and cytoplasm.

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Click on the eukaryotic cell to be taken to an interactive poster!

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Prokaryotic Cell

Prokaryotes, like bacteria, are the simplest type of cell. They are typically single-celled and lack a nucleus. Notice the cell membrane, cytoplasm, DNA, and capsule.

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Click on the prokaryotic cell to be taken to an interactive poster!

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What is Fundamental?

Fundamental: something that is basic, essential, or absolutely necessary.

When we say, "fundamental component," we mean a part that is essential for the cell to work correctly. If you took it away, the cell would no longer function as a cell. Ask yourself: "Does every cell need this to survive?"

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This car is missing a fundamental component--its engine! Without an engine, the car cannot function at all.

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Eukaryotic Cell

Finding the Core Three

Now, let's organize your ideas! Use what you learned about your cell to identify the three fundamental components that every version of that cell needs to live. Click on the picture of your cell if you need to go back for a refresher.

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Plant Cell

Prokaryotic Cell

1st Fundamental Component

Submit your answer in each box

2nd Fundamental Component

3rd Fundamental Component

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Mission Accomplished

Great job! You successfully broke down a complex cell type into its three most fundamental parts. For any cell, the essetnial elements are often the structures responsible for containing it, the environment inside, and the instructions.

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Beginning

Sentence Starters: - One fundamental part of my cell is...- It is fundamental because...

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Sentence Starters: - One fundamental part of my cell is...- It is fundamental because...

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Sentence Starters: - One fundamental part of my cell is...- It is fundamental because...

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