Biology reflection (2-8/9/13)

The ultrastrucure of Cells HL SL
1.Draw and label the ultrastructure of a Prokaryotic cell (E.Coli) and Eukaryotic cells (animal and plant cell).
2.in a table outline the function of each organelle for Pro/Eukaryotic and include a picture of an Electron micrograph (where possible)
3. create a comparison table between; a) prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic cell, b) plant vs animal cell.

Use your textbook, study guide and other resources provided on the science website.

Remember to check the Assessment criteria to make sure that you have covered all that you need too.

Monday: In Biology last week, we started off with Cell Theory and Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic cells. It dawned to me of how much self study is to be initiated by the learner as cell theory at first glance, yeah we'd remember that it consist of 5 theories but it is important that we self-study the evidence that supports those theories. I made notes on the topic as soon as I got back on this.

The assignment above is homework for this Tuesday. I found referring to the Success Criteria helpful as it keeps me focused on what is to be achieved from the subtopic. The Click4Biology is also very helpful with images of the electron micrographs and notes however some were confusing such as its outline of the animal extracellular matrix(??) under the roles of the extracellular components. Are we suppose to learn all these hard words?

I also haven't revised and read the notes provided in the textbook which I should as I saw many fancy words that needs to be understood.

Tuesday: today, we examined slides of organic material underneath a microscope. We were briefed shortly and articulately on how to prepare specimen slides (e.g. not trapping air bubbles, removing excess liquid) and using the microscope again (which operates sharpness, lighting and placement of slide). Even though learning these fundamental things took a little bit of our time to analyze the microscopic images, I believe it was worth it as I had forgotten them. 3/4 of my slides shared with Angely were very obvious and interesting. The cheek cell did not turn out well and I couldn't see much but was clarified by Mr. Joel that it was normal.

Friday: We touched on calculating magnification yesterday and continued today while studying SA:VOL ratio s limiting factor for cell size. The experiment on the agar jelly helped to explain how the ratio is higher hence processes such as diffusion also increase in speed when the 'cell' is smaller. I am pleased with biology these two weeks as we've been doing experiments and getting sufficient homework. My own notes also help to keep track of the investigations but I need to revise more to understand our subtopics with more depth.