Week of 8:25/29

Monday and Tuesday= These days we continued to learn about enzymes.

Wednesday- We investigated and described the structure and functions of cells, their organelles, and their specializations. 2.02 

• We also learned about the structure and function of: nucleus, plasma membrane, cell wall, mitochrondria, vacolues, chloroplasts, and ribosomes.   
  
• Proficient use and understanding of light microscopic techniques. Total power magnification as well as steps in proper microscope usuage.
• Hierarchy of cell organization: Cells to tissues to organs to organ systems.
• Structure of cells as it relates to thier specific functions.
• We also viewed a variety of cells with particular emphasis on the differences between plant and animal cells. 

Thursday= We learned about communication among cells within an organism.

Chemical signals may be released by one cell to influence the activity of another cell. For example, a nerve cell can send a message to a muscle cell or another nerve cell. Recepotr proteins and hormones were also discussed in class today.

Friday= We investigated and analyzed the cell as a living system including: the maintenance of homeostasis and the movement of materials into and out of cells.

We also learned about factors affecting this such as temperature, PH, blood glucose levels and water balance. Active transport, passive transport, diffusion, osmosis, and the porous nature of the semipermeable plasma membrane were also discussed. Something we learned today was how to predict changes in osmotic pressures as cells are placed in solutions of differing concentrations.