According to the cell theory, living organisms are composed of cells.

• State the three parts of the cell theory.

• Outline evidence that supports the cell theory.

• Compare the use of the word theory in daily language and scientific language.

Questioning the cell theory using atypical examples, including striated muscle, giant algae and aseptate fungal hyphae.

• Describe features of striated muscle fibers that make them an atypical example cell.

• Describe features of aseptate fungal hyphae that make them an atypical example cell.

• Describe features of giant algae that make them an atypical example cell.

Use of a light microscope to investigate the structure of cells and tissues.

• Label the names of parts of the microscope.

• Given the magnification of the ocular and objective lenses, calculate the total microscope magnification.

• Measure the field of view diameter of a microscope under low power.

• Calculate the field of view diameter of a microscope under medium or high power.

• Estimate the size of a sample in the microscope field of view.

• Demonstrate how to focus the microscope on a sample.

• Demonstrate how to make a temporary “wet mount” on a microscope slide.

Unicellular organisms carry out all functions of life.

• Outline eight functions of life.

Investigation of functions of life in Paramecium and one named photosynthetic unicellular organism.

• Describe characteristics of Paramecium that enable it to perform the functions of life.

• Describe characteristics of Chlamydomonas that enable it to perform the functions of life

Drawing of cell structures as seen with the light microscope.

• Demonstrate how to draw cell structures seen with a microscope using sharp,

• carefully joined lines and straight edge lines for labels.

Cell Surface to volume is an important limitation to cell size.

• ​Outline the activities occurring in the volume and at the surface of the cell.

• Calculate the surface area, volume and SA:V ratio of a cube.

• Explain the benefits and limitations of using cubes to model the surface area and

• volume of a cell.

• Describe the relationship between cell size and the SA:V ratio of the cell.

• Explain why cells are often limited in size by the SA:V ratio.

• List three adaptations of cells that maximize the SA: volume ratio.

Use of stem cells to treat Stargardt’s disease and one other named condition

• Outline the cause and symptoms of Stargardt’s disease.

• Explain how stem cells are used in the treatment of Stargardt’s disease.

• Outline the cause and symptoms of leukemia.

• Explain how stem cells are used in the treatment of leukemia.

Calculation of the magnification of drawings and the actual size of structures and ultrastructures shown in drawings or micrographs.

• Define micrograph.

• State why the magnification of a drawing or micrograph is not the same as the magnification of the microscope.

• Use a formula to calculate the magnification of a micrograph or drawing.

• If given the magnification of a micrograph or drawing, use a formula to calculate the actual size of a specimen.

The capacity of stem cells to divide and differentiate along different pathways is necessary in embryonic development and also makes stem cells suitable for therapeutic uses.

• Define zygote and embryo.

• List 2 key properties of stem cells that have made them on the active areas of research in biology and medicine today.

• Explain why stem cells are most prevalent in the early embryonic development of a multicellular organism.

• Contrast the characteristics of embryonic, umbilical cord and adult somatic stem cells.

• Define totipotent, multipotent and pluripotent.

Ethics of the therapeutic use of stem cells from specially created embryos, from the umbilical cord blood of a new-born baby and from an adult’s own tissues.

• List the source and mechanism of obtaining stem cells.

• Outline the benefits and drawbacks in using embryonic, cord blood and adult stem cells.

Ethical implications of research- research involving stem cells is growing in importance and raises ethical issues.

• Define “trend” and “discrepancy.”

• Explain why “trends and discrepancies” are useful in scientific study.

• List features of cells that would be considered a “trend”.

• List examples of cell types or organisms that are “discrepancies” to the cell theory.

Ethical implications of research- research involving stem cells is growing in importance and raises ethical issues.

• Explain why biological research must take ethical issues into consideration.