KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE

keep it simple science
Biology Module 1

Cells as the Basis of Life

WORKSHEETS
School Inspection only.
Copying NOT permitted.
Worksheet 1 Cells: the Basics
Fill in the blank spaces & diag.labels. Student Name...........................................

The “Cell Theory” states that all List 5 additional organelles normally only visible
(a)................................ are composed of cells, and with an electron microscope.
that all cells are produced from (b)...................... (p)........................................
................................ q).........................................
r)..........................................
Our knowledge of cells is due mainly to the s)..........................................
technology of (c)...................................... (t).........................................

The (d)........................................... of a microscope Complete these lists to describe the functions of

refers to its ability to distinguish fine details. cell organelles.
The (e).............................. microscope is far superior Organelle Function
in both (d) and (f)...................................................... Cell membrane (u)

The man credited with being the first to see cells

was (g)........................................... (v) Divides cell into
channels & compartments

Golgi apparatus (w)

Label the parts of this plant cell (below) seen with a

simple light microscope. (x) Cellular respiration.

(y) Photosynthesis

Cell wall (z)

(h).................................

(i).................................

(m).........................

(l).................................
(j)................................. (inside (k)

(k).................................

Which TWO parts of this plant cell would definitely never be seen in an animal cell?

(n)........................................ and (o).......................................

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 1 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® Worksheet 2 Cell Types & Technologies

keep it simple science
Student Name......................................
Guided Notes. (Make your own summary)
5. Electron Microscope Types
1. Cell Size Compared images formed by TEMs & SEMs in
What is the (approx.) size, in micrometres, of a terms of:
typical: a) how the electrons interact with the specimen
a) plant cell? being viewed.

b) bacterial cell?
School Inspection only.
c) animal cell? Copying NOT permitted.
d) For comparison, this dot
is 3mm in diameter.
How far is this in micrometres? b) general style & appearance of the image.

2. Cell Types
a) Outline the major differences between eukaryotic
& prokaryotic cells, including cell structures and
relative cell sizes.

6. Other Technologies

a) Outline what x-ray crystallography can tell us

about cell chemicals.

b) Which type of cells are found in:

• bacteria?

• fungi?

• plants?

• animals? b) Outline, in general terms, what the “iosotopic

tracer” technique is, and what it can tell us about a
3. cell.
Prokaryotic cells can be further sub-divided into 2
types called ...?

4. Compare Optical & Electron microscopes in

terms of:

a) how the image is created.

List below your questions to ask (or research) to

understand everything in section 1 of this topic.
b) how the image may be viewed.

c) magnification.

d) resolution.

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 2 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® Worksheet 3 Eukaryotic Cell Organelles

keep it simple science
Fill in the blanks Student Name......................................
The nucleus can be considered the a)......................... Chloroplasts are the site of m)......................................
centre of a cell. It contains the cell’s b)....................... in n)..................... cells. Inside are “stacks” of
information in the form of the chemical c).................. membrane structures containing the chemical
arranged in structures called d).................................. o)...................................... which absorbs p)..................
energy. These “grana” carry out parts of the
A nucleus often contains a structure called the chemical process known as the “light reaction”. The
e).......................................... This is responsible for process is completed in the “q)........................” zone
making f)...................... (chemical) which is sent out in a series of steps called the “dark reaction”,
as a messenger to other parts of the cell. The because light is not needed.
nuclear membrane has g)............................ to allow
RNA molecules to exit. E.R. is the abbreviation for the r)..................................
............................................ This is a network of
The h)................................................ are the sites of s)............................... throughout the cytoplasm
cellular respiration which uses i)................................. which provides channels & compartments for
and ..................................... (chemicals) to make ATP. chemicals to move & processes to occur. ER is
ATP is a high- j)...................................... chemical often dotted with tiny t)....................................... which
which can be used to power any & all cellular are the sites for production of u).............................
processes. The inner membrane is highly folded to
give greater k).......................... ................... for The “v)......................... Apparatus” is a (usually)
attachment of the respiration l)..................................... curved membrane structure. Its function is
which control the chemical process. concerned with “packaging” chemicals into small
“vesicles” for storage or w)....................................

Worksheet 4 Cell Chemicals & Membranes

Guided Notes. (Make your own summary) Student Name......................................
1. Organic / Inorganic 3. Membranes
Briefly list the differences which distinguish a) Identify the main structural chemical unit.
“organic” cell chemicals from “inorganic” cell
chemicals.

b) Explain the words “hydrophilic” &

“hydrophobic”, then relate these words to
membrane structure. A clear diag. is appropriate.

School Inspection only.

Copying NOT permitted.
2. Types of Organic Cell Chemicals
List the 4 main types & their function(s)

Chemical Function(s)

c) Outline the nature and the function(s) of the other

chemicals embedded in the membrane.

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 3 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® Worksheet 5 Test Questions (sections 1 & 2)

keep it simple science
Answer in the spaces provided. Student Name......................................
(on reverse, if insufficient room)

Multiple Choice 7. (2 marks)

1. The man credited with the discovery of the cell Using either the nucleus or mitochondrion as your
nucleus was: example, discuss the way that the structure of the
A. Robert Hooke. organelle relates to its function.
B. Anton van Leeuwenhoek.
C. Robert Brown.
D. Louis Pasteur. School Inspection only.
Copying NOT permitted.
2. The organelle least likely to be seen with a light
microscope is:
A. Mitochondrion.
B. Vacuole.
C. Nucleus. 8. (4 marks)
D. Chloroplast. Using examples, discuss the difference between the
“organic” & “inorganic” chemicals found in living cells.
3. The cell structure never found in an animal cell
is:
A. cell membrane.
B. cell wall.
C. endoplasmic reticulum.
D. golgi body.

4. The function of the ribosomes can be described

as:
A. storage of genetic information. 9. (3 marks)
B production of ATP. Using a specific historical example, briefly discuss how
C. packaging of substances for secretion. x-ray crystallography can contribute to our understanding
D. manufacture of proteins. of cell structures & functions.

5. Starch, glycogen and cellulose are all:

A. proteins, composed of amino acids.
B. nucleic acids, related to DNA & RNA.
C. sugars, of the carbohydrate group.
D. polymers of glucose.

Longer Response Questions

Suggested mark values are a guide to how detailed
an answer is appropriate.

6. (3 marks)
Compare the light microscope to the electron
microscope in terms of how each forms an image, 10. (4 marks)
the magnification, and the resolution of each. Outline the basic structure of a cell membrane, including
the nature of the basic building-block chemicals.

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 4 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® Worksheet 6 How Stuff Gets In & Out of Cells

keep it simple science
Student Name......................................
Guided Notes. (Make your own summary)

1. 6.
The cell membrane is “semi-..................................”. a) In general terms, “endocytosis” means...
This means...
School Inspection only.
Copying NOT permitted.

2. The difference between “active transport” & b) 3 variations of endocytosis are...

“passive transport” is...

3.
a) 3 chemicals which commonly move passively 7. For secretion or excretion of substances from a
through membranes are... cell the process is...

b) 3 substances which require active transport to In simple terms this is the .................................. of
cross a membrane are... endocytosis.

8.
As any shape gets larger:

4. • the surface area a)...............................

a) Diffusion refers to... and
• the volume b) ......................................
but
• the ratio of SA to Vol. c)....................................

This is the reason why all cells have to be

b) Osmosis involves... d).....................................

A large cell is impossible because it would NOT be

able to feed its e)................................. by transporting
all its needs (and wastes) in/out through the
f)............................................. of its membrane.
5.
An outline of the functioning & purpose of the Prokaryotes are even worse off in this regard:
“sodium-potassium pump” is: they have no g)..........................................., which
means they are less h).........................................

To thrive, they must have a very i)........................

SA/Vol ratio. They achieve this by being ....................
..................................

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 5 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® Worksheet 7 Review Questions Section 3b

keep it simple science
Answer in the spaces provided. Student Name......................................
(on reverse, if insufficient room)
1. 3.
Outline the difference between autotrophs & a) Write a simple word equation to summarise the
heterotrophs, with an example of each. process of cellular respiration.

School Inspection only.

Copying NOT permitted.
b) Where in a cell does this occur?

2. c) What is the most important product of this

a) Write a simple word equation to summarise the process? Explain why.
process of photosynthesis.

4.
b) Briefly outline how the structure of the a) What does “ATP” stand for?
chloroplast is linked to the fact that photosynthesis
occurs in 2 distinct phases.
b) How can ATP transfer energy to power a cellular
process?

c) How can the molecule be “re-charged”?

Worksheet 8 Enzymes Student Name......................................

Fill in the blanks
The total of all the chemical reactions in an Enzymes will only work effectively in a narrow
organism’s body is called a)........................................ range of j).................................. and k)....................
Each reaction requires a catalyst, which is a This is because their l)..................................
chemical which b).................................... the reaction, changes so that they no longer fit their substrate.
without being c)............................................... itself.
The pH scale is a numerical measurement of
Biological catalysts are called d)................................. m)........................ and n)........................................
These have the following properties: Things that are neutral have a pH= o).............
They are molecules of e)................................., which Acids have pH values p).................... 7, while alkalis
are polymers of f)...................... ......................... (bases) have pH q)..........................
Each one has its own unique g).................................,
which perfectly fits the molecule(s) of the reaction. The pH inside living cells, and in most parts of an
These molecules are referred to as the organism’s body is about r).............., but an
h)..................................... Since each enzyme only fits exception is the s)............................... which is quite
its own particular h)..............................., they are said strongly t).....................................
to be i)....................................................

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 6 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® Worksheet 9 Enzyme Activity Graphs

keep it simple science
Answer in the spaces provided. Student Name......................................
(on reverse, if insufficient room)
1. Sketch the shape of a graph of Enzyme 3. Sketch a graph of Enzyme activity
Activity against Temperature. against pH.

School Inspection only.

Copying NOT permitted.

4. a) Explain why the graph shows a

“peak” of optimum activity at a certain pH.

2. Explain the shape of the graph;

a) at temperatures below the “optimum

b) Why does activity decline at pH values

higher or lower than the optimum?
b) at temperatures above the optimum.

Worksheet 10 Review Questions - Enzymes

Answer in the spaces provided. Student Name......................................
(on reverse, if insufficient room)

1. 2. (cont.)
Discuss the importance of shape to the a) Complete a third column of this data with the
characteristics of an enzyme, with specific reference heading “Reaction Rate”, calculated appropriately.
to:
a) why each enzyme will usually only catalyse only b) Construct a graph of Temperature v Rate.
one reaction.

b) why enzymes only work within fairly narrow

ranges of temperature and pH.

2.
The following data was collected in an experiment in
which the time taken for a chemical reaction
catalysed by an enzyme, was measured at different
temperatures.
Temp (oC) Time taken for reaction
5 4.0 (minutes)
10 2.0 c) Is it likely that this is a human enzyme? Explain.
15 1.0
20 0.2
25 2.5
30 10

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 7 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

® Answer Section
keep it simple science
Worksheet 2 (cont.)
Worksheet 1 5.
a) all living things.... b) ...pre-existing cells a) TEM: electrons pass through specimen.
c) microscopes d) resolution SEM: electrons scatter from (coated) specimen.
e) electron f) magnification
g) Robert Hooke h) cytoplasm b) TEM: flat 2-D image.
i) nucleus j) chloroplast SEM: 3-D surface detail image.
k) cell wall l) cell membrane
m) vacuole 6.
n) cell wall & (o) chloroplast a) The x-ray diffraction pattern from a pure crystal
(p)-(t) (any order) golgi body, endoplasmic can be analysed to find the 3-D shape of the
reticulum, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes molecule.
(u) controls substances going in/out of cell
v) Endoplasmic reticulum b) The flow of atoms through a chemical process
w) packaging substances for storage or secretion can be traced by introducing an isotope of one of
x) mitochondria y) chloroplast the elements involved. Where it ends up can be
z) strength/ rigidity/ protection on outside of plant detected by its radiation or mass difference. This
cell helps understand a chain of reactions step-by-step.

Worksheet 2 Worksheet 3
a) control b) genetic
1.
c) DNA d) chromosomes
a) 20-100
School Inspection only. e) nucleolus f) RNA
b) 0.1 - 5
g) pores / holes h) mitochondria
c) 5-20 Copying NOT permitted. i) glucose & oxygen j) energy
d) 3,000
k) surface area l) enzymes
m) photosynthesis n) plant
2.
o) chlorophyll p) light
a) Eukaryotic cells contain many membrane-based
q) stroma r) endoplasmic reticulum
organelles for specialised functions within the cell.
s) membranes t) ribosomes
Relatively large cells.
u) proteins v) Golgi
w) secretion
Prokaryotic cells are much smaller (by a factor of 10
or more). Do NOT contain any membrane-based
organelles.
Worksheet 4
b) bacteria = Pro... 1.
fungi, plants, animals = Eu... Inorganic cell chemicals = simple, small molecules
(eg H2O) or ions such as phosphate, chloride,
3. magnesium, etc.
Archaea & Eubacteria
Organic cell chemicals = generally more complex
4. molecules based on carbon. Often (but not always)
Optical Electron huge polymers of repeating units joined together.
Image created by focused light electron beams
2. Chemical Function(s)
View by eye or photo screen or photo Carbohydrates Sugars & starches. Energy
chemicals. Some structural
Magnification 500-2000 X millions X uses eg cellulose cell walls

Resolution μm
0.2μ μm
0.0002μ Protein Main structural chemicals for
cells, hair, skin, etc.

Nucleic Acids DNA, RNA. Genetic material

Lipids Fats & oils. Energy storage.

Main component of cell
membranes.

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 8 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

®
keep it simple science
Answer Section
Worksheet 5 (cont.)
Worksheet 4 (cont.) 8.
3. Inorganic cell chemicals = simple, small molecules
a) phospholipid molecules (eg H2O) or ions such as phosphate, chloride,
magnesium, etc.
b) hydrophilic = “water loving”. Attracted to water,
water soluble part of a molecule. Organic cell chemicals = generally more complex
molecules based on carbon. Often (but not always)
hydrophobic = “water hating” = Part of a molecule huge polymers of repeating units joined together.
repelled by water, generally fat-soluble. eg DNA, proteins, starch, etc.

Each phospholipid molecule has a hydrophilic 9.

“head” and a long hydrophobic “tail”. By 1950, DNA was known to be the genetic
A membrane is formed from 2 layers of molecules chemical, but no-one could figure out its structure
with their tails clinging together in the middle, and or how it functioned.
hydrophilic heads outwards.
MEMBRANE STRUCTURE X-ray crystallography was used to determine the
Outside of cell One molecule’s shape. This led to a theory (later
phospholipid confirmed) as to how it could replicate itself and be
a gene to produce cell chemicals.
-philic

-phobic With many biological chemicals, shape is critically

Inside of cell important for functioning and x-ray crystallisation is
how we can find out shapes.
Double layer of phospholipid molecules
10.
c) Other molecules are embedded in the membrane. A membrane is a double layer of phospholipid
Most are proteins, often with carbohydrates molecules clinging together.
attached. Some are receptors for messenger Each phospholipid molecule has a hydrophilic
chemicals; some are “markers” to identify cells as “head” and a long hydrophobic “tail”.
“self”; some are concerned with helping A membrane if formed from 2 layers of molecules
substances get across the membrane. with their tails clinging together in the middle, and
hydrophilic heads outwards.

Worksheet 5
1. C 2. A 3. B 4. D 5. D Worksheet 6
1.
6. semi-permeable.
The light ‘scope forms images by focusing light This means that some chemical can pass through it
beams with glass lenses. Electron ‘scopes focus easily, others cannot.
beams of electrons using magnetic fields.
Light scopes achieve magnifications around 500X 2.
and resolution of about 0.2 um. Electron scopes are Active transport requires the cell to use energy to
500-1,000 times better in each department. “pump” the chemical across the membrane.
Passive transport requires no energy expenditure
by the cell.
7.
Nucleus- membrane has pores to allow RNA 3.
messengers to go out into the cell. a) water, oxygen, carbon dioxide.
OR
Mitochondrion- inner membrane is highly folded for b) ions such as potassium, sodium and all larger
more surface area. The enzymes of cellular molecules such as proteins, sugars, etc.
respiration are arranged on these membranes for
greater efficiency. 4.
a) Diffusion refers to the movement of dissolved
substances which will equalise a concentration
gradient by the random “jiggling” all gases &
liquids undergo.

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 9 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

®
keep it simple science
Answer Section
Worksheet 6 (cont.) Worksheet 7
4. 1.
b) Osmosis is the diffusion of water across a An autotroph is an organism that makes its own food
membrane in response to a concentration gradient from simple inorganic chemicals, plus an energy source.
of a dissolved substance which cannot cross the All plants are autotrophic, making their own food by
membrane itself. Water flows towards the higher photosynthesis. A heterotroph cannot make its own food
& must eat complex, high-energy compounds made by
concentration of solute as if to equalise
other living things. eg animals.
concentrations by diluting the solution.
2. light
5. a) carbon + water glucose + oxygen
The Na-K pump is an active transport mechanism in dioxide
animal cells which constantly pumps Na ions out of
a cell & K ions in. Without this pump, an animal cell b) Each chloroplast contains 2 regions:
would be in danger of rupture due to osmotic • the “grana” are stacked membrane-disks containing
absorption of water. chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy. The energy is
used to break up water molecules... oxygen is released,
The pump is like a “double-door” system with only hydrogen is captured for the next stage.
• the surrounding region (the “stroma”) carries out the
one door open at a time. Opening one way ejects
so-called “dark reaction”. This is a cycle of reactions
Na ions & grabs K ions, then the reverse occurs which, step by step, add hydrogen to carbon dioxide to
when the other door opens. build glucose molecules.

6. These 2 stages must be kept separate so they do not

a) Endocytosis refers to the way a cell can absorb interfere with each other. The structure of the chloroplast
large molecules & particles by growing its (grana & stroma) facilitates this.
membrane around the particle & taking inside,
encapsulated in a membrane sac. 3.
a) glucose + oxygen carbon + water + ATP
b) 3 variations are dioxide
phagocytosis = eating particles.
b) mitochondria
pinocytosis = drinking a parcel of liquid.
receptor-mediated endocyt. = taking in specific c) ATP, because it is able to power all cellular processes
large molecules which have been recognised by which require energy.
“receptor molecules” on the membrane.
4.
7. a) Adenosine triphosphate
For secretion or excretion of substances from a cell
the process is... exocytosis. b) With help from special enzymes, ATP can detach one
of its 3 phosphate groups. This releases energy which
can power the cellular process it is coupled with (such
as making a protein). The molecule becomes ADP...
In simple terms this is the opposite / reverse of
adenosine diphosphate.
endocytosis.
c) The ADP can be moved back to a mitochondrion
8. where the energy of cellular respiration is used to add a
a) increases 3rd phosphate group back on. This converts it back to
b) increases ATP, with energy stored in the chemical bond.
c) decreases
d) small Worksheet 8
e) volume a) metabolism b) speeds up
f) surface area c) changed / used up d) enzymes
g) organelles e) protein f) amino acids
h) efficient g) 3-D shape h) substrate(s)
i) high i) specific j) temperature
j) very small k) pH (acidity) l) shape
m) acidity n) alkalinity
o) 7 p) below
q) above 7 r) 7 (neutral)
s) stomach t) acidic

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 10 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au
 KISS Resources for NSW Syllabuses & Australian Curriculum

Answer Section
®
keep it simple science

Worksheet 9 Worksheet 10
1. graph 1.
a) Enzymes are protein molecules and each has a
2.a) reaction rate (=activity) particular 3-dimensional shape which fits its

Activity
increases as temp. goes up substrate like a key fits a lock. Usually each
because molecules are more enzyme will only “fit” one particular substrate, so it
likely to collide and react with will only catalyse one reaction.
each other.
Temp
b) Any change in temperature or pH can change the
shape of an enzyme, by causing the protein chain
b) Above the optimum the shape of the enzyme to alter the way it is folded and twisted. As its
protein begins to change and be distorted. The shape changes, its ability to “fit” the substrate will
substrate(s) no longer fit the enzyme perfectly, and change too. Thus each enzyme only works fully
activity declines rapidly. within relatively narrow ranges of temperature and
pH.
3. graph
2.
Activity

4. At the optimum pH the a) The values in the 3rd column should be:
shape of the enzyme is a Reaction Rate (min-1)
perfect “lock & key” shape to 0.25
fit the substrate, so activity is 0.5
at a maximum. 1.0
pH
5.0
0.4
5. At pH’s either side of optimum the shape of the 0.1
enzyme changes so that the “fit” with the substrate (These values are calulated as 1/time taken)
is no longer perfect, so activity declines.
b) graph Reaction Rate v Temp. Graph

c) No.
Reaction Rate (1/min)

The graph shows

5

that at human
4

body temp. (37C)

the enzyme’s
3

activity is close to
zero. This enzyme
2

would NOT
1

function in a
human body.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Temperature (oC)

Bio Mod.1 “Cells...” Worksheets page 11 Inspection Copy for school evaluation
copyright © 2005-17 KEEP IT SIMPLE SCIENCE only. Copying NOT permitted.
www.keepitsimplescience.com.au