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Cell Theory Lab Exploration

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Cell Theory Lab Exploration

A research team is evaluating evidence about cells in three samples. Use the data and your knowledge of cell theory to make a careful scientific claim. Answer all questions; use evidence from the case file where asked.

Case File: Three Samples

Sample A is a thin leaf section. Under a microscope, researchers see many box-shaped units with boundaries, green chloroplasts, and darker bodies inside. Sample B is a cheek-cell smear. Researchers see many irregularly shaped units, each with a boundary and a darker body; no chloroplasts are seen. Sample C is a drop of pond water. Researchers observe single microscopic organisms with boundaries and darker bodies. After several hours, some appear to divide into two.

Interpret the Evidence

Apply the three core claims of cell theory: all living things are made of one or more cells; the cell is the basic unit of structure and function; and all cells come from pre-existing cells.

1.Which sample provides the clearest direct evidence that a single-celled organism can reproduce by cell division? Choose one and cite the observation that supports your choice.

2.Which claim of cell theory is most directly supported by the leaf and cheek samples containing many repeated cell units?

All living things are made of one or more cells.
All cells come from pre-existing cells.
Cells do not share any structures.
Only plants are made of cells.

3.Identify two structures reported in both the leaf and cheek cells, and one structure reported only in the leaf cells.

4.A student concludes, “Cheek cells have no chloroplasts, so they are not cells.” Evaluate this conclusion using evidence from the case file.

5.Complete the statement: The cell is the basic unit of and in living organisms.

6.A pond-water organism is observed dividing into two. Explain how this observation supports the third claim of cell theory.

7.A researcher finds a tiny organism but has not yet established whether it is made of cells. Name one observation or test that would help assess whether it fits cell theory, and state what result would support the theory.

8.Mark each statement True or False: (a) A single-celled organism is made of one cell. (b) Cell theory states that cells spontaneously appear from nonliving material. (c) Plant and animal cells can share structures while differing in others.

TrueFalse

9.The case file reports observations, but gives no information about how the samples were collected or whether instruments were calibrated. State one limitation and one improvement that would make the investigation more reliable.

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7th Grade

Cell Theory Lab Exploration

Cell Theory Lab Exploration

Case File: Three Samples

Interpret the Evidence

2 printable pages

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Print-Ready

AI-Generated

For Teachers & Parents

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

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