This week is all about the smallest components of life: atoms, molecules, and cells. In this discussion topic, we concentrate on cells. To begin, watch the Khan Academy video “Introduction to the cell” found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KfHxF6Vhps and then address the following questions.

• In the video, the narrator says that we might think that since cells are so small, that they must be simple, but “nothing could be further from the truth.” Give a few examples to illustrate the internal complexity of cells.
• Did anything in this video surprise you, or was it mainly a recap of material you already knew?

Part 2: Respond to a Peer

Read a post by one of your peers and respond, making sure to extend the conversation by asking questions, offering rich ideas, or sharing personal connections.

A few examples of the internal complexity of cells are as following:

The example given in the video was a buddying yeast cell; it has many layers/structures. Although all cells have a membrane –that separated the cells from the outside environment.

Inside the cells, you have cytoplasm – protoplasm within a living cell excluding the nucleus.

Ribosomes- all cells have – main function is to produce protein.

Genetic information – stored in cell as DNA

Cells have so many structures that cannot be seen that transport and move things around.

B. Seeing that Biology has never been my strong point, all of this information was surprising. However, I found it to be interesting and I look forward to learning more.”