St Brendan’s Sixth Form College – Pre-enrolment Task
In order to give you a brief introduction to Biology and an indication of what it will be like to
study this course for the next two years we would like you to complete a pre-enrolment task.
The details are as shown below:
Subject: Biology (both A-level and BTEC Applied Biology)
Task Details:
Complete the work detailed in the tasks below. It will involve researching the structure
and function of cells and their components, being able to identify and correctly draw
different types of cells and know the key differences between them.
When should the task be submitted?
In the first Biology lesson. A-level students will be tested on this during the first week
at college, and as such this will form part of your revision notes. For BTEC students this
will be used in the completion of your first assessment.
In what format should the task be submitted?
Task 1 should be typed, and printed out. Task 2 can be completed on the worksheet
once printed. Task 3 diagrams must be hand drawn following the guidelines on plain
A4 paper. Task 4 should also be typed into a table, and printed out. Please ensure all
pages are secured together and your name is clearly printed on the front page.
What it I need further help?
Please do not be concerned if you are unable to answer all questions or have queries
you would like answered. If you would like further assistance during the summer
period please email [email protected] stating clearly the subject and your query. You
are also welcome to ask subject teachers for help during the enrolment process
Year 1 BIOLOGY
The ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells and the functions of
the different cellular components
Complete the following tasks:
Task 1. Write definitions for the following keywords and give a named example for
each one: organelle, cell, tissue, organ and organ system, eukaryotic, prokaryotic
Task 2. You should be able to demonstrate and apply your knowledge and
understanding of the structure and function of many cellular components: nucleus,
nucleolus, nuclear envelope, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER and
smooth ER), Golgi apparatus, ribosomes, mitochondria, lysosomes, chloroplasts, plasma
membrane, centrioles, cell wall, flagella and cilia.
This task requires you to research a number of cell organelles and match the name of the
organelle to their structural features and functions.
(a) Match the boxes with the organelle names to the boxes in the second column (structure)
and third column (function). The boxes should be either numbered or colour coded
1.
Nucleus
Flattened sacs that bud into
vesicles
Synthesises and transports
proteins
2.
Mitochondria
Double membrane with pores
Protein synthesis
3.
Cell-surface
membrane
Small vesicles
Modifies proteins, sorts
substances for secretion
4.
Golgi apparatus
Double membrane, free DNA
and thylakoid membranes
Contains chlorophyll for
photosynthesis
5.
Lysosomes
Thin, flattened sacs with many
vesicles
Synthesises, stores and
transports lipids and
carbohydrates
6.
Ribosomes
Double membrane, free DNA
and folded inner cristae
Secretes harmful enzymes out
of the cell
7.
Rough ER
Thin, flattened sacs coated in
ribosomes
Stores salts and sugars and
maintains turgidity
8.
Smooth ER
Large sac of liquid
Provides protection and
support
9.
Vacuole
Two subunits of RNA and small
protein
Respire to produce ATP
10.
Chloroplasts
Rigid cellulose / chitin
polymers
Has envelope, stores genetic
information in nucleolus
11.
Cell wall
Phospholipid bilayer with
embedded proteins
Controls movement of
substances into and out of the
cell
(b) Using the organelle names from part (a), label the following diagram. Label lines
should be drawn using a sharp pencil and ruler and should not cross over one another.
Label lines should start exactly at the structure being labelled; don’t use arrowheads
Task 3. An important and useful skill in Biology is the ability to draw, label and
annotate biological specimens. Research cell ultrastructure and then complete two
biological drawings, one of an animal cell and one of a bacterial cell. Using a similar format
to the diagram above, use a sharp HB pencil to draw and label these two cells, each should
be at least half an A4 page in size. You should use clear continuous lines and no shading.
Add annotations next to your labels with information about structure and function of the
main cellular components.
Task 4. You need to know the similarities and differences in the structure and
ultrastructure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Using the information from your
research and the previous three tasks design a table showing the key similarities and
differences between a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.
Sources:
http://www.cellsalive.com
www.biologymad.com/asbiology.htm
http://www.biozone.co.uk/biolinks/cell-biology/
http://www.biologyguide.net/cells/ultrastructure.htm