Cells, Disease and Ecology: Living Systems
Cells, Disease and Ecology: Living Systems
Lesson duration is: 60 minItems in this lesson
Cells, Disease and Ecology: Living Systems
What do you already know about how living things are organised?
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson you will understand cell structure, cell division, diseases, inheritance, evolution and ecology in living organisms.
What is Biology?
Biology is the study of living things and how they function, grow and interact with their environment.
Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
All living things are made up of cells. Cells are the smallest unit of life.
Microscopy: Seeing Cells
Microscopes help us see small cells. We can learn about structure and detail not visible to the naked eye.
Cell Structures
Animal and plant cells have different parts, each with a special job, like the nucleus, cell membrane and chloroplasts.
Osmosis
Osmosis is the movement of water across a cell membrane from an area of high to low concentration.
Cell Transport
Cells need to move substances in and out. Transport processes include diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
Cell Division
Cells divide to grow and replace old cells. Mitosis is the process where cells make identical copies.
Why Do Cells Divide?
Cell division helps organisms grow, heal injuries and reproduce.
What Are Communicable Diseases?
Communicable diseases are caused by pathogens like bacteria and viruses. These diseases can spread from one person to another.
Preventing Disease
Vaccinations and good hygiene help prevent the spread of diseases.
Non-Communicable Diseases
Some diseases like diabetes and cancer are not caused by pathogens. They are called non-communicable diseases.
How Do We Treat Diseases?
Treatments can include medicines, surgery, healthy lifestyle changes and prevention measures.
Reproduction
Living things reproduce in two main ways: sexually (two parents) and asexually (one parent).
Variation and Evolution
Variation makes individuals different. Evolution is the change in species over time due to natural selection.
Genetics
Genetics is the study of how living things inherit features from their parents through genes.
Adaptation
Animals and plants adapt to their environment. Adaptations help them survive and reproduce.
Interdependence in Nature
Living things depend on each other and their environment for their needs. This creates balanced ecosystems.
Competition in Ecosystems
Organisms often compete for resources such as food, water and space in their environment.
Field Investigations
Field investigations help us understand ecosystems and the impact humans have on the environment.
Fieldwork is studying biology outdoors. We can observe and measure plants and animals in their natural habitats.
Why is it Important?
What is Fieldwork?
Summary
We have explored cell structure, disease, inheritance, evolution and ecology. These topics show how living things are connected and adapt to their world.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
