Log in
Sign up for FREE
arrow_back
Library

AGHS - CP Bio - Agar Cube Lab

star
star
star
star
star
Last updated over 5 years ago
13 questions
Note from the author:
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
3
why cells are small a virtual lab

Agar Cube Lab

The goal of this lab is to get you thinking about cell sizes and why cells are limited in how large they can grow. To link it to the cell cycle, you're going to explain WHY cells that move out of G1 are committed to completing the cell cycle and MUST divide!
PART 1- AGAR CUBE LAB OBSERVATIONS AND CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
Question 1
1.

Question 2
2.

Question 3
3.

Question 4
4.

Question 5
5.

Question 6
6.

Question 7
7.

Question 8
8.

Question 9
9.

In your own words, explain why a cell that has compelted the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle MUST continue through the M-phase in order to function properly.

PART 2- AGAR CUBE LAB EXPLAINED
You deserve to hear the entire explanation about the results of this lab. To do so, check out this video by Mr. W (yes the man who brought you the world's catchiest biology jam "Glycolysis!"). Don't worry he won't serenade you this time :-)
If you want to change any of your answers above feel free to since Mr. W discussed all of the science !
Question 10
10.

Question 11
11.

PART 3- APPLYING SURFACE AREA TO VOLUME RATIOS TO REAL LIFE
The concept of high surface area to volume ratios isn't helpful just for cells! It is emplyed by many species in the animal kingdom too! Here are some real life applications of the concept explained above as well as some examples of when have low surface area to volume ratios can be beneficial!
Question 12
12.

Question 13
13.

These are not the only examples organisms using the idea of high surface area to volume ratios. There are MANY more!

Think of, or research to find, ONE new example of a living organism that uses having a high amount of surface area and a lower amount of volume to increase its efficiency. Be sure to identify the organism as well as the benefit of the adaptation. There are others in your human body and many more on the tree of life. You can use plants too! No credit will be given for repeating information that was included in the Mr. W videos!

After cells exit G1 and move through S and G2, what happens to the size or volume of a cell?
it increases
it decreases
it remains the same
In the video demonstration the lab, the cubes were made using a chemical indicator that turns pink when a substance's pH is basic or alkaline.

Based on this information, what could the pH of the agar cubes have been at the start of the lab?
7
4
11
In the video demonstration the lab, the cubes were submerged in a acidic solution made by mixing vinegar and water. As the solution diffused into the cubes it turned them clear indicating the pH of the cubes had changed and became more acidic.

Based on this information, what could the pH of the agar cubes have been at the end of the lab?
11
7
4
What happened to the smallest cube by the end of the video?
it had turned completely clear
it stayed partially pink
it remained completely pink
Why did this happen?
the solution partly diffused into the smallest cube
the solution could not diffuse into the smallest cube
the solution diffused completely into the smallest cube
This lab is a model of cells obtaining the materials they need from their surrounding environment so what do the results indicate? Select all that are true!
The mateials or wastes that cells need to release could exit from the smallest cell, allowing it to function the most efficeintly.
The materials could only be moved into the cells across their membranes via active transport
The materials needed by cells could get to all parts of the smallest cell, allowing it to function the most efficeintly.
What happened to the larger cubes by the end of the video?
they stayed partially pink
they remained completely pink
they turned completely clear
What would likely happen to these "cells" using the knowledge you showed in question 6?
the cells wouldn't function as efficiently and could die
the cells would function just as well as the smaller cells
What MUST be true about the surface area to volume ratios in living organisms to increase their efficiency?
they need a high surface area to volume ratio
they need an equal amount of surface area to volume
they need a high volume to surface area ratio
We always think that cells are small but neurons/nerve cells can be over one meter long! These lengthy cells are in the nerves that run down the back of your leg and allow you to flex your feet! What must be true about them to permit them to be so long?
the nerves must be wide wide
the nerves die off but are replaced by cell division
the nerves must not rely on passive transport for survival
the nerves must be thin
Organize the animal example given in the video to the type of surface area to volume ratio it uses.
temperature regulation of elephants using large, flat ears
humans pulling their arms in close to their core when they're cold
diffusion of oxygen into and carbon dioxide out of flatworms
the cells that line your small intestines have many tiny projections called microvilli to help you absorb nutrients
whales are large in size to prevent heat loss
having a high amount of surface area compared to volume is helpful in these examples
having a low amount of surface area compared to volume is helpful in these examples