Cell Celebration!
Figure 1. A chemical and biological engineer develops new antibiotics.Copyright National Aeronautics and Space Administration http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2002/29mar_antibiotics/
Students use the hands on associated activity to look at the components of cells and their functions. The lesson focuses on the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Each part of the cell performs a specific function that is vital for the cell's survival. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that are very important to engineering. Engineers use bacteria to break down toxic materials in a process called bioremediation, and they also disable or kill harmful bacteria through disinfection.
Engineers rely on their knowledge of cellular function to control the growth of microorganisms. For example, engineers design systems to remove harmful bacteria commonly found in drinking water. Engineers use their knowledge of cells to make products that offer strong protection against harmful bacteria and also enhance the growth of beneficial bacteria. Soap is an example of a product that offers protection from harmful bacteria. The cell membrane, the protective layer surrounding a cell, is made of fat layers. If the cell membrane is broken, then the cell dies. This is why soaps, which break up fats and the fatty layers, can kill bacteria. Thus, soap is an engineered product that was made for a specific purpose (solving the problem of dirty, contaminated "things"), but is widely used for a multitude of applications.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- List examples of how engineers use cells to keep people and the environment safe and healthy.