Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unveiling Cell Size Key to Specialized Human Functions

Word Count Emoji
554 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Sperm cells - the swimmers of the micro world 🏊‍♂️

  • Size: 📏 Long at 50µm but super narrow. Tiny volume!
  • Why so slim? 🤔
    • The slim size cuts down resistance, helping the sperm swim towards the egg. Think of them as the super swimmers of the cellular world!
    • Real-world example: Think of a slim torpedo cutting through water. That's our sperm, always racing!

Egg cells - mother nature’s pantry 🥚

  • Size: 😮 A whopping 110µm in diameter! Almost like a mini world in there!
  • Why so big? 🤔
    • They’re storing food for the potential baby. Birds' eggs, in fact, store even MORE food as yolk.
    • Real-world example: Ever packed extra snacks for a long trip? That's what egg cells do but for the developing embryo!

Red blood cells - the oxygen deliverers 🩸

  • Size: 📏 6µm to 8µm in diameter. With a cool shape - indented like a donut but without the hole!
  • Why this shape? 🤔
    • It's all about getting through those teeny-tiny blood capillaries and providing oxygen ASAP!
    • Real-world example: Think of cars designed for tight, winding roads. They're nimble and efficient - just like our RBCs!

White blood cells - the body's warriors ⚔

  • Size: 📏 Starts at 10µm but can grow to 30µm when it's battle time!
  • Why the change? 🤔
    • When they're activated, they get ready to produce antibodies. So, they need space for the machinery (rER and Golgi apparatus) to make proteins.
    • Real-world example: Imagine a soldier packing more gear when heading to a big battle. That’s our WBC gearing up!

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IB Resources
Theme B - Form & Function
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme B - Form & Function

Unveiling Cell Size Key to Specialized Human Functions

Word Count Emoji
554 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Sperm cells - the swimmers of the micro world 🏊‍♂️

  • Size: 📏 Long at 50µm but super narrow. Tiny volume!
  • Why so slim? 🤔
    • The slim size cuts down resistance, helping the sperm swim towards the egg. Think of them as the super swimmers of the cellular world!
    • Real-world example: Think of a slim torpedo cutting through water. That's our sperm, always racing!

Egg cells - mother nature’s pantry 🥚

  • Size: 😮 A whopping 110µm in diameter! Almost like a mini world in there!
  • Why so big? 🤔
    • They’re storing food for the potential baby. Birds' eggs, in fact, store even MORE food as yolk.
    • Real-world example: Ever packed extra snacks for a long trip? That's what egg cells do but for the developing embryo!

Red blood cells - the oxygen deliverers 🩸

  • Size: 📏 6µm to 8µm in diameter. With a cool shape - indented like a donut but without the hole!
  • Why this shape? 🤔
    • It's all about getting through those teeny-tiny blood capillaries and providing oxygen ASAP!
    • Real-world example: Think of cars designed for tight, winding roads. They're nimble and efficient - just like our RBCs!

White blood cells - the body's warriors ⚔

  • Size: 📏 Starts at 10µm but can grow to 30µm when it's battle time!
  • Why the change? 🤔
    • When they're activated, they get ready to produce antibodies. So, they need space for the machinery (rER and Golgi apparatus) to make proteins.
    • Real-world example: Imagine a soldier packing more gear when heading to a big battle. That’s our WBC gearing up!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟