Unit of Life

Duration: 33

Year Published: 1960

Creator: Norman McLaren

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Description: Defines biology and in answering what is meant by the term "living" explains characteristics common to all life; and continues with a description of the discovery and characteristics of the basic unit of life--the cell. Explains the scientific method of investigating and exhibits examples of organisms and non-organisms. Lists activities of an organism as: responsiveness, movement, growth, and metabolism. Covers the cell principle "all organisms are composed of one or more cells" and the principle of biogenesis. Shows that cells differ in size and shape through photomicrographs and a view of an ostrich egg. Summarizes that one cell may carry on all the functions of a complete organism in a unicellular plant or animal, or may function with other cells in a more complex multicellular organism.