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Little Girl Lost

A Case Study on Defective Cellular Organelles

By Tracie Y. Hudson

Little Girl Lost


 

Abstract

This case study introduces students to the structure and function of cellular organelles and seeks to show their importance by discussing diseases and disorders that can result when an organelle does not function as it should. The storyline follows a family whose joy at bringing home a new baby is soon altered by their child's sudden illness, which is eventually diagnosed as Leigh Disease. This disease occurs when defective mitochondria fail to produce energy needed by the cell, particularly affecting cells with high-energy needs like those in the brain, muscle, and gastrointestinal tract. The narrative also discusses some of the ways in which Leigh disease is inherited, treatment options, and the typical prognosis. The case was designed for an introductory non-majors biology course, but could also be used in other science or health related courses. Instructors also have the option of running the case in a "flipped classroom" in which students watch three recommended videos outside of class as a way of preparing for working on the case in class.

   

Date Posted

07/08/2015

Overview

Objectives

  • Define the term organelle.
  • List the key organelles found in animal cells.
  • Describe the functions of animal cell organelles.
  • Map other disorders and syndromes to the appropriate defective organelles.
  • Describe Leigh Syndrome as well as other disorders and syndromes linked to defective cellular organelles.
  • Compare and contrast cellular structure and function to that of a factory.
  • Create analogies to aid in understanding and remembering the function of cellular organelles.

Keywords

Organelles; cellular structure; inheritance; plant cells; animal cells; failure to thrive; Leigh Disease; mitochondria; mitochondrial disease; autosomal recessive mutation

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Cell Biology
Genetics / Heredity
Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division, General public & informal education

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

N/A

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Flipped, Interrupted

 

 

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