To compare and contrast eukaryotes and prokaryotes. To compare and contrast animal and plant cells.
Learning objective:
Cells are the structural and functional units of all living things. Cells come in many shapes and sizes, and are composed of a variety of organelles that carry out specialized tasks. Cells are capable of reproduction, growth, and response to their environment.
Cells: The Basic Unit of Life
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms. There are two main types of cells, prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells, like those in plants and animals, have a nucleus and various organelles that perform specific functions within the cell.
Different Types of Cells
A prokaryotic cell is a type of cell that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. These cells are found in bacteria and archaea, and are often smaller and simpler in structure than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells have genetic material in the form of circular DNA, and can reproduce through binary fission.
Prokaryotic Cell
Bacteria are microscopic organisms that exist everywhere on earth. They can be harmful, causing infections and diseases, but some strains of bacteria are necessary for human health and play important roles in food production and environmental processes. Bacteria reproduce via asexual reproduction Bacteria often have different organelles that allow for there function and survival, like flagella that allow some bacteria to move
Bacteria
What is the difference between single celled and multicellular organisms?
What is the basic unit of life in all living organisms?
Work together in pairs: What is the primary structural difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?
The nucleus of a cell is made up of genetic material, also known as DNA, which is what determines the characteristics of the cell. Cells are able to communicate with one another by releasing chemicals known as hormones. Cells contain tiny structures called organelles, which are specialized to perform certain functions within the cell.
Did you know?
Cell Membrane: The cell membrane is a biological membrane that separates the interior of all cells from the outside environment. It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins. Cell Wall: The cell wall is a thick layer found on the outside of plant cells, bacteria cells, fungi cells, and some other eukaryotic cells. Its primary function is to provide structural support and protection for the cell. Cytoplasm: Cytoplasm is the material inside the cell membrane that contains the organelles and other cellular structures. It is a gel-like substance composed of proteins, water, salts, carbohydrates, and enzymes.
Concepts:
Which type of cell lacks a nucleus?
- Plant cell
- Eukaryotic cell
- Prokaryotic cell
'Plasma membrane' and 'cell membrane' are interchangeable terms. What is their function?
- To produce energy for the cell.
- To control what enters and exits the cell.
- To store genetic information.
Work together in pairs: What are three main structures found in most eukaryotic cells?
Plant cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose that acts as a protective layer and helps them maintain their shape. Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are the sites of photosynthesis and the production of food for the plant.
Plant Cells
Animal cells are made up of different organelles that work together to keep the cell functioning. Organelles include a nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and more. These cells are found in all multicellular organisms, such as plants and animals.
Animal Cells: An Introduction
Plant cells contain chloroplasts which are responsible for converting light into energy during photosynthesis. Animal cells have lysosomes which contain digestive enzymes that break down organic material. Plant cells have a cell wall which is composed of cellulose, a strong sugar molecule, while animal cells do not have a cell wall.
Did you know?
Animal cells contain structures called cilia, which are tiny hair-like projections that help the cell move. The nucleus of an animal cell is the only organelle that contains DNA. The plasma membrane of an animal cell is composed of lipids and proteins that regulate what enters and leaves the cell.
Did you know?
Brain break: Draw a smiling banana wearing a pair of boots and a bow tie.
Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, which are used to make food from sunlight. Animal cells lack a cell wall and chloroplasts, and must get food from other sources. Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus, cytoplasm, and other organelles.
Plant and Animal Cells
Name one difference between a plant cell and an animal cell?
Name the three main parts of a plant cell?
Name one difference between a plant cell and an animal cell?
What are some similarities between plant cells and animal cells?
Brain break: Draw an octopus melon slicing ninja.
Which of the following is a feature unique to plant cells?
- Mitochondria
- Cell wall
- Centrioles
What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?
- Photosynthesis
- Cellular respiration
- Protein synthesis
Which type of cell has a large, fluid-filled central vacuole?
- Animal cell
- Both
- Plant cell
Which type of cells lack membrane-bound organelles and nuclei?
- Both have membrane-bound organelles and nuclei
- Eukaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic Cells
What is the main function of lysosomes in animal cells?
- Photosynthesis
- Digestion and waste removal
- Energy production
'Ribosomes' are responsible for what process?
- Protein synthesis
- Cell respiration
- Photosynthesis
Which type(s) of cells have mitochondria for energy production?
- Both plant and animal cells
- Only animal cells
- Only plant cells
What would happen if plants did not have cell walls?
Do you think plant cells are more complex than animal cells?
What have you learned about plant cells?
How do plant cells work together to keep a plant alive?
Which type of cells contain a well-defined nucleus enclosed within a nuclear membrane?
- Eukaryotic cells
- Prokaryotic cells
- Animal cells
- Plant cells
What is the outermost layer of a plant cell called?
- Cell wall
- Nucleus
- Cytoplasm
Brain break: Draw a unicorn eating a banana split while balancing on a tightrope
What is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms?
Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell?
- Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Ribosome
- Mitochondria
- Nucleus
Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis in the cell?
- Golgi Apparatus
- Vacuole
- Ribosome
- Lysosome
What is the fluid-filled space that houses various cellular organelles called?
- Nucleolus
- Cell Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Cell Wall
Which organelle is responsible for producing energy in a cell?
- Mitochondria
- Nucleus
- Ribosome
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in a cell?
- Processing and packaging proteins
- Energy production
- Cellular respiration
Brain break: Draw a dinosaur playing a guitar and singing on stage
Which component of the cell provides shape, support, and protection?
- Cytoplasm
- Cell membrane
- Cell wall