Worksheet : Cells and Microorganisms
Distinguish between eukaryote and prokaryotic cell. Label the structures and
write the main function of each structure
Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell by using a “Venn”
diagram.
Homework
Complete the table below. State Yes if related and No if it is not related
Bacterial Cell Animal Cell Plant Cell
Cell Membrane
Ribosome
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Nucleolus
Nucleus
DNA
Cell Wall
Prokaryotic
Eukaryotic
Read the following paragraph and answer the question
The first cells to appear on Earth were prokaryotic cells. A prokaryote is an
organism made of a single prokaryotic cell. The earliest prokaryotes may
have arisen more than 2.5 billion years ago. Bacteria are prokaryotes. They
are very small cells with a simple structure. Prokaryotes do not have a
nucleus. This means that their DNA is not enclosed in a membrane inside
the cell. Instead, prokaryotes have a single loop of DNA that floats in the
cell’s cytoplasm. Protein-making bodies called ribosomes also form part of
the cytoplasm. Like all cells, prokaryotes have a cell membrane. All
prokaryotes also have a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane. The cell
wall helps provide support and protection for the cell. Some prokaryotes are
enclosed by an additional layer. This layer is called the capsule. The capsule
has a sticky surface area, so it allows prokaryotes to cling to surfaces, such
as your skin and your teeth.
Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells. They all have
a cell membrane, ribosomes, and DNA as prokaryotic cells do. However, the
DNA of eukaryotic cells does not float freely in the cytoplasm. Instead, it is
found in the nucleus, an internal compartment bound by a cell membrane.
The nucleus is one kind of organelle found in eukaryotic cells. Organelles
are structures that perform specific functions. Most organelles are
surrounded by a membrane. Some organelles have membranes that form
channels which help transport substances from one part of the cell to another
part of the cell.
Eukaryotes are organisms made of one or more eukaryotic cells. The
earliest eukaryotes, like the first prokaryotes, were single-celled organisms.
They arose about 1 billion years later than the earliest prokaryotes. Later,
multicellular eukaryotes arose. Every type of multicellular organism that
exists is made up of eukaryotic cells.
1. What is a prokaryote, and when did prokaryotes arise?
2. Describe three main features inside a prokaryotic cell.
3. What is a eukaryote, and when did eukaryotes first arise?