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Study Guide - Topic 2 Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell

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4 views

Study Guide - Topic 2 Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell

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charidellozano19
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Study Guide: Comparing and Contrasting Prokaryotic, Plant, and

Animal Cells

I. Overview
Cells are the fundamental units of life. They can be broadly categorized into
prokaryotic cells (simple and unicellular) and eukaryotic cells (complex
and multicellular or unicellular, like plant and animal cells). This guide
focuses on similarities and differences between these three types.

II. Key Similarities


1. Common Features in All Cells
 Cell Membrane: All cells have a plasma membrane to regulate the
movement of substances.
 Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance where cellular components are
suspended.
 Ribosomes: Organelles responsible for protein synthesis.
 Genetic Material: DNA stores genetic information, although its
location differs.

III. Key Differences


1. Structure and Complexity
Feature Prokaryotic Cells Plant Cells Animal Cells
Size Small (1-10 µm) Larger (10-100 µm) Larger (10-30 µm)
No nucleus (DNA in
Nucleus True nucleus True nucleus
nucleoid region)
Few/no membrane- Many membrane- Many membrane-
Organelles
bound organelles bound organelles bound organelles
Cell Wall Present (made of Present (cellulose) Absent
peptidoglycan in
Feature Prokaryotic Cells Plant Cells Animal Cells
bacteria)
Varied (cocci, bacilli, Fixed (rectangular Varied (often round
Shape
spirilla) or square-like) or irregular)

2. Energy Production
Feature Prokaryotic Cells Plant Cells Animal Cells
Cytoplasmic
Energy Mitochondria and
processes like Mitochondria
Conversion chloroplasts
glycolysis
Some (e.g.,
Photosynthesis Yes (chloroplasts) No
cyanobacteria)

3. Structural Support
Animal
Feature Prokaryotic Cells Plant Cells
Cells
Cytoskeleton Simple Complex Complex
Yes (in most, except archaea Yes (rigid, made of
Cell Wall No
and mycoplasma) cellulose)

4. Genetic Material
Feature Prokaryotic Cells Plant Cells Animal Cells
Linear Linear
DNA Single circular DNA
chromosomes in a chromosomes in a
Organization molecule
nucleus nucleus
Often present
Plasmids (extra-chromosomal Absent Absent
DNA)
5. Division and Reproduction
Feature Prokaryotic Cells Plant Cells Animal Cells
Cell Division Binary fission Mitosis (asexual) Mitosis (asexual)
Asexual (binary Sexual or
Reproduction Sexual or asexual
fission) asexual

6. Specialized Structures
Prokaryotic
Feature Plant Cells Animal Cells
Cells
Simple, rigid, Sometimes present
Flagella Rare
rotary motion (sperm cells)
Sometimes present
Cilia Absent Absent (e.g., respiratory
cells)
Vacuoles Small or absent Large central vacuole Small or absent
Present (for
Chloroplasts Absent Absent
photosynthesis)
Present (for
Rare (lysosome-like
Lysosomes Absent digestion and waste
structures exist)
removal)

IV. Key Points of Comparison


1. Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells (General)
 Prokaryotes are simpler, lack a nucleus, and have minimal
compartmentalization.
 Eukaryotes are larger, complex, and contain organelles such as the
nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
2. Plant vs. Animal Cells (Eukaryotes)
 Unique to Plant Cells:
o Cell wall (rigid, cellulose)
o Chloroplasts (photosynthesis)
o Large central vacuole (storage and turgor pressure)
 Unique to Animal Cells:
o Centrioles (cell division)
o Lysosomes (digestion)
o Flexible shape (no rigid cell wall)

V. Practice Questions
1. How does the absence of membrane-bound organelles in
prokaryotes affect their cellular processes?
2. Why do plant cells require chloroplasts and animal cells do not?
3. Describe the structural differences in DNA between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells.
4. Explain the significance of the large central vacuole in plant cells.

VI. Study Tips


1. Diagrams: Draw labeled diagrams of prokaryotic, plant, and animal
cells to visualize structures.
2. Charts and Tables: Use comparison tables for quick review.
3. Mnemonics: For example, "Plants Have Walls" (cell wall) or "Animal
Cells Like Lysosomes."
4. Relate Functions: Think about how cell structures relate to the
organism's needs (e.g., chloroplasts for sunlight energy in plants).
Study Guide: Relating Macroscopic Biological Functions to the Main
Cell Organelles

I. Overview
Biological functions at the macroscopic level (organismal level) depend on the
coordinated activities of cells and their organelles. Each organelle contributes to a
specific cellular task, which collectively supports the survival and functioning of the
organism.

II. Key Organelles and Their Functions


Below is a table relating macroscopic biological functions to the primary roles of cell
organelles:
Macroscopic
Cellular Function Organelle Responsible
Function

Converts nutrients into usable


Energy Production Mitochondria
energy (ATP).

Nutrient Breaks down macromolecules Lysosomes (digestion),


Absorption into smaller molecules. Plasma Membrane (transport)

Transport and exchange of gases Plasma Membrane (diffusion),


Gas Exchange
like O₂ and CO₂. Cytoplasm

Movement Facilitates cell and organism Cytoskeleton (microtubules,


(Locomotion) movement. actin filaments), Cilia/Flagella

Growth and Synthesizes macromolecules, Nucleus (DNA), Ribosomes,


Development replicates DNA, and divides cells. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Lysosomes, Peroxisomes,
Waste Removal Removes cellular waste products.
Plasma Membrane

Recognizes and destroys foreign Plasma Membrane


Immune Defense
material. (receptors), Lysosomes

Plasma Membrane
Sends and receives chemical or
Communication (receptors), Golgi Apparatus
electrical signals.
(vesicles)

Produces gametes or replicates Nucleus, Centrioles (spindle


Reproduction
cells. formation)
Macroscopic
Cellular Function Organelle Responsible
Function

Breaks down toxins and harmful


Detoxification Smooth ER, Peroxisomes
substances.

III. Macroscopic Examples Linked to Cellular Functions


1. Energy Production and Physical Activity
 Macroscopic Process: Running or exercise.
 Cellular Basis: Mitochondria generate ATP via cellular respiration to power
muscle contractions.
2. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
 Macroscopic Process: Breaking down food in the digestive system.
 Cellular Basis: Lysosomes in intestinal cells break down absorbed nutrients for
cellular use.
3. Respiration and Gas Exchange
 Macroscopic Process: Breathing and transporting oxygen.
 Cellular Basis: Oxygen diffuses across the plasma membrane into mitochondria
for energy production.
4. Immune Response
 Macroscopic Process: Fighting infection.
 Cellular Basis: White blood cells use lysosomes to destroy pathogens.
5. Reproductive Function
 Macroscopic Process: Fertilization and embryonic development.
 Cellular Basis: Sperm uses flagella for mobility, and the nucleus directs cell
division after fertilization.

IV. Organelles as "Factories"


 Nucleus = Control center, managing instructions for all cell activities.
 Ribosomes = Protein factories, synthesizing essential molecules.
 Golgi Apparatus = Packaging and distribution center for proteins and lipids.
 Lysosomes = Recycling and waste management.
 Mitochondria = Power plants of the cell.

V. Practice Questions
1. Which organelle is primarily responsible for providing energy to cells, and how
does this relate to physical activity?
2. How do lysosomes contribute to nutrient absorption in the digestive system?
3. Explain how the cytoskeleton is involved in the movement of an organism.
4. Relate the function of the nucleus to growth and development in an organism.

VI. Study Tips


1. Visualize Connections: Use diagrams to map macroscopic processes to
organelles.
2. Analogies: Think of organelles as parts of a factory, with each having a specific
role.
3. Practice Relating Functions: For each macroscopic function, identify the
organelle involved and describe how it contributes.
4. Use Mnemonics: Create memory aids to recall organelle functions (e.g., Mighty
Mitochondria for energy).

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