Classwork: Cell structure and classification

Group
no._________Name________________________________________ID_____________
_
All cells are classified as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells do not
contain a nucleus, while eukaryotic cell do. Only bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes, all
other organisms are eukaryotes. Prokaryotes also do not have the membrane bound
organelles found in eukaryotes. Organelles are small membranous bodies, each with a
specific structure and function. Prokaryotes do have cytoplasm, which is the material
bounded by a plasma membrane. The cytoplasm contains ribosomes, small granules that
carry out protein synthesis; thylakoids (only in cyanobacteria) that participate in
photosynthesis; and enzymes. Prokaryotes have a nucleoid region which is a chromosome
composed largely of DNA.
Eukaryotic cells include animal cells and plant cells. The nucleus in a eukaryotic cell is
bound by a nuclear envelope and contains nucleoplasm. The cytoplasm, found between
the plasma membrane and the nucleus, consists of fluid filled with organelles. Many of the
organelles are separated from the surrounding cytoplasm by a membrane. Not all of the
organelles found in plant cells are found in animal cells and vice versa.
Materials:

Copy of the activity, one per student

Computer
http://www.wiley.com/legacy/college/boyer/0470003790/animations/cell_structure/c
ell_structure.htm
If you cannot access this site directly, do a Google or Bing search for cell
animations, then click on to concepts in biochemistry interactive.
Colored pencils or pen and pencil

Instructions:
1. Use your computer to access the website given by your teacher to answer the
following questions.
2. Turn in your activity via discussion board

Part A: Prokaryotic cells

1. Using the animation, write the different cell components found in prokaryotic cells
and mention their function.
Celular
component or
organelle

function

Cell Wall

Protects against mechanical and hypertonic stress.

Pili

Assist in adhesion and sexual conjugation.

Nucleoid Region

Storage of genetic information, the site of DNA replication.

Mesosome

Permeable boundary that allos for entry and exit of nutrients and
waste, and may play a role in DNA replication.

Cytoplasms

The region where many metabolic reactions occur

Flagella

Assist in movement and may play a role in sexual conjugation

Ribosomes

The sytes of protein synthesis

2. Draw and label the prokaryotic cell using all the cellular components found in the
above chart. This can be done by scanning your picture and pasting it in the
space provided.

Part B: Animal cells

1. Using the animation, write the different cell components or organelles found in
animal cells and mention their function.
Celular
component or
organelle

function

Cell Membrane

Selectively permeable boundary for entry and exit of nutrients and

waste where some important enzyme activity is found.

Cytplasm

Privides shape to cell, region where many metabolic reactions occur.

Peroxisome

Oxidative metablolism of nutrients using oxygen to generate water

Lysosome

Metabolism of materials ingested by endocytosis.

Smooth
Endoplasmic
Reticulum

Transport system for liquids and nutriens in the cell

Mitochondria

Site of energy metabolism and synthesis of high energy ATP.

Golgi Apparatus

Resonsible for the secretion of waste products from the cell.

Rough
endoplasmic
reticulum

Surface on which ribosomes bind for protein synthesis.

Nucleus

Storage site of genetic information, the site of DNA replication and its
transcription to RNA.

3. Draw and label the animal cell using all the cellular components found in the above
chart. This can be done by scanning your picture and pasting it in the space
provided.

Part C: Plant cell

1. Using the animation, write the different cell components found in plant cells and
mention their function.
Celular
component or
organelle

function

Cell Wall

Selectively permeable boundary for entry and exit of nutrients and

waste where some important enzyme activity is found.

Vacuole

Storage of nutrients and water

Nucleus

Storage site of genetic information, the site of DNA replication and its
transcription to RNA.

Chloroplast

Site of photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy

(ATP).

Smooth
Endoplasmic
Reticulum

Transport system for liquids and nutrients in the cell.

Mitochondria

Site of energy metablolism and synthesis of high energy ATP.

Glyoxysomes

Vesicles found in the cytoplasm that carry out certain enzymatic

reactions.

Rough
Endoplasmic
Reticulum

Surface on which ribosomes bind for protein synthesis.

Gogli Aparatus

Resonsible for the secretion of waste products from the cell.

Ribosomes

The sytes of protein synthesis.

4. Draw and label the plant cell using all the cellular components found in the above
chart. This can be done by scanning your picture and pasting it in the space
provided.

Analysis Questions:
1. What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
The difference between these two cells is that the eukaryotic cells contain a
nucleus and the prokaryotic cell does not.
2. Which types of cells are prokaryotic?
Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus. (Bacteria)
3. Which types of cells are eukaryotic?
Eukaryotic cells are the cells with a nucleus and organized organelles. (Plant and
Animal)
4. What organelles do plants cells have that animal cells dont?
Plant cells contain a vacuole, cell chloroplasts and a cell wall that animal cells do
not contain.
5. What organelles do animal cells have that plant cells dont?
Animal cells contain cell membranes, lysosomes, peroxisomes and a cytoplasm
that plant cells does not contain.

Evaluation
Criteria

Part A

Student completed
the chart, and drew
the prokaryotic cell
correcty

Student completed
the chart and the
drawing, but with
errors

Student did not

complete the chart
or the drawing

Part B

Student completed
the chart, and drew
the animal cell
correcty

Student completed
the chart and the
drawing, but with
errors

Student did not

complete the chart
or the drawing

Part C

Student completed
the chart, and drew
the plant cell
correcty

Student completed
the chart and the
drawing, but with
errors

Student did not

complete the chart
or the drawing

Analysis questions

Student answered
all 5 questions
correctly

Student answered
all 3-4 questions
correctly

Student answered
1-2 questions
correctly

Task completion

Student finished
the activity on time

Student did not

finish the activity
on time