Activity 1

Compare & Contrast: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

1. Prokaryotic Cell (Bacteria)

• No nucleus
• DNA floats in the cell (called nucleoid)
• No membrane-bound organelles
• Has cell wall, cytoplasm, plasma membrane
• May have pili and flagella for movement

2. Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and many membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, ER, and Golgi.

A. 

Human Skin Cell (Animal Cell)

• No cell wall
• Has nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, Golgi, etc.
• Flexible shape
• No chloroplasts

B. 

Plant Cell

• Has a cell wall
• Contains chloroplasts (for photosynthesis)
• Has a large central vacuole
• Has nucleus and other organelles

C. 

Yeast Cell (Fungus)

• Single-celled eukaryote
• Has nucleus
• Has a cell wall, but no chloroplasts
• Used in baking and fermentation

Main Differences to Highlight:

Bacteria vs. Eukaryotic Cells:

• No nucleus (bacteria) vs. nucleus present (eukaryotes)
• No organelles in bacteria
• Bacteria are smaller and simpler

Differences Among Eukaryotes:

• Animal cells have no cell wall or chloroplasts
• Plant cells have chloroplasts and a rigid cell wall
• Yeast has a cell wall but no chloroplasts