Background
(Includes information extracted from: Campbell Biology 9th Edition Textbook)
In life's structural hierarchy, the cell has a special place as the lowest level of organisation that can perform all activities required for life. All cells share certain characteristics. For example, every cell is enclosed by a membrane that regulates the passage of materials between the cell and its surroundings. And every cell uses DNA as its genetic information.Â
However, we can distinguish between two main forms of cells: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. The cells of two groups of microorganisms, called bacteria (singular, bacterium) and archaea (singular, archaean), are prokaryotic. All other forms of life, including plants and animals, are composed of eukaryotic cells.
Task
Your task is to find out more about Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells by accessing the resources below:
A) Read page 4 of Pre-Tutorial Handout to find out more about prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
B) Watch the video below for a brief overview of the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
C) Cell Models of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cell Types: Interactive animations which provide graphic roadmaps to the organisation of the different cell types which cover Eukaryotic Cells (Animal and Plant Cells) and Prokaryotic Cells). Animations also cover functions of the respective organelles found in each cell type.
D) After viewing the resources provided, students should attempt to complete page 5 of the Pre-Tutorial Handout which looks at the similarities and differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells as well as Page 7 which looks at similarities and differences between Animal and Plant Cells.
Once you have gone through the links and videos on this page, click on Techniques Used to Study Cells found on the navigation sidebar to move onto the next segment.