GENERAL BIOLOGY 1

NAME: DATE:
GRADE & SECTION: TEACHER:

ACTIVITY 1
A. The Cell and its Structures (10 points)

In this activity, you will identify the distinguishing structures of cells. Complete the table.

Structure Function Prokaryotes Plants Animals

Cell Surface
Cell wall Protects, support cell present present Absent
Isolate cell contents from the environment.
regulates the movement of materials into
Plasma membrane
and out of the cell; communicates with
other cells
Organization of Genetic Material
The membrane-bound container of
Nucleus
chromosomes
Encloses nucleus regulates the movement
Nuclear envelop absent present Present
of materials in and out of the nucleus
Nucleolus Synthesizes ribosomes absent present Present
Nucleoid Region of coiled chromosome
Plasmid A small ring of DNA
Cytoplasmic Structures
Mitochondria Produce energy by aerobic metabolism
Chloroplast Perform photosynthesis
Ribosomes Provide site of protein synthesis
Synthesizes membrane components
Endoplasmic Reticulum
and lipids
Modifies and packages proteins and lipids;
Golgi complex absent present Present
synthesizes carbohydrates
Lysosomes Contains cellular digestive enzymes absent present Present
Contains water and wastes; provide turgor
Central Vacuoles
pressure to support cell
Contain food obtained through Present
Other Vesicles and vacuoles absent Present
phagocytosis; contain secretory (some)
products
Gives shape and support to cell; positions
Cytoskeleton absent present Present
and moves cell parts
Move the cell through fluid or move fluid Absent
Cilia and flagella
past the cell surface (in most)

Answer the following questions: (5-10 sentences only.) (5 pts. each)

1. Compare and contrast 1 structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. How is this
difference impact their functions and abilities?

2. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can undergo reproduction, but the mechanisms differ
significantly. Compare and contrast the processes of binary fission and mitosis, highlighting their
similarities and differences.

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3. Discuss the role of cell size in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Why do prokaryotic cells tend to be
smaller than eukaryotic cells?

4. How does the presence of a nucleus in eukaryotic cells influence the regulation of genetic information
compared to prokaryotic cells, which lack a true nucleus?