General
Biology 1
12
Earth Science – Grade 12
Quarter 1 – Module 3: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
First Edition, 2020
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Published by the Department of Education Division of Pasig City
Development Team of the Self-Learning Module
Writer: Joseph M. Ocate
Editors: Ephraim M. Villacrusis, Joseph M. Ocate
Reviewers: Ephraim M. Villacrusis, Joseph M. Ocate
Illustrator:
Layout Artist: Mark Kihm G. Lara
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OIC-Schools Division Superintendent
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General
Biology 1
12
Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 3
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the General Biology 1 Self-Learning Module 3 on Prokaryotic vs.
Eukaryotic Cells
This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed and
reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.
This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:
Notes to the Teacher
This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
For the Learner:
Welcome to the General Biology 1 Self-Learning Module 3 on Prokaryotic vs.
Eukaryotic Cells
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.
This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:
Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills
that you will learn after completing the module.
Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson
at hand.
Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts
and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.
Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.
Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.
Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and
application of the lesson.
Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the
lesson.
Posttest – This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
EXPECTATIONS
The module is about the prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. differentiate prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells;
2. illustrate the distinguishing features of two cell types; and
3. reflect on the contribution of prokaryotes.
PRETEST
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. It is the first type of cell to appear on Earth.
a. Animal cell
c. Plant cell
b. Eukaryotic cell
d. Prokaryotic cell
2. How are prokaryotes and eukaryotes similar?
a. They both have nuclei.
b. They both have chloroplasts.
c. They both have cell membranes.
d. They both contain membrane-bound organelles.
3. Which of the following maybe found in either type of cell?
a. Golgi bodies
c. Nucleus
b. Mitochondria
d. Ribosomes
4. Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the differences between
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
a. Eukaryotic cells contain plasma membrane and cytoplasm but prokaryotic
cells do not.
b. Prokaryotic cells lack organelles but eukaryotic cells possess organelles.
c. Prokaryotic cells contain nucleus and eukaryotic cells do not.
d. None of the above.
5. Which characteristic applies to all prokaryotic cells?
a. They have nucleus.
c. They have chlorophyll.
b. They have ribosomes.
d. They have mitochondria.
RECAP
Figure 1. a. statue of Father Manuel Blanco; b. fountain in Father Blanco’s Garden;
c. pathway in Father Blanco’s Garden (Photo credit to Joseph Ocate)
The Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea was included in the book of Flora de Filipinas
that was written by Father Manuel Blanco, OSA. Immediately after his priestly
ordination, he was sent to the Philippines. At the same time, he was learning the
Tagalog language then. It was in Angat Bulacan where he started to study the
Philippine flora. Father Blanco also holds significant offices that provided him
occasions to visit the provinces of Batangas, Bulacan, Pampanga, Ilocos,
Pangasinan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo and Cebu. Those visits gave him the chance to
further his study of Philippine flora and to increase his collection of local plants and
flowers. The work Flora de Filipinas does not limit itself to classifying plants and
flowers, it also explains their use in construction, industry and the arts, and above
all in medicine. Due to his poor health, Father Blanco retired at the Guadalupe
monastery as he continued his silent work on the book.
A visit to the Augustinian monastery in one of its cloister would lead you to a
botanical garden which was built in honor of Father Blanco’s contribution. The
monastery can be found in Intramuros, Manila. Known as the “walled city”,
Intramuros is a 59-hectares within the 6-meter thick wall constructed at the mouth
of the Pasig River that was founded by conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. It
served as seat of the government of the Captaincy General of the Philippines, housing
the colony’s governor-general from its founding in 1571 until 1865 aside from the
Real Audencia of Manila. The walled city was also considered the educational center
of the Spanish East Indies as it houses the original campus of the University of Santo
Tomas, the oldest university in Asia, and the Ateneo de Manila. San Agustin Church
and Manila Cathedral are just some of the churches that can be found inside that
was reconstructed as it was heavily damaged during the World War 2. Intramuros
was also an economic center, the port was the Asian hub of the Manila galleon trade,
carrying goods to and from Acapulco.
Activity 2.1. Using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast the old walled city
Intramuros and today’s city of Pasig.
LESSON
Cells are the basic building blocks that make up all organisms. This was
proven as stated in the postulates of Cell theory from previous module.
Generalization about living things on earth is that cell is our foundation. Cells can
form tissues which can create organs and organ systems as also discussed in the
characteristics of life. Different molecules and structures make up the actual cell.
Proteins are large, complex molecules playing several critical roles in the
body. It does most of the work in cells and are necessary for the tissues and organs
of the body’s structure, function and control. Proteins comprise hundreds or
thousands of smaller units called amino acids which are attached in long chains to
each other. There are 20 different types of amino acids that determine each protein’s
unique 3-dimensional structure and function.
Carbohydrates perform a range of function such as providing energy,
structural support and cellular communication. It has the most important function
as a source of energy. In most organisms, the chemical energy in sugars is the
primary source of energy. The use of carbohydrates for energy prevents the use of
proteins. This is important because it makes it possible to use proteins for other
purposes. The plant and fungal cell walls have carbohydrate cell walls. Cells have
carbohydrates which act as receptors on the outer surface of their cell membranes.
Lipids are the basic building blocks for all cells and they play many important
and varied roles. They are made up of fatty acids that can either be saturated or
unsaturated. They are important components of the plasma membrane and other
cellular compartments. They can have structural or signaling roles.
Nucleic acids have two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic
acid (RNA). The “thread of life”, as the DNA molecule is sometimes called shows why
the discovery of its structure suggests its function. The various types of RNA exhibit
different conformations. Differences in the sizes and conformations of the various
types of RNA permit them to carry out specific functions in a cell.
Scientists believe that cells develop after large organic molecules formed and
surrounded themselves with a protective membrane 3.8 billion years ago forming
what we call now prokaryotes. According to endosymbiotic theory, it was about 2
billion years ago when some large prokaryote managed to create a nucleus by folding
its cell membrane in on itself and it may have appeared after prokaryotic cells joined
together to form a bigger organism.
PROKARYOTIC AND EUKARYOTIC CELLS
All known life on Earth is sorted into a system of classification that begins
with three categories called domains and spreads with each descending rank. Three
domains are Archea, Bacteria and Eukarya. The organisms in Archea and Bacteria
are prokaryotes while the organisms in Eukarya have eukaryotic cells.
The distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is linked to the cell’s
little stuff-doing parts called organelles.
To organelle or not to organelle?
Prokaryotic cells are simpler and lack the membrane-bound organelles and
nucleus of the eukaryote that encapsulate the DNA of the cell. Prokaryotic bacteria,
though more primitive than eukaryotes, are the most numerous and prolific group
of species on Earth. On the other hand, all humans, plants, fungi, and protists
(organisms made up of single cell) are eukaryotes. And while certain eukaryotes are
single cell- think of amoeba and paramecium- there are no prokaryotes with more
than one cell.
Major Difference in Cell Structure
The reason for the difference in cell sizes between prokaryotic cells and
eukaryotic cells is accounted to the different structure and organization between the
two cell types. The lack of membrane-bound organelles in prokaryotes might be the
most noticeable difference. While eukaryotic cells contain organelles enclosed in
membranes- two examples would be the Golgi body and the endoplasmic reticulum,
prokaryotes also lack a membrane-bound nucleus which is another organelle.
Without a nucleus or any other organelles, prokaryotic cells are incapable of the
kinds of specialized functions that eukaryotic cells engage in. It cannot perform the
advanced functions that cells with many supportive organelles can do. Eukaryotes
store their DNA as chromosomes within the nucleus but prokaryotes lack the
nucleus. Instead, the majority of their DNA is in a chromosome-like structure that
sits within a cytoplasm area called the nucleoid. This nucleoid does not have its own
membrane. Additional DNA pieces, called plasmids, are shaped like rings and reside
outside the nucleoid in the cytoplasm.
Differences in Organization
The transition of genetic material to future generations is a central part of all
life on Earth. Most eukaryotes reproduce sexually (although with mitosis, which is
functionally similar to asexual reproduction, some protists and single-cell fungi may
reproduce). Eukaryotic cells use a specific cell division process called mitosis which
involves a period of cell growth and development that is constant. There are regular
checkpoints for the cell to go through, monitoring the cell’s external and internal
conditions and redirect the resources and functions of the cell where appropriate.
Prokaryotic cells participate in reproduction through a cell division process called
binary fission.
Prokaryotes replicate asexually, leading to the progeny becoming an exact
parent clone. It creates an accurate copy of the original cell. Genetic variance comes
in the form of less complex gene transfer processes than eukaryotes, for example
transduction. In this process, the genes are transferred from one bacterial cell to
another by means of viral cells or bacteriophage. The viruses are taking the plasmids
from one bacterium and passing it to another cell. The DNA in the plasmid is
incorporated with the recipient cell’s other DNA.
Eukaryotes sexually reproduce through a process called meiosis, which
randomly sorts the genes of two parents to form the offspring’s DNA. Sexual
reproduction maximizes the genetic diversity of two parent’s offspring, strengthens
the genetic line and minimizes the chance of spontaneous mutation wiping off much
of the population.
The ribosomes in eukaryotic cells are larger, more complex and are bound by
a membrane. They can be present in various places: in the cytoplasm sometimes; on
the endoplasmic reticulum or connected to the nuclear membrane (covering the
nucleus). In prokaryotic cells, the ribosomes are spread in the cytoplasm and float
freely. There are also smaller subunits to the ribosomes.
Both ribosomes (eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells) consist of two subunits-one
larger and one smaller. Among eukaryotes, scientists classify such pieces as the
subunits 60-S and 40-S. The ribosomes in prokaryotes are composed of slightly
smaller subunits called 50-S and 30-S.
Other differences:
Features
Prokaryotic
Eukaryotic
Protective layers
Capsule, cell wall and cell Cell membrane (animal
membrane
cells), cell wall and cell
membrane (plant cells)
Usually unicellular (some Usually multicellular
Cell type
cyanobacteria maybe
multicellular)
Complexity
Simple
Complex organization
Free in the cytoplasm,
Contained in membrane
Nucleus location
attached to mesosomes
bound structure
Usually single circular
Multiple linear with
Chromosome
without histones
histones
Expressed in groups
Expressed individually
Genes
called operons
Genome
DNA haploid genome
DNA diploid genome
Efficient and compact
With large amounts of
Genome nature
with little repetitive DNA
non-coding repetitive
DNA
Simple flagellum, if
Complex flagellum, if
Movement
present
present
Via cytoplasmic
Via mitochondria
Respiration
membrane
Electron transport chain
Within membrane bound
Energy production site
located in the cell
mitochondria
membrane
Wide variation
Glycolysis, electron
Metabolic mechanism
transport chain, Krebs
cycle
DNA replication
Occurs in cytoplasm
Occurs in the nucleus
Occurs simultaneously
Transcription and
translation
Transcription occurs in
nucleus and then
translation occurs in
cytoplasm
Similarities between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
With all the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, they have
some features in common, too. Both cells have DNA responsible for genetic coding
that determines all the characteristics of living things. Both have plasma membrane
which serve as barrier between the inside of the cell and the outside. The plasma
membrane uses certain molecules embedded within it to allow foreign bodies to pass
into the cell or to allow matter within the cell to pass out of the cell. Both cell types
have ribosome as well used to synthesize proteins. And both cells have cytoplasm, a
jelly-like fluid within in a cell that is composed primarily of water, salts and proteins.
Looking now at our two cities, Intramuros and Pasig, we can compare
Intramuros as the prokaryotic cell and Pasig as the eukaryotic cell. The major
structure inside both cities are representations of the different organelles present on
both cell types. The difference is in size or the land area because there are more
structures inside Pasig making eukaryotic cells larger and complicated especially
doing advance functions as compared to Intramuros where some structures are
present but very limited. But what is interesting it that both cells are able to do their
primary function as to both cities were able to do their primary function as well.
Eukaryotes and prokaryotes- they are different! Yet while the differences
between humans and bacteria can be difficult to see, we are all made of the same
molecules- DNA, proteins, sugars and lipids.
Figure 2. Organelles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell (source. Wikemedia.org)
ACTIVITIES
Activity 2.2. Find the concealed words in the table. They may be arranged vertically,
horizontally or diagonally. Encircle these hidden words.
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Activity 2.3. Using the words you found in the table above, identify the words
described in each item.
_____1. specialized part used for movement.
_____2. single-celled microorganisms living in environments low in oxygen.
_____3. jelly-like fluid within in a cell that is composed primarily of water, salts and
proteins.
_____4. made up of fatty acids that can be either saturated or unsaturated.
_____5. organelle used to synthesize proteins.
_____6. single-celled microorganisms that thrive in diverse environments.
_____7. a domain that is mostly multicellular.
_____8. a functioning unit of DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of
a single promoter.
_____9. mainly functions as source of energy.
_____10. made up of long chains of amino acids.
Activity 2.4. Using the Venn diagram, compare and contrast prokaryotes and
eukaryotes.
PROKARYOTIC CELLS
EUKARYOTIC CELLS
WRAP-UP
Activity 2.5. Complete the following statements:
3- Facts about cells: _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2- Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: __________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
1- new thing you learned today: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
VALUING
Size matters
Archea are single-celled microorganisms living in environments low in oxygen.
They live in places like salt flats, hydrothermal vents, hot acidic pools and methaneinfested bogs. But imagine what can these microbes, extremophile organisms
contribute in our environment? Is there a use for this prokaryotic cell?
Treatment of wastewater is totally crucial for sustainable development and is
vital to an ecosystem and to human health. Wastewater is purified by means of
several microbial metabolism processes. As a result, organic matter, ammonia,
sulfate and phosphate are either eliminated or converted into other types with less
harm to aqua reception. The critical contribution of Archaea to wastewater treatment
was learned recently. They are responsible for methane production, carbon
mineralization, nitrification and denitrification. The Archaea-involved technology is
essential for wastewater treatment by integrating energy production and resource
recovery into a process for producing clean water Archaea play important roles in
converting pollutants into environmentally friendly materials.
Recent biotechnological innovations were able to harness potential of Archaea
and not just only bacteria that is widely used at the moment in treating wastewater.
Activity 2.6. Essay.
1. Do you think prokaryotic organisms exist because of the benefits they have?
Explain.
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
2. Have you underestimated something that is small that made you think twice of its
value, if there is any at all?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
POSTTEST
Choose the letter of the best answer. Write answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. This houses the DNA of a eukaryotic cells.
a. Nucleus
c. Mitochondria
b. Ribosome
d. Nucleoid region
2. These cells contain membrane-bound organelles.
a. Animal
c. Plant
b. Eukaryotic
d. Prokaryotic
3.This type of cells are unicellular.
a. Animal
c. Plant
b. Eukaryotic
d. Prokaryotic
4. This is where prokaryotic DNA can be found.
a. in a nucleus
c. loose in the cell
b. in a membrane
d. it does not have DNA
5. This is why Archaea are often referred to as extremophiles.
a. Because Archaea are resentful to heat
b. Because Archaea live in cold environment
c. Because Archaea live in harsh environments
d. Because Archaea are found in the deep ocean
KEY TO CORRECTION
PRETEST
1. D
2. C
3. D
4. D
5. B
POSTEST
1. A
2. B
3. D
4. C
5. C
ACTIVITY 2.3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
FLAGELLUM
ARCHAEA
CYTOPLASM
LIPIDS
RIBOSOME
6. BACTERIA
7. EUKARYA
8. OPERON
9. CARBOHYDRATES
10. PROTEINS
References
Alvarez OSA, Fr. Czar Emmanuel. 2014. "Fr. Manuel Blanco, OSA." The Freeman, October
19: 2.
Aryal, Sagar. 2018. Microbe Notes. July 25. Accessed July 4, 2020. For all the differences
between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells, they have some features in common,
too.
Bandoim, Lana. 2019. "Cell (Biology): An Overview of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells."
Sciencing, May 15: 2.
Biology,
Basic.
2016.
Carbohydrates.
April
23.
Accessed
July
4,
2020.
https://basicbiology.net/micro/biochemistry/carbohydrates.
Li, Jin. 2018. "Archaea in Wastewater Treatment: Current Research and Emerging
Technology." Hindawi 2.
Lodish, H., SL. Zipursky, and A. Berk. 2000. Molecular Cell Biology, 4th Edition. New York:
W.H. Freeman and Company.
Medicine, U.S. National Library of. 2020. Genetics Home Reference. June 23. Accessed July
4,
2020.
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/howgeneswork/protein#:~:text=They%20do%20mo
st%20of%20the,one%20another%20in%20long%20chains.
Muro, Eleonora, Ulrike S. Eggert, and G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen. 2014. "Lipids in cell biology:
how can we understand them better?" The American Society for Cell Biology 3.
Pokhrel, Pratiksha. 2015. Microbiology Notes. June 26. Accessed July 4, 2020.
https://microbiologynotes.com/differences-between-prokaryotic-and-eukaryoticcells/.
Wikipedia.
2020.
Wikipedia.
June
27.
Accessed
July
4,
2020.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intramuros.