Elaborate #1: Comparing Bacteria and Cheek Cells
6.12A--All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
6.12B--The presence of a nucleus determines whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
Different
Shapes of
Bacteria
Bacteria
(bacilli)
Bacteria
(spirilla)
Bacteria
(cocci)
Cheek Cell
Elaborate #1: Comparing Bacteria and Cheek Cells
6.12A--All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
6.12B--The presence of a nucleus determines whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
There are two categories of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The genetic material of prokaryotes is not
contained in the nucleus of the cell. Prokaryotes are generally smaller and less complex than
eukaryotes. Eukaryotes contain a nucleus that keeps the genetic material from the rest of the cell.
These types of cells are generally more complex with a variety of structures.
A way to remember this is that the “eu” that is found in the word nucleus is not found in the word
prokaryote.
Use the information above to help compare bacteria and cheek cells by completing the T-Chart below.
Be sure to include:
 the type of cell—prokaryotic or eukaryotic
 information about the nucleus (nucleus or no nucleus)
 its structure
 where genetic material is found
BACTERIA
CHEEK CELLS
1) When you observe bacteria, do you see one organism with many cells or many one-celled
organisms appearing in colonies or groups? Explain.
2) How many cells does the bacteria contain (only one, just a couple, some, or many cells)?
3) How many cells does the cheek cell contain (only one, just a couple, some, or many cells)?
4) Where is the genetic material located in a prokaryotic cell?
5) Where is the genetic material located in a eukaryotic cell?
6) Are the bacteria unicellular or multicellular organisms? Explain.
7) Are the cheek cells unicellular or multicellular organisms? Explain.