Biology Standard 1.1
Clarifying Objectives
Bio.1.1.1
Summarize the structure and function of organelles in eukaryotic cells (including the
nucleus, plasma membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, vacuoles, chloroplasts, and
ribosomes) and ways that these organelles interact with each other to perform the
function of the cell.
Bio.1.1.2
Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in terms of their general structures (plasma
membrane and genetic material) and degree of complexity.
Bio.1.1.3
Explain how instructions in DNA lead to cell differentiation and result in cells specialized
to perform specific functions in multicellular organisms.
Biol 1.1.1
Explain
Identify
Summarize
Cell wall
Chloroplast
DNA
Enzyme
Homeostasis
Mitochondria
Nucleus
Organelle
Plasma membrane
Ribosome
Vacuole
Biol 1,1,2
Compare
Infer
Use
Chloroplast
DNA
Eukaryotic
Mitochondria
Nucleus
Plasma membrane
Plasmid
Prokaryotic
Ribosome
RNA
Vacuole
Biol 1.1.3
Compare
Explain
Identify
Infer
Recall
Differentiation
DNA
Embryonic cells
Multicellular
Stem cells
Unicellular
Key Terms
Big Ideas

Cells are organized.

Plants and animals, and eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are different based
upon structure and function.

Cells in multicellular organisms are differentiated based upon DNA.

Organelle structure and cell structure are the basis of their functions.

Microscopes are useful tools to see cell structure.
Essential Questions
1.
How are cells organized?
2.
What are the differences in plant and animal cells?
3.
Identify and describe the following cell organelles: nucleus, plasma membrane, cell
wall, mitochondria, vacuoles, chloroplasts, and ribosomes.
4.
How does structure relate to the function of a cell’s organelle?
5.
What are the two general types of cells? Describe each.
6.
What is the proper order of steps when using a light microscope?
7.
How are cells specialized? What causes stem cells to become specialized?
8.
How do cells communicate with one another?
9.
How does structure relate to the function of a cell?
Part 1 - Cell Structure
Key Terms
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cell
eukaryote
Organelle
prokaryote
cytoplasm
nucleus
nuclear membrane
chromosome
plasmid
plasma membrane
ribosome
mitochondria
cell wall
chloroplast
vacuole
Getting the Idea https://plotagon.com/3350
While living organisms share a few common structures and
functions, they exhibit an amazing diversity of sizes, shapes, and
features. The same is true of cells, the basic units of structure and
function in all organisms. Each cell is a complete system that
carries out all the processes necessary for life. All cells, both singlecelled organisms and cells that are part of larger organisms, have
some features in common. However, cells also have a wide range of
specialized structures that aid in their survival.
Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells
The two basic types of cells are prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic
cells. Each kind of cell performs similar functions in the same ways.
Both kinds of cells are enclosed by an outer structure called a plasma
membrane. Both are filled with cytoplasm and contain structures
called ribosomes, in which proteins are synthesized. How then do
the two kinds of cells differ? You can see some of the differences in
the diagram below.
One obvious difference is that the eukaryotic cell is more complex than the
prokaryotic cell. The two kinds of cells have very different internal structures. For
example, the eukaryotic cell has a distinct nucleus and other cell structures, called
organelles, that are enclosed within membranes. Organisms whose cells have a
distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles are called eukaryotes. The cells of
eukaryotes are larger than prokaryotic cells. A typical eukaryotic cell ranges in size
from about 2 to 100 micrometers. By contrast, most prokaryote cells are only 0.5 to 2
micrometers in size.
Organelles are cell structures that are specialized for different functions. Each type of
organelle has a structure that is suited to its function. You will learn more about how
organelle structure is related to function as you read about the different types of
organelles.
Many eukaryotic organisms consist of large numbers of cells that work together. Plants,
animals, protists, and fungi are all eukaryotes. All plants and animals, and some protists
and fungi, are multicellular, or made up of many cells. In eukaryotes, the organelles
interact to carry out most of the cell's life processes.
Notice that the prokaryotic cell does not have a nucleus or membrane-bound
organelles. Organisms whose cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles are
prokaryotes. In prokaryotes, most of the processes of life occur in the cytoplasm. The
cytoplasm is the thick, semifluid material that is enclosed by the plasma membrane. In
eukaryotes, the cytoplasm contains the nucleus and the organelles that carry out most
of the cell's life processes. For example, eukaryotes have specialized organelles that
release energy. In prokaryotes, the processes that release energy occur in the
cytoplasm or the plasma membrane. All prokaryotes are one-celled organisms—either
bacteria or archaea.