GENERAL BIOLOGY 1

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Cell Types

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

Billions of years ago, life existed on Earth. About how it all began is still a mystery
but time slowly unveils these wonders allowing us to understand life better. In your past
lesson, you have learned about the very foundation of life- cells. Several studies have been
conducted and came up with unifying tenets about the basic unit of life which is collectively
known as the Cell Theory. You have also walked through the several organelles that make up
a cell and their general functions. Today, you will be learning more about cells.

The term cell was coined from cellulae, meaning “small rooms”. There are cases that
a room with several furniture is already enough for you to stay and live. Some houses are
made up of several rooms and a greater number of furniture. Just like the analogy where the
cell term was coined from, there are organisms existing with only one cell, others have
multiple cells, and some differ with the organelles they compose.

Prokaryotic cell vs Eukaryotic cell

All living things can be divided into three basic domains: Bacteria, Archaea and
Eukarya. The primarily single-celled organisms found in the Bacteria and Archaea domains
are known as prokaryotes. These organisms are made up of prokaryotic cells — the smallest,
simplest and most ancient cells.

Organisms in the Eukarya domain are made of the more complex eukaryotic cells.
These organisms, called eukaryotes, can be unicellular or multicellular and include animals,
plants, fungi and protists.

Common features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell according to Pedersen (2019)

All living things have cells that share fundamental structural parts which include:

 DNA: It is a genetic coding that determines all the characteristics of living things.
 Cell (or plasma) membrane: It is the outer layer that separates the cell from the
surrounding environment and acts as a selective barrier for incoming and outgoing
materials.
 Cytoplasm: It is a jelly-like fluid within a cell that is composed primarily of water,
salts and proteins.
 Ribosomes: These are organelles that make proteins.
Differences of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell according to Pedersen (2019)

Feature Eukaryotic Prokaryotic

Nucleus  Nucleus surrounded by nuclear
envelope
 Nucleus holds the DNA
 Contains a number of
chromosomes
Organelles  Membrane bound organelles
such as Mitochondria, rough
and smooth endoplasmic
reticulum, and Golgi Complex
located in the cytoplasm.
Ribosomes  Bigger, more complex and
membrane bounded ribosomes
found in the cytoplasm,
endoplasmic reticulum and/or
nuclear membrane.
 Ribosomes have 60-s and 40-s
subunits
Reproduction  Most reproduce sexually 
although some may reproduce 
through mitosis
Cell Walls  Vertebrates do not have cell 
walls but plants and other
eukaryotes do. Fungal cell
walls are made up of chitin
 Do not have nucleus but a
membraneless nucleoid region
 Free floating DNA
 May consist of one or multiple
linear or circular chromosomes
 May also contain
extrachromosomal DNA
(plasmid)
 Often have appendages from the
cell surface (flagellum, fimbriae
and pili).
 Bacteria may also have
carboxysomes.
 Ribosomes are free floating
throughout the cytoplasm.
 Ribosomes have smaller subunits
(50-s and 30-s).
Binary Fission
Prokaryotes may also have
genetic variations such as
transformation, transduction and
conjugation.
Rigid cell wall made up of
peptidoglycans

Figure 1. A general structure of Figure 2. A general Figure 3. A general

a prokaryotic cell structure of a eukaryotic structure of a eukaryotic
©Aliotta (2017). Prokaryotic cell (animal) cell (plant)
cell vs. Eukaryotic cell ©Biologydictionary.net © Sonu Academy
 Plants and animals are composed of highly sophisticated organ systems which are composed
of organs, which are in turn composed of tissues. These tissues are made up of several cells.

Plant Tissues and Cells

Plant cells are formed at meristems, and then develop into

cell types which are grouped into tissues. Plants have only three
tissue types: 1) Dermal; 2) Ground; and 3) Vascular (Farabee,
2007).

1. Dermal tissue covers the outer surface of herbaceous plants.

Dermal tissue is composed of epidermal cells, closely
packed cells that secrete a waxy cuticle that aids in the
prevention of water loss. Guard cells are bean-shaped cells
covering the stomata opening. They regulate exchange of
water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide through the stoma.
2. The ground tissue comprises the bulk of the primary plant body. Parenchyma,
collenchyma, and sclerenchyma cells are common in the groundPlanttissue.
Tissues ©Study Blue
 Parenchyma cells have thin walls and are found in dermal, ground, and vascular
tissue systems. (Bailey, 2018).
 Collenchyma cells have a support function in plants, particularly in young plants.
These cells help to support plants, while not restraining growth. Collenchyma cells are
elongated in shape and have thick primary cell walls composed of
the carbohydrate polymers cellulose and pectin. Collenchyma cells are found in the
cortex (layer between the epidermis and vascular tissue) of stems and along leaf veins
(Bailey, 2018).
 Sclerenchyma cells also have a support function in plants, but unlike collenchyma
cells, they have a hardening agent in their cell walls and are much more rigid. These
cells have thick secondary cell walls and are non-living once matured. There are two
types of sclerenchyma cells: sclereids and fibers (Bailey, 2018).
3. Vascular tissue transports food, water, hormones and minerals within the plant.
Vascular tissue includes xylem, phloem and cambium cells.
 Xylem cells tend to conduct water and minerals from roots to leaves.
 Phloem cells conduct food from leaves to rest of the plant.
 The cambium is a lateral meristem that produces xylem cells to one side and
phloem cells to the other to form the vascular system.

Animal Tissues and Cells

Animals have four tissues in general. This includes epithelial, connective, muscle and
nervous (Farabee, 2007).
1. Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces and lines body cavities. Functions include
lining, protecting, and forming glands. Three types of epithelium occur:
 Squamous epithelium is flattened cells that allows the movement of materials
and nutrients through the cells, that is, passive diffusion.
 Cuboidal epithelium is cube-shaped cells located in the pancreas and kidney
tubules, they help in absorption of nutrients as well as secretion of hormones,
sweat, wax, digestive enzymes and even milk.
  Columnar epithelium consists of elongated cells. The function of the columnar
epithelial cells is secretion and absorption of nutrients. The columnar epithelial
cells in the intestine contain microvilli that helps in increasing the surface are
for absorption.
2. Connective tissue serves many purposes in the body. Functions include binding,
supporting, protecting, forming blood, storing fats and filling space.
 Bone is the strongest connective tissue with little ground substance, hard matrix
of calcium and phosphorous and specialized bone cells called osteocytes. It
provides protection to internal organs and supports the body.
 Loose connective tissue is found between many organs where it acts both to
absorb shock and bind tissues together. It allows water, salts, and various
nutrients to diffuse through to adjacent or imbedded cells and tissues. Loose
connective tissue includes adipose tissue, areolar tissue and reticular tissue.
o Adipose tissue consists mostly of fat storage cells called adipocytes.
o Areolar tissue shows little specialization. It contains all the cell types
and fibers and is distributed in a random, web-like fashion. It fills the
spaces between muscle fibers, surrounds blood and lymph vessels, and
supports organs in the abdominal cavity.
o Reticular tissue is a mesh-like, supportive framework for soft organs
such as lymphatic tissue, the spleen, and the liver. Reticular cells
produce the reticular fibers that form the network onto which other cells
attach.
 Blood is a connective tissue of cells separated by a liquid (plasma) matrix. Two
types of cells occur. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) carry oxygen. White blood
cells (leukocytes) function in the immune system. Plasma transports dissolved
glucose, wastes, carbon dioxide and hormones, as well as regulating the water
balance for the blood cells. Platelets are cell fragments that function in blood
clotting.

3. Muscle tissue facilitates movement of the animal by contraction of individual muscle

cells (referred to as muscle fibers).
 Skeletal (striated) muscle fibers have alternating bands perpendicular to the
long axis of the cell. These cells function in conjunction with the skeletal
system for voluntary muscle movements.
 Smooth muscle fibers function in involuntary movements
and/or autonomic responses (such as breathing, secretion, ejaculation, birth, and
certain reflexes). These fibers are components of structures in the digestive
system, reproductive tract, and blood vessels.
 Cardiac muscle fibers are a type of striated muscle found only in the heart. The
cell has a bifurcated (or forked) shape, usually with the nucleus near the center
of the cell. The cells are usually connected to each other by intercalated disks.
The functions of the cells within the heart occur as part of the autonomic
nervous system. This system controls organs, like the heart, that work
involuntarily, which means without active control from the brain.

4. Nervous tissue functions in the integration of stimulus and control of response to that
stimulus. Nerve cells are called neurons. Each neuron has a cell body, an axon, and
many dendrites. Nervous tissue is composed of two main cell types: neurons and glial
cells. Neurons transmit nerve messages. Glial cells are in direct contact with neurons and
often surround them. They maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and
protection for neurons.
 LEARNING COMPETENCY

The learner distinguishes prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells according to their

distinguishing features (STEM_BIO11/12-Ia-c-3) and classify different cell types (of plant
and animal tissues) and specify the functions of each. (STEM_BIO11/12-Ia-c-4)

DIRECTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS
Perform the following activities. If you are at home you can have the activity together
with your family. Take note of each step. If you have questions, you can contact your teacher
for clarifications and assistance. Enjoy learning!

EXERCISES

ACTIVITY 1: Prokaryotic Cell vs. Eukaryotic Cell

Label the parts of a eukaryotic cell and prokaryotic cell. Refer to your previous
learnings.
ACTIVITY 2: Similarities and Differences
Based from your thorough readings about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, compare
and contrast them through a Venn diagram.

Prokaryotic Cell Eukaryotic Cell

ACTIVITY 3: Cells in 3D

Create a 3D model of either prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell made up of recyclable

materials. Label your 3D model and give a short description of the model. Be guided with the
given rubric below.

RUBRICS FOR SCORING

Above
Below Average Average Excellent
Diagram Average
(1-3 points) (4-6 points) (9-10 points)
(7-8 points)

Few required Some required Most required All required

Model items are items are items are items are
components represented in represented in represented in represented in
the model. the model. the model. the model.

Some labels are Most labels are All labels are

Few labels are present and Present and are present and are
Text and labels
present. correctly correctly correctly
placed. placed. placed.

3D model
3D model Highly
appearance
Creativity and appearance Creative 3D creative,
shows least
appearance meets lesson model exceptional
effort
requirements. 3D model
required.

3D model did Few recyclable Recyclable

Smart use of
not use any materials are materials are
Resourcefulness recyclable
recyclable used in the 3D used in the 3D
materials
material. model model

Score
ACTIVITY 4: Into the Different Cell Types

1. Based from your previous readings, complete the concept map of a plant tissue below.
2. Based from your previous readings, complete the concept map of an animal tissue below.
ACTIVITY 5: Life Connections

Read the given text below about classifying cells present in urine to test and detect
possible diseases. Answer the questions below. Write your answer on the space provided for
each item.

A urinalysis is simply an analysis of the urine. It is a very common test that can be
performed in many health care settings, including doctors' offices, urgent care facilities,
laboratories, hospitals, and even at home.
A urinalysis test is performed by collecting a urine sample from the patient in a
specimen cup. Usually only small amounts (30-60 mL) may be required for urinalysis testing.
The sample can be either analyzed in the medical clinic or sent to a laboratory to perform the
tests.
Urinalysis is commonly used to diagnose a urinary tract or kidney infection, to
evaluate causes of kidney failure, to screen for progression of some chronic
conditions such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.
The microscopic urinalysis is the study of the urine sample under a microscope. It
requires only a relatively inexpensive light microscope. Cells and cellular debris, bacteria,
and crystals in the urine (crystalluria) can be detected by microscopic examination to provide
confirmation of the dipstick.
Epithelial cells (flat cells), red and white blood cells may be seen in the urine.
Sometimes cells, cellular debris, and casts are seen in the microscopic exam.
Epithelial cells (cells in the lining of the bladder or urethra) may suggest inflammation within
the bladder, but they also may originate from the skin and could be contamination.
Casts and cellular debris originate from higher up in the urinary tract, such as in the
kidneys. These are material shed from kidney cell lining due to injury or inflammation and
travel down through the urinary tubes. These usually suggest an injury to the kidney from an
inflammation or lack of blood flow to the kidneys. Rarely, tumor cells can be in the urine
suggesting a urinary tract cancer.
A high count of red blood cells in the urine can indicate infection, trauma, tumors, or
kidney stones. If red blood cells seen under microscopy look distorted, they suggest kidney as
the possible source and may arise due to kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis). Small
amounts of red blood cells in the urine are sometimes seen among young healthy people and
usually are not indicative of any disease.
The number of leukocytes is often a measure of disease. They make up approximately
1% of blood in a healthy adult. A change in the amount of leukocytes can often be used to
diagnose disease. Urine is a generally thought of as a sterile body fluid, therefore, evidence of
white blood cells or bacteria in the urine is considered abnormal and may suggest a urinary
tract infection such as, bladder infection (cystitis), infection of kidney (pyelonephritis).
**Adapted from: Fareed, K. (n.d.) Urinalysis (Urine Test). MedicineNet. Retrieved from:
https://www.medicinenet.com/urinalysis/article.htm

Guide Questions:

1. In your own opinion, how important is cell type identification in the field of medicine?
 2. What are the cell types that can be found in urine and what are the diseases they indicate?

3. What do you think is the basis of doctors in claiming that the presence of white blood cells
in urine may suggest urinary tract infection? Relate your explanation with the function of
white blood cells.

REFLECTION

Directions: Accomplish this part honestly.

1. I learned that

2. I enjoyed most on

3. I want to learn more on

REFERENCES FOR LEARNERS

Bailey, R. (2018). Learn about plant cell types and organelles. ThoughtCo. Retrieved
from: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-plant-cell-373384
Farabee, M. (2006). Animal cells and tissues. Online Biology Book. Estrella Mountain
Community College. Retrieved from:
https://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookAnimalTS.ht
ml
Farabee, M. (2007). Plants and their structure. Online Biology Book. Estrella Mountain
Community College. Retrieved from:
https://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookPLANTANAT
.html#Links
Pedersen, T. (2019). Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: What’s the Difference? Live Science.
Retrieved from: https://www.livescience.com/65922-prokaryotic-vs-eukaryotic-
cells.html