The nature and variety of living organisms

Mrs. Ruwani Kannangara

Lesson 6 : The nature and variety of living organisms - 08/ 08/2022
1.1
1.2 ; plants , animals
Key question :

Distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Life processes :
● all living organisms are composed of units called cells
● the simplest organisms are made from single cells but more complex
plants and animals are composed of millions of cells
● in multicellular organisms, there may be hundreds of different types of
cells with different structures, which are specialised so they can carry
out particular functions
● despite all the differences, there are basic features that are the same in
all cells
There are 8 life processes which take place in most living things.

Organisms;

M- move; by the action of muscles in animals and slow growth in plants

r- respire; release energy from their food

s- respond to stimuli; are sensitive to changes in their surroundings

G- grow and develop; increase in size and complexity, using materials from their food

r- reproduce; producing offspring

i- control their internal conditions; maintain a steady state inside the body

n- nutrition; plants make the own food, animals eat other organisms

e- excrete; get rid of waste products

Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes :

Every living organism falls into one of two groups: eukaryotes or prokaryotes.
Cellular structure determines which group an organism belongs to.

Prokaryotes:
● Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack membrane-bound
structures; nucleus, mitochondria or chloroplasts.
● DNA bundles together in a region called the nucleoid.
● The main forms of prokaryotic organisms are the bacteria
Prokaryotic cell features :
Nucleoid: A central region of the cell that contains its DNA.
Ribosome: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
Cell wall: The cell wall provides structure and protection from the outside
environment. Most bacteria have a rigid cell wall made from carbohydrates and
proteins called peptidoglycans.
Cell membrane: Every prokaryote has a cell membrane, also known as the plasma
membrane, that separates the cell from the outside environment.
Capsule: Some bacteria have a layer of carbohydrates that surrounds the cell wall
called the capsule. The capsule helps the bacterium attach to surfaces.
Pili: Pili are rod-shaped structures involved in multiple roles, including attachment
Flagella: Flagella are thin, tail-like structures that assist in movement.
 Eukaryotes :
● Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus surrounded by a
membrane, along with other membrane bound organelles, such as
mitochondria and chloroplasts.
● Plants, animals, fungi and Protoctists ( Protozoa and algae )
Eukaryotic cell features :

Nucleus: The nucleus stores the genetic information in chromatin form.

Nucleolus: Found inside of the nucleus, the nucleolus is the part of eukaryotic cells where ribosomal RNA is
produced.

Plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the entire cell and encompasses
the organelles within.

Cytoskeleton or cell wall: The cytoskeleton or cell wall provides structure, allows for cell movement, and plays a role
in cell division.

Ribosomes: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.

Mitochondria: Mitochondria, also known as the powerhouses of the cell, are responsible for energy production.

Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the region of the cell between the nuclear envelope and plasma membrane.

Cytosol: Cytosol is a gel-like substance within the cell that contains the organelles.

Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle dedicated to protein maturation and
transportation.

Vesicles and vacuoles: Vesicles and vacuoles are membrane-bound sacs involved in transportation and storage.

Other common organelles found in many, but not all, eukaryotes include the Golgi apparatus, chloroplasts and
lysosomes.
 Similarities between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes :
All cells, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic, share these four features:

● DNA
● Plasma membrane
● Cytoplasm
● Ribosomes
Difference between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes :
 Plants

Pea plant
Maize plants
● all plants are multicellular organisms
● this group or kingdom, contains cereals such as maize,
herbaceous legumes such as peas and beans, also contains
simpler plants, such as mosses and ferns.
● their cells contain chloroplasts and they carry out
photosynthesis - the process that uses light energy to convert
simple inorganic molecules such as water and carbon dioxide
into complex organic compounds
● one of these organic compounds is the carbohydrate cellulose
- all plants have cell walls made of this material
● as a result of photosynthesis, one of the first to be made is the
storage carbohydrate - starch - often found inside plant cells
● plants make sugar - sucrose - which is transported around the
plant, sometimes stored in fruits and other plant oranges
Animals
● animals are multicellular organisms
● this kingdom contains humans
● the variety of the animal kingdom is enormous
● invertebrates - do not have a vertebral column
examples - sponges, molluscs, worms, starfish, insects,
crustaceans
● vertebrates - have a vertebral column ( backbone )
examples - fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals
● their cells never contain chloroplasts - unable to carry out photosynthesis
● they gain their nutrition by feeding on other animals and plants
● they lack cell walls - allows cells to change shape, an important feature for
organisms that need to move from place to place
● movement in animals - various ways
● coordination by a nervous system
● store carbohydrate in their cells as - glycogen