Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Lesson 2.1
Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2

Warm Up 2

Learn about It! 4

The Two Types of Cell 4
Prokaryotic Cell 4
Eukaryotic Cell 4
Distinguishing Features of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells 4
Presence of Nucleus 5
Cell Wall and Cell Membrane 5
Endomembrane System and Other Organelles 6
Ribosomes 7
The Shape of DNA and Number of Chromosome 8
Cell Size 9
Mode of Reproduction 10
DNA Replication 11
Transcription and Translation 11

Key Points 13

Check Your Understanding 13

Challenge Yourself 15

Photo Credit 16

Bibliography 16
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Lesson 2.1

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Introduction
There are various types of houses. They come in different forms and sizes. Some people
live in an apartment. Some prefer to live in a condominium. There are houses with two or
more floors and some houses are bungalows. Some houses have several rooms or
partitions like a mansion, and some houses like a studio-type condominium unit do not
have partitions. If you were to choose, what type of house would you prefer? In your own
opinion, how will you describe a “perfect” house?

Like the different types of houses, different organisms also have varying types of cells.
These cells also contain different structures that all contribute to the normal functions
necessary for life, just like houses. This lesson will discuss prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
which are found in different organisms.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Learning Objectives DepEd Competency

In this lesson, you should be able to do the

Distinguish prokaryotic and
following: eukaryotic cells according to their
● Describe prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. distinguishing features

● Compare and contrast the features of (STEM_BIO11/12-Ia-c-3).

prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Warm Up

Spot the Difference 15 minutes

Spot the difference is a type of puzzle game, much like crosswords and Sudoku. In this
activity, you have to look into the details of the given pictures and identify their differences.

Materials
● a device with an internet connection
● marker
● manila paper
● projector and white screen
● laptop

Procedure
1. Click the link below to play the game.

Private Investigator
“Private Investigator,” Hidden247.com (nd),
https://web.archive.org/web/20170630142237/https://www.hi
dden247.com/PrivateInvestigator.html, last accessed on May
12, 2020.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

2. The game involves observing differences and finding evidence in order to win.
3. After the online game, form six groups. Each group should occupy a designated area
in the classroom as assigned by the teacher.
4. Your teacher will show two pictures: pictures A and B. Refer to Fig. 2.1.1.
5. You will be given one minute to take a look at the picture and spot the difference
between pictures A and B.
6. After one minute, your group must write all the differences that you observed
between pictures A and B on a sheet of Manila paper. You will be given another
minute to do that.
7. Post your Manila paper sheets on the board for checking.
8. The group with the most number of correct answers will be declared as a winner.

Picture A Picture B
Fig. 2.1.1. (A) A leaf section under the microscope, (B) Dividing sea urchin embryo

Guide Questions
1. Were you able to solve the case in the online game that you played? If so, how did
you solve it?
2. Did you encounter some difficulties in the activity? If so, what are the difficulties that
you encountered?
3. Based on the activity, what is the common answer of the class in terms of the
difference between pictures A and B?

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Learn about It!

The Two Types of Cell
Like houses, cells come in different forms and sizes. A cell, the basic functional unit of life, is
classified into two types: prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic cell.

How can you differentiate a prokaryotic cell from a

eukaryotic cell?

Prokaryotic Cell
A prokaryotic cell is a type of cell that does not have a nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles within its cytoplasm. This type of cell is like a studio-type condo unit that does not
have several compartments. Prokaryotes are small, single-celled organisms that have
prokaryotic cells. These organisms are metabolically diverse because they can utilize
different nutrients and energy sources and they can inhabit all types of environment on
Earth. All bacteria that include the organisms of domains Archaea and Bacteria are
considered as prokaryotes.

Eukaryotic Cell
The other type of cell that is characterized by the presence of nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles within its cytoplasm is called a eukaryotic cell.
Membrane-bound organelles of eukaryotic cells provide compartmentalization in the cell.
This is comparable to a mansion that has several rooms or compartments. Domain Eukarya
which includes protists, fungi, plants, and animals are examples of eukaryotes. Eukaryotes
are organisms that consist of eukaryotic cells.

Distinguishing Features of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

In the Warm Up activity, you were tasked to spot the differences between the given pictures.
To spot the differences, you had to look into the details of the pictures. Cells are classified
into two types because scientists spot certain differences between them. The details that
the scientists looked into are the distinguishing features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Presence of Nucleus
The main feature that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from the prokaryotic cells is the
presence of a nucleus with a nuclear membrane that encloses the genetic materials (DNA or
deoxyribonucleic acid) as seen in Fig. 2.1.2.. In a prokaryotic cell, the genetic materials (DNA)
are concentrated in a region of the cytoplasm called the nucleoid. The term prokaryotic
comes from the Greek terms pro- which means before and karyon or kernel that refers to
the nucleus. On the other hand, the term eukaryotic comes from the Greek terms eu-
meaning true and karyon or kernel.

Fig. 2.1.2. The genetic material is enclosed in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the nucleoid
region of prokaryotes.

Cell Wall and Cell Membrane

The cell wall and the cell membrane share some functions in both prokaryotes and
eukaryotes. The cell wall provides shape and rigidity to the cell and the cell membrane
provides protection and plays an important role in the transport of materials. However, the
cell wall is present in almost all prokaryotic cells, but not in most eukaryotic cells (these are
not found in animals and most protists). Structurally, the cell wall of prokaryotes is made up
of peptidoglycan – a complex sugar (polysaccharide) and a few amino acids. In eukaryotes,
it is either made up of cellulose as in plants and chitin in fungi.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

As for the cell membrane structure, prokaryotes do not have sterols in the cell membrane
but have a sterol-like lipid component called hopanoid. In eukaryotic cells, the sterols that
are present in the cell membrane are cholesterol (animals), phytosterol (plants), and
ergosterol (fungi).

Endomembrane System and Other Organelles

Another distinguishing feature of the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is the presence of the
endomembrane system. This refers to the interacting organelles between the nucleus and
the cell membrane. The endomembrane system includes the rough and smooth
endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, endosome, and vacuole as shown in Fig.
2.1.3.. The endomembrane system is present in eukaryotic cells, but not in prokaryotic cells.
Other organelles like mitochondria and chloroplast are also present in eukaryotic cells, but
not in prokaryotic cells.

Fig. 2.1.3. Endomembrane system and other organelles of a plant cell, which is an example
of a eukaryotic cell

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

The presence of organelles in eukaryotic cells provides compartmentalization. It increases

the surface area-volume ratio of the cells, allows the occurrence of simultaneous cell
activities without interference from each other, and allows separation of DNA in the
nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplast.

Did You Know?

All eukaryotes have

mitochondria except Giardia
lamblia or Giardia duodenalis.
This organism is a flagellated
parasitic protist that colonizes
the small intestine, causing
giardiasis.

Ribosomes
Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. These have the same
function in both, which is protein synthesis. In terms of location and structure, however,
they differ from one another. In a prokaryotic cell, all ribosomes are found in the
cytoplasm. In eukaryotic cells, they can be found in the cytoplasm, outer nuclear
membrane, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion, and chloroplast. Generally,
ribosomes are made up of large and small subunits. Each subunit is made up of rRNA
(ribosomal ribonucleic acid) and proteins. Prokaryotic cells, mitochondria, and chloroplast
contain 70S ribosomes while eukaryotic cells have 80S ribosomes. S or Svedberg unit is the
unit of the sedimentation coefficient.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

The DNA structure of the prokaryotic and

eukaryotic cells is different from one another. Will
it affect the process of DNA replication,
transcription, and translation? If so, how? If not,
why did you say so?

The Shape of DNA and Number of Chromosome

DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid as shown in Fig. 2.1.4. is the genetic material in prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells. It codes for proteins and RNA. It also transmits information from one
generation to the next generation. In prokaryotic cells, DNA is found in the nucleoid region
of the cytoplasm. Prokaryotes, as well as the mitochondrion and the chloroplast, have
covalent, closed, circular DNA that is not coiled in protein “spools” called histones. Most
prokaryotes have only one chromosome and an extrachromosomal DNA called a plasmid.

Fig. 2.1.4. In eukaryotes, the DNA is wrapped around histones to form nucleosomes.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

On the other hand, in eukaryotic cells, the linear DNA is coiled in histones and is found
inside the nucleus. Eukaryotes have more than one chromosome so histones are essential
in packaging DNA into nucleosomes and helping it to condense into chromatin. Through
this, several chromatins can fit into the nucleus without the high risk of mechanical damage.

Cell Size
Prokaryotic cells are smaller compared to eukaryotic cells. Typical prokaryotic cells can
range from 0.1 to 5µm in diameter while eukaryotic cells are typically 10 to 100µm in
diameter. Despite their larger size compared to prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells can still
perform metabolic activities efficiently due to the compartmentalization of cellular parts as
discussed previously.

Relative sizes of bacteria (prokaryote), plant cell (eukaryote), and animal cell (eukaryote)

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Prokaryotes are unicellular or are made up of only one cell. On the other hand, eukaryotes
are either unicellular or multicellular. Most protists and yeast are unicellular eukaryotes.
Plants, animals, most fungi and some protists are multicellular eukaryotes. Multicellular
organisms are composed of more than one cell.

Mode of Reproduction
Most prokaryotic cells reproduce through binary fission and some reproduce through
spores. Binary fission is a process of reproduction wherein one cell is divided into two new
cells.

In eukaryotic cells, individual cells reproduce through mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis (somatic
or body cell division) and meiosis (sex cell division) are types of cell division in eukaryotic
cells. Mitosis is the type of cell division that involves somatic or body cells. This process
produces two identical, diploid daughter cells. It is important for growth, development, and
tissue repair. On the other hand, meiosis involves sex cells or gametes. This process
produces four, non-identical, haploid daughter cells. It is also known as gametogenesis or
gamete formation which is important in sexual reproduction. Take note that many
eukaryotic organisms are multicellular, meaning that the mode of producing more cells is
not necessarily the way that these organisms reproduce.

Eukaryotic cells undergoing mitosis

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

DNA Replication
DNA replication is the process of synthesizing a new DNA strand using an old DNA strand
as a template. In both types of cell, it is an antiparallel and semiconservative process
wherein both strands are replicated through complementary base pairing. However, the
difference in the characteristics of DNA also result in different processes in prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells. DNA replication in eukaryotes takes a longer time than in prokaryotes
because eukaryotes have more DNA than prokaryotes. In prokaryotic cells, DNA replication
occurs in two opposing directions at the same time in the cytoplasm. On the other hand,
eukaryotic cells have multiple points of origin and use unidirectional replication within the
nucleus.

DNA replication in prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells also differs in terms of enzymes
involved in the process. For example, in eukaryotes, an enzyme called telomerase is
involved in the replication of telomeres of the eukaryotic chromosome. Prokaryotic cells do
not have telomeres so telomerase is not present and involved in their DNA replication.
Prokaryotes continuously replicate their short DNA while eukaryotes only replicate their
DNA during the S-phase of interphase in cell division.

Transcription and Translation

Transcription refers to the synthesis of RNA using DNA as a template. Translation then
refers to the process of protein synthesis. In prokaryotic cells, transcription and translation
can be done at the same time in the cytoplasm. Aside from that, there is no
post-transcriptional processing because the DNA of prokaryotes does not have a non-coding
part called introns. In eukaryotic cells, the transcription occurs in the nucleus and the
translation occurs in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic DNA contains exons (coding part) and
introns (non-coding part). Post-transcriptional processing is done in eukaryotes to remove
introns and come up with the final RNA.

An unknown cell is discovered in a sulfur-rich

area. The cell is about 750 µm in size but there are
no partitions or compartments inside the cell.
What type of cell is the unknown cell?

2.1. Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes 11

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells vary in different ways.
distinguishing features of both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Table 2.1.1. Distinguishing features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Distinguishing Features Prokaryotes
Presence of nucleus absent
Endomembrane system absent
Both are present in all
prokaryotes.
Cell wall and cell The cell wall is made up of
membrane peptidoglycan and it has
hopanoid in the cell
membrane.
Ribosome present , 70S ribosome
Shape of DNA and one covalently, closed,
number of chromosome circular DNA
Cell size typically 1-5µm in diameter
one point of origin,
DNA replication
bidirectional
Transcription and Both processes occur in the
translation cytoplasm.
Binary fission and spore
Mode of reproduction
reproduction
2.1. Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Table 2.1.1. summarizes the
Eukaryotes
present
present
The cell membrane is present
to all cells.
The cell wall is made up of
cellulose (plant cell) and
chitin (fungi). It has sterols in
the cell membrane.
present, 80S ribosome
more than one linear DNA
with histone
around 10-100µm in
diameter
multiple points of origin,
unidirectional
Transcription occurs in the
nucleus and translation
occurs in the cytoplasm
Mitosis and meiosis
12
Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Key Points
________________________________________________________________________________________

● Cells are classified into two types: prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic cell.
○ Prokaryotic cells are found in prokaryotic organisms while eukaryotic cells
are found in eukaryotic organisms.
● Examples of prokaryotes are Archaeans and Bacteria. Examples of eukaryotes are
plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
● Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells vary in terms of presence of nucleus,
endomembrane system, cell wall and cell membrane, ribosome, shape of DNA and
number of chromosome, cell size, DNA replication, transcription and translation,
and mode of reproduction.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Check Your Understanding

A. Write P if the statement applies to prokaryotes, E if it describes a

eukaryote, and B if the statement is applicable for both prokaryotes
and eukaryotes.

1. It has a circular genetic material.

2. Sterols are embedded in the cell membrane.
3. The process of translation occurs in the cytoplasm.
4. The cell wall is made up of peptidoglycan.
5. It undergoes binary fission to produce new cells.
6. It has a cell membrane that facilitates the entrance and exit of materials in the cell.
7. All of its ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm.
8. DNA is known as genetic material.
9. It has an endoplasmic reticulum.
10. DNA replication occurs during S-phase.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

B. Write the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is an advantage of prokaryotic cells over eukaryotic cells in

terms of DNA replication?
A. They have a more complex process of replication.
B. They have a faster rate of DNA replication.
C. They have more DNA compared to eukaryotic cells.
D. They can produce DNA even without nutrients.
2. Which of the following processes will occur in eukaryotic cells but not occur in
prokaryotic cells?
A. DNA replication
B. Protein synthesis
C. Transcription
D. Vesicular transport
3. What is the advantage of non-compartmentalization in protein synthesis of
prokaryotes?
A. DNA is replicated at a faster rate.
B. More energy will be used to produce proteins.
C. Transcription and translation can occur simultaneously.
D. Translation occurs after transcription and DNA replication.
4. Why is the nuclear membrane important in eukaryotic cells? It ____________.
A. controls different cellular processes.
B. prevents leakage of genetic materials.
C. allows other organelles to function separately.
D. confines and protects the DNA to prevent any damage.
5. Why are histones not necessary in prokaryotic cells? Prokaryotes have
__________________.
A. closed circular DNA structure.
B. additional DNA called plasmid.
C. only one chromosomal DNA.
D. more than one DNA that cannot be packaged by histones.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

C. Answer the questions correctly in 2-3 sentences only.

1. Discuss the importance of histones in a skin cell.

2. Compare and contrast bacterial cell wall and plant cell wall.
3. Describe the genetic material of Lactobacillus casei.
4. Explain why mitochondria and chloroplasts are similar to a bacterial cell.
5. Describe how transcription and translation occur in a protist cell.

Challenge Yourself

Answer the following questions correctly in 2-3 sentences only.

1. Why are mutations more common in prokaryotic cells than in eukaryotic cells?
2. What can possibly happen to the eukaryotic cell if there is no endomembrane
system?
3. What type of cell will have a better chance of survival in an environment with limited
nutrient and energy sources? Why did you say so?
4. A prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic cell are subjected to a high temperature which
resulted in the denaturation of proteins. Which type of cell will be more affected?
Explain your answer.
5. Construct a Venn diagram that shows the differences between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells in terms of structure. Write 3 statements or phrases in each part of
the diagram.

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Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

Photo Credit
Mitosis_(261_13)_Pressed;_root_meristem_of_onion_(cells_in_prophase,_metaphase,_anaph
ase,_telophase) by Josef Reischig is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia
Commons.

Bibliography
Blake, Leesa, and Donald I. Galbraith. McGraw-Hill Ryerson Biology 11. Toronto: McGraw-Hill
Ryerson, 2002.

Campbell, Neil A. Biology (8th Edition), 2009.

Campbell, Neil A., Michael L. Cain, Peter V. Minorsky, Jane B. Reece, Lisa A. Urry, and Steven
Alexander Wasserman. Biology: a Global Approach. Harlow, Essex, England: Pearson
Education Limited, 2018.

Mader, Sylvia S. Concepts of Biology. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011.

Madigan, Michael T., Kelly S. Bender, Daniel H. Buckley, W. Matthew. Sattley, and David A.
Stahl. Brock Biology of Microorganisms. Harlow, United Kingdom: Pearson Education
Limited, 2017.

Study.com. Study.com. Accessed February 4, 2020.

https://study.com/academy/lesson/eukaryotic-and-prokaryotic-cells-similarities-and-
differences.html.

2.1. Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes 16