SHS STEM - BIOLOGY 1

Quarter 1 – Module 3:
PROKARYOTIC VS EUKARYOTIC
CELLS

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General Biology 1 – Grade 11
Quarter 1 – Module 3: PROKARYOTIC VS EUKARYOTIC CELLS

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE MODULE

WRITER: Rafaella D. Salceda

REVIEWERS/EDITORS: Rowena D. Manaog

Ma. Lota C. Monte
Freddierick C. Apuli
Jade Alberto

LAYOUT ARTISTS: Jay Mark Base

Jonathan Roda
Jessica De Ocampo
“Distinguish prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells according to
their distinguishing features.”
STEM_BIO11/12-la-c-3
 PROKARYOTIC VS EUKARYOTIC CELLS

You learned from your previous biology classes that all living
things are made up of cells and that cells are considered as the
building blocks of life or the smallest unit of life that can self
replicate on its own. Our body is composed of trillions of cells. It
was calculated by scientists to be about 37.2 trillion cells. That’s
a lot of cells!

Cells are generally divided into two major types depending on their
structure; The prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In terms of age, prokaryotes have been
around a lot longer than their counterparts. They were originally the only type of cell
for billions of years (the oldest records date them back to roughly 3.5 billion years ago),
and eukaryotes evolved from them roughly 2-3 billion years ago.

Are you now excited to know more about

the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
I believe yes, so please be guided by the
learning targets below. You are expected to
accomplish all the challenges and activities
given in this module. Keep on reading and have
fun while studying!

OBJECTIVES :

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Identify the features/ structures that is present in eukaryotic cell but absent in
prokaryotic cells.
2. Distinguish prokaryortic and eukaryotic cells according to their distinguishing
features.
3. Make a Venn Diagram showing the similarities and differences of prokaryotic
and eukaryotic cells

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Directions: Read each item carefully and encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. A scientist studying cilia

aquatic life discovers a new
organism. He studies it Cell
under the microscope and membrane
draws a diagram of what he
sees. nucleus

A. The organism is cytoplasm

prokaryotic, because it has
cytoplasm.
B. The organism is eukaryotic because it has
cilia.
C. The organism is prokaryotic, because it has a cell membrane.
D. The organism is eukaryotic, because it has nucleus

2. Based on the diagram,

which organism(s) are
eukaryotic and why?
Note: Cells are not drawn
to scale.
A. Organisms 2 and 3
only, because both
use flagella.
B. Organisms 1, 2 and 3,
because they are all
single-celled.
C. Organisms 1 and 2
only, because both
have a nucleus.
D. Organisms 1, 2 and 3
because they all have
ribosomes

3. Which of the following statements best identifies these two cells? Cells are not
drawn to scale.
A. Both cell X and cell Y
are eukaryotic.
B. Both cell X and cell Y
are prokaryotic.
C. Cell X is prokaryotic
while cell Y is
eukaryotic.
D. Cell X is eukaryotic while cell Y is prokaryotic.

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4. Ana is viewing a cell under the microscope. The presence of which of the
following structure would tell her that the cell is eukaryotic?
A. Cytoplasm B. ribosomes C. nucleus D. DNA

5. Which of the following best describes the organism seen

on the right?
A. The organism is prokaryotic, because it has
ribosomes.
B. The organism is eukaryotic, because it has multiple
flagella.
C. The organism is eukaryotic because it has a cell
membrane.
D. The organism is prokaryotic, because it does not
contain membrane-bound organelles.

How did you find the test?

Kindly check your answers at the answer
key section and see how you did. Don’t
worry if you got a low score, it means that
there are more concepts that you can learn
from this module. So cheer up and enjoy
learning!

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Hi! I know that you had a thorough
discussion on cell and its organelles in
your Biology classes in Junior High School
so I believe that you would not find it hard
to understand our lesson on the two types
of cells. But before that, let’s see how
much you know or remember about the
cell. Kindly answer the crossword puzzle
below. Have fun!

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Have you experienced having an infected
wound like the one shown in figure 1 below?
How about a ringworm (figure 2)? What do
you think causes these infections/ skin
disease? What is usually prescribed by
doctors when you have an infected wound? A
ringworm? Are these two caused by the same
organism?

Fig. 1. Infected wound Fig. 2. Ringworm

Open wounds are usually infected by

bacteria while ringworms are usually due to
fungal infection. Doctors usually prescribe
antibiotics to cure the infected wound while
antifungal cream/medicine is given to cure
ringworms. Bacteria and fungi are two
different organisms having different cell
types. Are you now excited to know what cell
types these two are made of? Let’s find out!

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 From your Junior High School lessons in Science
you learned that cells are the fundamental unit of life
and that all living organisms are made up of cells.
These cells are further classified into two types; the
Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Bacteria is an example
of a prokaryote while a fungi is considered a
eukaryote. But what makes the bacteria a
prokaryote and fungi a eukaryote? Let’s figure it out!

Prokaryotic Cell vs. Eukaryotic Cell

What will you do?

In this activity (Part A) you will simply determine the
structures or organelles that is present in
prokaryotes and eukaryotes by putting a check on
the appropriate box. Refer to figures 3 and 4 below
and answer the questions given.

Part A.

Fig. 3. Typical Bacterial Cell (Prokaryote) Fig. 4. Typical Fungi Cell -Yeast
(Eukaryote)

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Table 1: Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
Organelles Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
Cell membrane
Cell wall
Cytoplasm
Mitochondria
Ribosomes
DNA/chromosomes
Nucleus
Golgi apparatus
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
Cytoskeleton

1. Which organelle/s is/are present in eukaryotes but not in prokaryotes?

2. Which organelles/cell structures are present in both prokaryotes and

eukaryotes?

3. If you were asked to identify a cell under a microscope as to prokaryote or

eukaryote, which organelle are you going to look for? Why?

4. Based from your answers above, how will you define prokaryotes? Eukaryotes?

Can you now tell the difference between a

bacterial cell which is an example of a prokaryotic
cell that causes most of your wound infections
and the one that causes a ringworm (fungi an
example of a eukaryotic cell)?

We better dig deeper. Let’s have another activity.

This time you are going to read the discussion
below and make a Venn diagram showing the
similarities and differences of prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cell.

Are you now ready? Let’s start.

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Part B.

The first cells

to appear on Earth
were prokaryotic
cells. A prokaryote is
an organism made of
a single prokaryotic
cell or cell with no
true nucleus. The
earliest prokaryotes
may have arisen
more than 2.5 billion
years ago. Bacteria’s
are prokaryotes.
They are very small Fig. 1 The structure of a typical bacterial cell (a) and an electron microscopy photo of a
bacterial cell (b). [Image taken from G. J. Tortora, B. R. Funke and C. L. Case, Microbiology:
cells (1-10 mm in An Introduction, Pearson Education, Inc., San Francisco, 8th edn, 2004].
diameter) with a
simple structure. Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus. This means that their DNA is not
enclosed in a membrane inside the cell. Instead, prokaryotes have a single loop of
circular DNA called nucleoids that floats in the cell’s cytoplasm, but they lack
membrane-bound organelles. Protein-making bodies called ribosomes also form part
of the cytoplasm. Like all cells, prokaryotes have a cell membrane. All prokaryotes
also have a cell wall surrounding the cell membrane. Their cell wall is made up of
peptidoglycan. The cell wall helps provide support and protection for the cell. Some
prokaryotes are enclosed by an additional layer. This layer is called the capsule. The
capsule has a sticky surface area, so it allows prokaryotes to cling to surfaces, such
as your skin and your teeth. Prokaryotes reproduce asexually. Organisms belonging
to the Kingdom Eubacteria and Kingdom Archaea, such as bacteria, blue-green algae,
archaeans, and spirochetes, are examples of prokaryotes. In contrast, eukaryotic cells
are more complex than prokaryotic cells. They are generally larger (10-100 mm in
diameter) than prokaryotic cells. They all have a cell membrane, ribosomes, and DNA
as prokaryotic cells do. However, the DNA of eukaryotic cells are double stranded
arranged into chromosomes and does not float freely in the cytoplasm. Instead, it is
found in the nucleus, an internal compartment bound by a cell membrane. The nucleus
is one kind of organelle found in eukaryotic cells. Organelles are structures that
perform specific functions. Most organelles are surrounded by a membrane. Some
organelles have membranes that form channels which help transport substances from
one part of the
cell to another
part of the cell.
Eukaryotes are
organisms made
of one or more
eukaryotic cells.
The earliest
eukaryotes, like
the first
prokaryotes,
were single-celled organisms. They arose about 1 billion years later than the earliest
prokaryotes. Later, multicellular eukaryotes arose. Every type of multicellular organism

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that exists is made up of eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotes reproduce sexually and/or
asexually. Animal cells, plant cells, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes.
https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/plant-cells-animal-cells.htm
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

PROKARYOTES EUKARYOTES

BOTH

5. From which type of cells did multicellular organisms arise?

6. Name at least 2 examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

7. How will you know that the cell you are studying under a microscope is a
prokaryote?

All cells maybe classified into two basic-cell types, depending on their internal
organization. Prokaryotic cells or prokaryotes lack a true nucleus, while eukaryotic
cells or eukaryotes possess a new nucleus. Prokaryotes contain DNA arranged in a
single circular structure called nucleid, but they lack membrane-bound organelles.
While eukaryotes, has a double stranded DNA arranged into chromosomes and its
organelles are surrounded by membranes. Eukaryotes are more complex and are
generally larger than prokaryotes.

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 The first activity shows the typical structure of a prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic
cell and that one way to determine whether a cell is a prokaryote or a eukaryote is the
presence or absence of nucleus. If a cell has a nucleus then it is a eukaryote if it
doesn’t then it’s a prokaryote. The second part of the activity allows you to dig deeper
or to acquire more knowledge or information about the prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
In here you learned about the unique characteristics of both types of cell. Below is a
comparison of prokaryotes and eukaryotes that will help you distinguish between these
two types of cells.

Table 1. Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Cell Structure Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
Size Smaller (1-10 mm in diameter) Larger (10-100 mm in
diameter)
Nuclear envelope Absent Present
Cell wall Made of peptidoglycan when Made up of cellulose when
present present
Membrane bound Absent Present
organelles
Nuclear material Single loop of circular DNA Double-stranded DNA
arranged into chromosomes
Ribosomes Small (20 nm) Large (30 nm)
Cytoskeleton Absent Present
Mitochondria Absent Present
Chlorophyll Not found in chloroplasts when Found in chloroplasts
present
Reproduction Asexual Sexual and asexual

To further intensify your knowledge about prokaryotes and eukaryotes, you are
going to make a poster drawing of these types of cells showcasing its similarities and
differences. Below is the criteria for rating;

Criteria Outstanding (5) Satifactory (3) Needs Improvement (1)

Drawing Accurate with Accurate but Not accurate
accuracy complete lacks some
information information
Correctness Correctly labeled all Correctly labeled Correctly labeled some
of label the parts of the most of the parts of the parts of the
prokaryotic and of the prokaryotic prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells and eukaryotic eukaryotic cells
cells
Similarties & Clearly showed the Showed some of The similarities and
differences of similarties and the similarities differences of
prokaryotic & differences of and differences of prokaryotic and
eukaryotic prokaryotic and prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are not
cells eukaryotic cells eukaryotic cells clearly shown.

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 Workmanship Neat and Not so neat and Messy and not colored
appropriately appropriately properly
colored colored

If you have internet connectivity, you may watch this video clip on prokaryotes
and eukaryotes at this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ-SMCmWB1s.

You are well aware that some prokaryotes like

bacteria causes infections/ diseases. Tha’ts why
you usually used antibacterial soap/ hand sanitizers
in handwashing/washing clothes/dishes to kill
bacteria and other disease causing agents. But are
you not wondering how these antibacterial soaps
were made? Did you know that
engineers/chemists/biologists must understand cell
structure in order to design strategies to destroy
harmful cells and control their growth in the
environment so that we can lead healthy lives? The
things you learned today are important to them in
coming up with products like antibacterial soaps that
would kill pathogenetic or disease causing
organisms. If you want to know more about this,
watch this sudsy cells/ visit this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIJYE7tNJN4.

1. What is/are the distinguishing characteristics of prokaryotes? Eukaryotes?

2. What is/are the importance of knowing the similarities and differences of the
prokaryotes and eukaryotes especially in the field of medicine or drug
development?

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 Directions: Read each item carefully and encircle the letter
of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following best describes

the organism seen below?
A. The organism is prokaryotic,
because it has ribosomes.
B. The organism is eukaryotic, because it has multiple
flagella.
C. The organism is eukaryotic because it has a cell
membrane.
D. The organism is prokaryotic, because it does not
contain membrane-bound organelles.

2. Which of the following statements best identifies these

two cells? Cells are not
drawn to scale.
A. Both cell X and cell Y
are eukaryotic.
B. Both cell X and cell Y
are prokaryotic.
C. Cell X is prokaryotic
while cell Y is
eukaryotic.
D. Cell X is eukaryotic while cell Y is prokaryotic.

3. A scientist studying aquatic life discovers a new organism. He studies it under

the microscope and draws a diagram of what he sees.

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 A. The organism is prokaryotic,
because it has cytoplasm.
B. The organism is eukaryotic
because it has cilia.
C. The organism is prokaryotic,
because it has a cell membrane.
D. The organism is eukaryotic,
because it has nucleus.

4. Based on the diagram,

which organism(s) are
eukaryotic and why?
Note: Cells are not drawn
to scale.
A. Organisms 2 and 3
only, because both
use flagella.
B. Organisms 1, 2 and 3,
because they are all
single-celled.
C. Organisms 1 and 2
only, because both
have a nucleus.
D. Organisms 1, 2 and 3
because they all have
ribosomes

5. Jenny is viewing a cell under the microscope. Which of the following structure
would tell her that the cell is eukaryotic?
A. Cytoplasm B. ribosomes C. nucleus D. DNA

Congratulations! I know you enjoyed this learning

journey and will do the same in the next! So keep
on learning!

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 The following terms used in this module are defined as follows:

Cell Fundamental or basic unit of life

Eukaryotes Organisms with cells having distinct nucleus containing the

genetic material.

Prokaryotes Organisms with cells that do not have nucleus and have free-
floating genetic material.

Bacteria are prokaryotes, microscopic, single-celled organisms that

thrive in diverse environments.

Fungi is any member of the group of eukaryotic organisms that

includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as
the more familiar mushrooms.

Nucleoid The circular genetic material found in a coil in a prokaryotic cell.

Deoxyribonucleic Known as DNA; contains the information the cell needs to

acid or DNA make proteins to breakdown food into energy as well as the
instructions for reproduction.

Ribosomes The structure that reads DNA in order to make proteins.

Cell Membrane A thin layer that separates the inside of the cell from the outside
environment; a boundary that governs what goes in and out of
the cell.

Cytoplasm A fluid inside the cell that is similar to gel.

Cell wall A layer that supports the cell and acts as a further barrier
between the cell interior and the environment.

Nucleus The control center of the cell that contains the DNA

Organelles "Little organs" inside the cell; examples are the mitochondria,
ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus and
lysosomes.

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PRE-TEST 1. D 2. C 3. C 4. B 5. D
ELICIT
1. Nucleus 2. Deoxyribonucleic acid 5. Cell membrane
3. Ribosomes 4. Cell 6. Cytoplasm

EXPLORE
Organelles Prokaryotes Eukaryotes
Cell membrane / /
Cell wall / / (plants/photosynthetic
eukaryotes)
Cytoplasm / /
Mitochondria X /
Ribosomes / (smaller) / (larger)
DNA/chromosomes / /
Nucleus X /
Golgi apparatus X /
Endoplasmic reticulum X /
Cytoskeleton X /
1. Nucleus, golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum and cytoskeleton.
2. Cell membrane, cell wall, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA/chromosomes
3. Nucleus because only eukaryotes has it.
4. Prokaryotes are organisms with cells that does not have a nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles while eukaryotes are organisms with cells that
contain nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
5. Prokaryotes
6. Examples of prokaryotes – bacteria and archaean
7. Examples of eukaryotes – plants, animals, fungi
8. It’s a prokaryote if it does not have a nucleus.

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Part B: Venn Diagram
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

PROKARYOTES EUKARYOTES
• With nucleus
BOTH
• No nucleus • Maybe unicellular or
• Unicellular multicellualr
• Smaller • Bigger
• Simple • Cytoplasm • Complex
• No membrane • Cell • With membrane
bound organelles membrane bound organelles
• With single loop of • Ribosomes • With double stranded
circular DNA • DNA DNA arranged into
• Cell wall made of chromosomes
peptidoglycan • Cell wall made of
• Reproduce cellulose when
asexually present
• Smaller ribosomes • Reproduce sexually
or asexually
• Larger ribosomes

ELABORATE (sample drawing of prokaryote and eukaryote)

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 EXTEND
1. No membrane-bound organelles like nucleus, presence of nucleid/nucleod,
smaller, unicelluar are some of the disitnguishing characteristics of
prokaryotes. While eukaryotes have nucleus that contains the DNA, and
membrane-bound organelles.
2. Our understanding of the similarities and differences of prokaryotes and
eukaryotes are very necessary especially in the field of medicine and drug
production because it becomes the basis of our scientists/biologists/cehmists
in producing drugs to kill pathogentic prokaryotes/eukaryotes or to cure
diseases caused by these organisms.

POST-TEST 1. D 2. C 3. D 4. C 5. C

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Ramos, Donnie A. et.al.(2006), Exploring Life Through Science Biology. Quezon
Avenue, Quezon City: Phoenix Publishing House.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxujitlv8wc&feature=youtu.be

https://www.cellsalive.com/cells/3dcell.htm

www.livescience.com

https://www.teachengineering.org/lessons/view/cub_cells_lesson01

https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/3-2-comparing-prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-
cells/

https://www.cusd80.com/cms/lib/AZ01001175/Centricity/Domain/7389/prokaryote
%20vs%20eukaryote%20worksheet.pdf

https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/plant-cells-animal-
cells.htm

https://thisonevsthatone.com/prokaryotes-vs-eukaryotes/

https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-flexbook-
2.0/section/2.2/primary/lesson/prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-cells-bio

https://thisonevsthatone.com/prokaryotes-vs-eukaryotes/

https://www.google.com/search?q=bright+idea+icon+3d&tbm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ-SMCmWB1s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIJYE7tNJN4.

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