The Unity & Diversity of Life

An Overview
 Learning Goals
1. Describe the 3 parts of the Cell Theory.
2. Compare and Contrast a Prokaryotic &
Eukaryotic Cell (Include at least 2
similarities and 3 differences)
3. Describe the characteristics of a virus. Is
a virus a cell? Is a virus alive?
 Vocabulary to know:
Prokaryotic: cell contains no nucleus, no
membrane-bound organelles, but does have
ribosomes and DNA
Eukaryotic: cell has a nucleus, organelles,
ribosomes and DNA
Unicellular: made up of one cell
Multicellular: made up of many cells
Autotroph: an organism that makes its own food
Heterotroph: an organism that depends on others
for food
Unit 2: Cells: Cell Theory
(Section 7-1)
Biology Standards
1. The fundamental life processes of plants and
animals depend on a variety of chemical reactions
that occur in specialized areas of the organisms
cells. As a basis for understanding this concept:
C) Students know how prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic
cells (including those from plants and animals), and
viruses differ in complexity and general structure.
Why Cells are Important
What happens inside cells causes us to be
who we are. (Genes)
All diseases start at the level of the cell.
All growth and life starts from a single cell.
Types of cells
1. Prokaryote 2. Eukaryote
1. Prokaryotic Cells (Prokaryotes)
Simplest, primitive
cells with:
NO membrane-bound
organelles (little organs)
NO nucleus: genetic
material floats free in cell
pro = before
karyo = nucleus
 Ex: Bacteria (Kingdom Monera)
2 Subdivisions:
1. Eubacteria true bacteria
2. Archaea ancient bacteria
Extremophiles: live in harsh environments
(hot, acidic, salty)
 Kingdom: Archaea
Cell Structure: prokaryotic
(no nucleus)
Unicellular
They can make their own
food by a process called
chemosynthesis, or they
can consume food.
(autotroph/heterotroph) Yellowstone Natl Park Hot Springs
Reproduction: asexual by
binary fission
FYI:
Typically found in extreme
environments
Thought to be the most
primitive organisms on
Earth
Kingdom: Bacteria
Cell Structure: prokaryotic
(no nucleus)
Unicellular
Autotrophic (chemosynthesis
& photosynthesis) or
heterotrophic (recall
fermentation)
Reproduction: mostly asexual
by binary fission, though
some can reproduce sexually
by conjugation.
FYI:
Not all bacteria are harmful to
humans
They come in many shapes
Used for biotechnology
2. Eukaryotic Cells (Eukaryotes)
Unicellular or multicellular
Cells contain:
a nucleus (with DNA)
membrane-bound organelles
Eu = true karyo = nucleus
Complex internal structure
Compartments allow many
different chemical reactions to
take place simultaneously
 Examples: Kingdom
Fungi
Kingdom Protista protozoa, mushrooms, molds,
algae, amoeba yeast
 Kingdom: Protists
Cell Structure: eukaryotic
(has nucleus)
Unicellular
Autotrophic
(photosynthesis) or
heterotrophic
Reproduction: mostly
asexual (binary fission), but
some sexual (conjugation)
FYI:
Mostly found in moist
environments
Kingdom: Fungi
Cell Structure: eukaryotic
(has nucleus)- some have
more than one!
Multicellular
Heterotrophic- theyre
decomposers
Reproduction: asexual or
sexual
FYI:
Some fungi can be harmful
(Athletes foot, ringworm)
Others are useful: yeast,
edible mushrooms
 Kingdom Plantae (Plants) Kingdom Animalia
ranges from moss to (Animals) ranges
flowering plants from tiny worms to
humans
 Kingdom: Plants
Cell Structure: eukaryotic
(has nucleus)
Multicellular
Autotrophic
(photosynthesis)
Reproduction: mostly
sexual
FYI:
Carnivorous plants are NOT
heterotrophs, they can also
do photosynthesis.
Self-pollination is NOT
asexual reproduction
Kingdom: Animals
Cell Structure: eukaryotic
(has nucleus)
Multicellular
Heterotrophic
Reproduction: mostly
sexual
FYI:
Some animals can
reproduce asexually
(regeneration, budding,
fragmentation)- ex.: starfish
 Hydra
Starfish
 More about Plants & Animals
Plants and animals have many structural
adaptations- this is the reason we see so
many different kinds of them.
Recall an adaptation is any inherited trait
that increases an organisms chance of
survival.
What kinds of adaptations have they come
up with, and what purpose do they serve?
Plant Adaptations

For life on land:

Vascular tissue- tube-like
cells that transport water
and nutrients from roots to
leaves
Called xylem (for water)
and phloem (for food)
Roots- help anchor the
plant to the ground and
absorb water and nutrients
from soil
Desert plants have shallow
roots- quickly absorb rain
 Plant Adaptations
Stems- support plant
hold up leaves for
photosynthesis
hold up flowers to
pollinators
transport water and
food
can protect against
predators
Plant Adaptations

Leaves- used for

photosynthesis, control
gas exchange and
water loss
Rainforest floor- broad
leaves
Desert- cactus have
spines to prevent water
loss
Cold climates- needles
on evergreen trees
 Plant Adaptations
For Reproduction:
Attracting pollinators-
brightly colored or
fragrant flowers
Seeds- protective coat
outside, nourishment
inside to protect plant
embryo and allow it to
lie dormant for awhile.
Animal Adaptations
For life on land:
Amniotic egg-
provides food &
protection to
developing embryo
(Reptiles developed it
first.)
 Animal Adaptations
Reproductive:
Internal fertilization-
sperm more likely to
get to the egg, and egg
is protected inside the
female
Animal Adaptations
Predators:
Speed- ex.: lions,
cheetahs
Toxin production to
stun/kill prey- ex.:
jellyfish, snakes
Hunt at dark using
Echolocation- ex.: bats
Night vision/big eyes-
ex.: owl
 Animal Adaptations
Prey:
Mimicry- look like
something harmful
Camouflage- blend in
Warning colors &
toxins
Ex. Monarch butterfly,
poison dart frogs
Puff up- look bigger
Regeneration- grow
back legs or tails
 Snowshoe Hare

Camoflauge for all seasons

 What about Viruses?
-Are they alive?
PROS CONS
Have genetic material Cannot grow or
(DNA or RNA)
replicate without
Can replicate (with
host (dormant)
host)
Have a protein coat Are not cells

What do you think?

Viruses
NOT ALIVE!!!
Made of DNA (or RNA)
surrounded by a protein coat
Are NOT cells & cannot grow
Viruses are extremely small!