BIOS 242 Week 2 Active Learning Template: Cells

Grace J.
August 5, 2025August 5, 2025
BIOS-242, CU BSN

Student Name

Chamberlain University

BIOS-242 Fundamentals of Microbiology

Prof. Name

Date

Active Learning Template: Cells

1. Draw an image of a Prokaryotic cell in the space below. Label all the organelles and structures present in a typical prokaryotic cell.

Please draw a diagram of a typical prokaryotic cell showing the labeled structures such as:

Capsule
Cell wall
Cell membrane (plasma membrane)
Cytoplasm
Ribosomes
Chromosomal DNA (nucleoid region)
Plasmids (optional)
Fimbriae
Flagella

This drawing should visually represent the structural organization of prokaryotic cells such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) or other bacteria.

2. Complete the following table by listing various organelles and structures commonly found in a Prokaryotic cell and describe their functions in 1-2 sentences.

Organelles and Structures of Prokaryotic Cell	Function
Cell membrane	Acts as a selective barrier regulating the entry and exit of substances. It also serves as the site for essential biochemical processes like respiration and photosynthesis.
Capsule	This outermost protective layer helps bacteria adhere to surfaces and evade desiccation and host immune responses.
Ribosome	Synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA into polypeptide chains; composed of rRNA and proteins.
Chromosome (DNA)	Contains genetic material in a single circular DNA molecule; responsible for controlling cell activities and heredity.
Cell wall	Provides structural support, maintains shape, and protects against osmotic pressure and environmental stress.
Fimbriae	Short, hair-like projections that facilitate attachment to surfaces and other cells, contributing to colonization and biofilm formation.
Flagellum	A whip-like appendage that rotates to propel the cell, enabling motility in liquid environments.
Nucleoid Region	A dense, irregularly shaped area containing the cell’s DNA; it governs cell function and replication processes.

3. Draw an image of a Eukaryotic cell in the space below. Label all the organelles and structures present in a typical Eukaryotic cell.

Please sketch a eukaryotic cell (animal or plant), and label the following:

Nucleus
Nucleolus
Ribosomes
Rough ER
Smooth ER
Golgi apparatus
Mitochondria
Lysosomes
Vacuole
Plasma membrane
Cytoplasm

This diagram should reflect the complex internal organization typical of eukaryotic cells.

4. Complete the following table by listing various organelles and structures commonly found in a Eukaryotic cell and describe their functions in 1-2 sentences.

Organelles and Structures of Eukaryotic Cell	Function
Mitochondrion	Known as the powerhouse of the cell, it produces ATP through aerobic respiration.
Cytoplasm	A jelly-like substance that fills the cell and houses organelles; site of many metabolic activities.
Plasma membrane	Controls the movement of materials into and out of the cell and helps maintain homeostasis.
Ribosome	Facilitates protein synthesis by translating genetic information from mRNA into proteins.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (Rough ER)	Studded with ribosomes and assists in the synthesis and modification of proteins for secretion or membrane use.
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth ER)	Synthesizes lipids and steroids, and detoxifies certain chemicals.
Nucleus	Contains DNA and acts as the cell’s control center, managing gene expression and replication.
Nucleolus	Located inside the nucleus; responsible for producing ribosomal RNA and assembling ribosomes.
Golgi apparatus	Modifies, packages, and sorts proteins and lipids for transport to various destinations.
Vacuole	Involved in storage of nutrients, waste products, and water; prominent in plant cells.
Lysosome	Breaks down waste materials and cellular debris using digestive enzymes.

5. List similarities between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share certain structural features despite their differences in complexity. These similarities include:

Cell membrane: Present in both, regulating material movement.
Genetic material: DNA is present in both cell types.
Ribosomes: Both utilize ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Cytoplasm: Internal fluid that supports metabolic functions.
Cell size: While eukaryotic cells are generally larger, there is overlap in small eukaryotes and large prokaryotes.
Cell arrangement: Both can exist as single cells or form colonies.
Basic functions: Both carry out essential life processes like growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

6. List differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.

Despite their similarities, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ significantly in structure and function:

Characteristic	Prokaryotic Cells	Eukaryotic Cells
Type of Cell	Unicellular organisms such as bacteria and archaea	Unicellular or multicellular organisms including plants, animals, fungi, and protists
Cell Size	Generally smaller (0.1–5 µm)	Larger (10–100 µm)
Cell Wall	Usually present, made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria)	Present in plants (cellulose) and fungi (chitin); absent in animal cells
Nucleus	Lacks a true nucleus; DNA is in the nucleoid region	Contains a true membrane-bound nucleus
DNA Arrangement	Circular DNA without histones	Linear chromosomes wrapped around histones
Mitochondria	Absent	Present for energy production
Cell Division	Binary fission	Mitosis or meiosis, depending on the organism

References

Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K., & Walter, P. (2015). Molecular Biology of the Cell (6th ed.). Garland Science. Lodish, H., Berk, A., Kaiser, C. A., Krieger, M., Bretscher, A., Ploegh, H., & Matsudaira, P. (2021). Molecular Cell Biology (9th ed.). W.H. Freeman. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/