Year 10 - Science
Common structures of prokaryotic cells
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers the structure and function of sub-cellular components in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and explores DNA as the genetic material of organisms. It explains genetic terms, protein synthesis, and how genetic variants influence phenotypes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify common structures of prokaryotic cells and explain their features.
Key Notes
- Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms.
- Common features of prokaryotic cells include the cell membrane, cytoplasm and cell wall.
- Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus; they store their genetic material in the cell cytoplasm.
- The genetic material is stored in one looped chromosome.
- Extra genetic material can be stored in small loops called plasmids.
Vocabulary To Learn
- prokaryotic: A type of cell with no membrane bound nucleus; DNA is free floating in the cytoplasm.
- plasmid: Small ring of DNA found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
- binary fission: The form of cell division that bacteria use to replicate.
- eukaryotic: A type of cell that contains a membrane bound nucleus; the DNA is usually found inside.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All bacterial cells looks like the bacterial cell model.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms. Common features of prokaryotic cells include the cell membrane, cytoplasm and cell wall.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'prokaryotic'
A type of cell with no membrane bound nucleus; DNA is free floating in the cytoplasm. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: All bacterial cells looks like the bacterial cell model. Correction: Bacteria can come in different shapes and sizes, this will be outlined within the slide deck.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Animal cells: common structures and specialised cells Study Guide
- Cells Study Guide
- Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms Study Guide
- Light microscopy: observing and drawing cells Study Guide
- Plant cells: common structures and specialised cells Study Guide
- The size and scale of cells: including standard form Study Guide
- The size and scale of cells: the basics Study Guide
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