Year 10 - Science
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms
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 describe differences in the cell structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
Key Notes
- Eukaryotic cells store their genetic material in a nucleus and have membrane bound sub-cellular structures.
- Eukaryotic organisms can be unicellular or multicellular.
- Examples of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
- Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane bound sub-cellular structures including a nucleus; DNA is floating in cytoplasm.
- Prokaryotic organisms are unicellular.
Vocabulary To Learn
- eukaryotic: Eukaryotic cells contain a membrane bound nucleus; this contains the DNA.
- multicellular: Organisms that are made up of more than one cell are multicellular.
- prokaryotic: Prokaryotic cells have no membrane bound nucleus; DNA is free floating in the cytoplasm.
- unicellular: An organism that consists of only one cell is unicellular.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All eukaryotic cells are multicellular.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Eukaryotic cells store their genetic material in a nucleus and have membrane bound sub-cellular structures. Eukaryotic organisms can be unicellular or multicellular.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'eukaryotic'
Eukaryotic cells contain a membrane bound nucleus; this contains the DNA. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: All eukaryotic cells are multicellular. Correction: Addressed within the slides to specifically mention that some eukaryotic organisms are unicellular.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Animal cells: common structures and specialised cells Study Guide
- Cells Study Guide
- Common structures of prokaryotic cells 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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