EUKARYOTES AND PROKARYOTES

Lesson 2:  Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes​

1. Characteristics of life shared by all organisms (including eukaryotes and prokaryotes):​​​​​​

• consisting of cells​ (the sole base of all living things)

• sustaining homeostasis (comfortable constant conditions for living things)

• sustaining metabolism (chemical reactions that transform consumed food into energy for the organism)

• reproducing (providing offspring)

• the passing of characteristics and genes from parent to offspring (heredity)

• reaction to a change or stimuli in the environment causing adaptation

• growth in size and development

1. Cell- the basic unit of life; carries out all life functions

2. Prokaryotic cells- simple cells without membrane-bound organelles found in the Bacteria and Archaea domains

3. Eukaryotic cells- complex cells with more organelles found in the Eukarya domain

4. Organelles- cell parts; examples: nucleus, ribosomes, etc.

5. Organelles and their functions:

   • Cell wall- protects and supports organelles

   • Cell membrane- semi-permeable boundary around organelles

   • Nucleus- controls the cell and contains chromosomes; has a nuclear membrane

   • Chromosomes- genetic material made of DNA

   • Cytoplasm- the substance that supports cell parts; chemical reactions take place here

   • Ribosomes- makes proteins for the cell

   • Endoplasmic reticulum- transports materials throughout the cell

   • Mitochondria- energy powerhouse of the cell

   • Vacuole- storage space within the cell

   • Lysosomes- digests and removes waste

   • Chloroplasts- makes food within plant cells

   • Golgi apparatus/body- packs and transports substances

6. Taxonomy- The science of classifying and naming organisms

7. Domains- the broadest levels of organization of organisms; examples: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya