The Dynamic Cell

Eukaryotic cells are more structurally advanced than prokaryotic cells. The goal of this week’s project is to describe the differences between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, then outline the structure/function of select eukaryotic organelles.

When describing a function, be sure to answer the question, what does it do?  For example, while discussing the cell membrane, it is common for students to say “it is a phospholipid bilayer surrounding the cell.” This explains what the cell membrane IS, but not what it DOES. To discuss the function of the cell membrane one might say “it is semipermeable and controls what enters and leaves the cell,” or “it separates the cell from the surroundings,” or “it protects the cells and its organelles from the environment.” Any, or all of these functions answers the question,  what does it do?

You are encouraged to spice it up a bit and have some fun with this project! Writing an essay will meet the minimal requirements, but consider writing your project as a story, or an analogy, or create a project as though you were teaching this material to someone else. You can even create a PowerPoint presentation if you’d like. 

If you are a tactile learner and you prefer to build something, go ahead and do that! If you like to draw or make videos, go ahead and do that! If you choose to make a video, post a link to your video explaining what you created. For a drawing or video, you will still need to submit something in written form explaining the structure and function of the organelles. Think of your written submission as providing the instructor with the key.

For this assignment:

1. Describe the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including how the different cell types reproduce.

2. Outline the  structure and function of the following eukaryotic organelles listed below. 

· Plasma (cell) membrane

· Cytoplasm

· Nucleus

· Chromosomes

· Mitochondria

· Ribosomes

· Golgi Apparatus

· Lysosome

· Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

· Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

· Vacuole

· Chloroplast