Essential Idea: Eukaryotes have a much more complex cell structure than prokaryotes.
At SHS, Topic 1.2 is taught in the following class unit(s):
1.2.U1  Prokaryotes have a simple cell structure without compartmentalization.
  • Outline the major differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
  • List the functions of the following structures of a prokaryotic cell:  cell membrane, nucleoid, plasmid, cytoplasm, ribosome, cell wall, pili, capsule, and flagella.
  • ​Contrast the size of eukaryotic and prokaryotic ribosomes.
1.2.U2  Eukaryotes have a compartmentalized cell structure.
  • State the meaning and advantages of eukaryotic cells being  “compartmentalized.”
  • State structural differences between plant and animal cells.
1.2.U3  Prokaryotes divide by binary fission.
  • Define asexual reproduction.
  • Outline the steps of binary fission.​
1.2.U4  Electron microscopes have a much higher resolution than light microscopes.
  • ​Define resolution.
  • Compare the functionality of light and electron microscopes.
1.2.A1  Structure and function of organelles within exocrine gland cells of the pancreas.
  • State the function of an exocrine gland cell.
  • Describe the function of the following structures in an exocrine gland cell:  plasma membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, vesicles and endoplasmic reticulum.
1.2.A2  Structure and function of organelles within palisade mesophyll cells of the leaf.
  • State the function of a palisade mesophyll cell.
  • Draw a labeled diagram of a palisade cell from the leaf mesophyll. 
  • ​Describe the function of the following structures in a palisade mesophyll cell:  cell wall, plasma membrane, chloroplasts, vacuole, nucleus, and mitochondria.​
1.2.S1  Drawings of the ultrastructure of prokaryotic cells based on electron micrographs.
  • Explain why the ultrastructure of prokaryotic cells must be based on electron micrographs.
  • Draw the ultrastructure of E.coli as seen in an electron micrograph.
1.2.S2  Drawings of the ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells based on electron micrographs.
  • ​Draw and label a diagram of the ultrastructure of a generic animal cell.
  • Draw and label a diagram of the ultrastructure of a generic plant cell.
1.2.S3  Interpretations of electron micrographs to identify organelles and deduce the function of specialized cells.
  • Explain why cells with different functions will have different structures.
  • Identify ultrastructures visible in a micrograph of a eukaryotic cell.
  • Given a micrograph of a cell, deduce the function of the cell based on the structures present.​​
1.2.NOS  Developments in scientific research follows improvements in apparatus- the invention of the electron microscopes led to greater understanding of cell structure.
  • With reference to a specific example, explain how an improvement in apparatus allowed for greater understanding of cell structure.

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