Cell Showdown Worksheet
Cell Showdown
Biology Lab Notes & Activity
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Date: Period:
The Big Idea: Every living thing is made of tiny building blocks called cells. Scientists group all cells into two main battle camps: Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Let's find out what makes them different!
1. Prokaryotes
Think of PRO-karyotes as the "PROs" of being old and simple. They were the very first living things!
- NO Nucleus: DNA floats around freely like loose spaghetti.
- Super Small: Microscopic and single-celled.
- Example: Bacteria (like germs on hands).
Memory Trick: PRO rhymes with NO (No Nucleus!)
2. Eukaryotes
Think of EU-karyotes as "YOU-karyotes" because YOU are made of them! They are bigger and complex.
- DO have a Nucleus: DNA is locked safely inside a protective control room.
- Bigger & Fancy: Have internal parts (organelles).
- Examples: Plants, Animals, and Humans.
Memory Trick: EU rhymes with DO (Do have one!)
Quick Check-In
Based on the reading above, fill in the blanks:
1. Prokaryotes have no nucleus, while eukaryotes do have one.
2. What is one example of a prokaryote?
Labeling Challenge: Inside the Cells
Compare the cell diagrams. Use the word bank to write the correct letter next to each part!
(A) Nucleus (Holds DNA) | (B) DNA (Free Floating) | (C) Cell Membrane (Outer Border)
Cell 1: Prokaryote
Label ___ ➔ Free DNA
Label ___ ➔ Outer Border
Cell 2: Eukaryote
← Protected Nucleus Label ___
← Outer Border Label ___
Unit 2: Cell Structures & Types TURN OVER FOR PAGE 2 →
Real-World Case Files
Part 2: Identifying Cell Types & The Final Showdown
Page 2 Worksheet
Meet the Families: Every single living creature belongs to one of these two cell families. Let's put on our detective hats, look at some real-world case files, and determine who's who!
Activity 3: Cell Detective Case Files
Read each real cell description, check the correct box, and identify your clue!
Case #1: Salmonella Bacteria Microscopic
This tiny cell lives in raw chicken. Under a strong microscope, we see its DNA floating around freely like loose thread, with no nucleus holding it.
Prokaryote
Eukaryote
Clue: DNA floats freely with NO nucleus!
Case #2: Red Onion Cell Plant Family
Under a lens, we see beautiful purple box shapes. Right in the middle of each cell is a large, dark, round nucleus keeping all the DNA locked safely inside.
Prokaryote
Eukaryote
Clue: Safe DNA locked inside a nucleus!
Case #3: Cheek Cell (You!) Animal Family
Gently scraping the inside of a cheek reveals round, clear cells. They are large, complex, and have a clear nucleus right in the middle protecting the DNA.
Prokaryote
Eukaryote
Clue: Has a protective nucleus!
Activity 4: The Final Showdown Matrix
Check the box (or boxes) for each cell type that matches the description. Some might apply to both!
| Cell Feature | Prokaryotes | Eukaryotes | Both Types |
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| Has a protective cell nucleus | | | |
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| Contains genetic instructions (DNA) |
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| Includes bacteria cells |
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| Larger, more complex cells |
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| Has an outer cell membrane border |
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Part 5: Showdown Sentence Challenge
Write one complete sentence explaining the single biggest difference between a prokaryote and a eukaryote.
Unit 2: Cell Structures & Types Completed Lab Grade:
