Lab 2 Cell Structure and BIO101
L
Function
Student Name:
Access Code (located on the lid of your lab kit):
Lab Report Format Expectations
Utilize college level grammar and professional formaṄng when completing this worksheet.
EXPERIMENT 1: IDENTIFYING CELL STRUCTURES
Introduction Questions
1. Identify three major similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Similarities: Differences:
Both have genetic material (DNA) Size & Complexity: Prokaryotic cells
that encodes information. are generally smaller and simpler,
while eukaryotic cells are larger and
more complex.
Both contain ribosomes for protein Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound
synthesis. nucleus (their DNA is in the nucleoid
region), whereas eukaryotes have a
distinct nucleus.
Both have a cell membrane that Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-
regulates what enters and leaves bound organelles (like mitochondria,
the cell. ER, Golgi apparatus) which are
absent in prokaryotes.
2. Where is the DNA housed in a prokaryotic cell? Where is it housed in a eukaryotic cell?
In a prokaryotic cell, DNA is found in a region called the nucleoid.
In a eukaryotic cell, DNA is enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus.
3. Identify three structures which provide support and protection in a eukaryotic cell.
• Cell Wall: In plant (and fungal) cells, the cell wall provides rigid support and protection.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of protein filaments that helps maintain cell shape and provides
mechanical support.
• Extracellular Matrix: In animal cells, this complex network of proteins and carbohydrates
helps provide structural support.
, Lab 2 Cell Structure and BIO101
L
Function
L
Function
Student Name:
Access Code (located on the lid of your lab kit):
Lab Report Format Expectations
Utilize college level grammar and professional formaṄng when completing this worksheet.
EXPERIMENT 1: IDENTIFYING CELL STRUCTURES
Introduction Questions
1. Identify three major similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Similarities: Differences:
Both have genetic material (DNA) Size & Complexity: Prokaryotic cells
that encodes information. are generally smaller and simpler,
while eukaryotic cells are larger and
more complex.
Both contain ribosomes for protein Prokaryotes lack a membrane-bound
synthesis. nucleus (their DNA is in the nucleoid
region), whereas eukaryotes have a
distinct nucleus.
Both have a cell membrane that Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-
regulates what enters and leaves bound organelles (like mitochondria,
the cell. ER, Golgi apparatus) which are
absent in prokaryotes.
2. Where is the DNA housed in a prokaryotic cell? Where is it housed in a eukaryotic cell?
In a prokaryotic cell, DNA is found in a region called the nucleoid.
In a eukaryotic cell, DNA is enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus.
3. Identify three structures which provide support and protection in a eukaryotic cell.
• Cell Wall: In plant (and fungal) cells, the cell wall provides rigid support and protection.
• Cytoskeleton: A network of protein filaments that helps maintain cell shape and provides
mechanical support.
• Extracellular Matrix: In animal cells, this complex network of proteins and carbohydrates
helps provide structural support.
, Lab 2 Cell Structure and BIO101
L
Function
