Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Both euglena and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic unicellular organisms found in pond water. Euglena, however, is eukaryotic while cyanobacteria are prokaryotic.

What feature distinguishes euglena from cyanobacteria?

• the ability to reproduce asexually

• the presence of ribosomes in cells

• the ability to maintain homeostasis

• the presence of a nuclear membrane

Students use a microscope to look for structures present in four different cells. The students placed an X for each structure that was viewed for each cell on the table shown.

Which cell is MOST LIKELY an animal cell?

• Cell W

• Cell X

• Cell Y

• Cell Z

Scientists have discovered a new genus of microscopic multicellular animals that live in marine sediments called Spinoloricus.

Scientists determined that organisms of the genus Spinoloricus were eukaryotes because they had which distinguishing cell structure?

• Flagella

• cell walls

• hereditary material

• nuclear membranes

The table shows students' notes from observing two cells in a sample of pond water.

Which correctly identifies the two cells in the table?

• Both cells are eukaryotic.

• Both cells are prokaryotic.

• Cell 1 is eukaryotic, and Cell 2 is prokaryotic.

• Cell 1 is prokaryotic, and Cell 2 is eukaryotic.

Plants and animals cells typically reproduce sexually. Along with DNA, mitochondria are passed to offspring.

How ​are mitochondria transferred in prokaryotes?

• Prokaryotes do not contain mitochondria and therefore, mitochondria cannot be transferred.

• Prokaryotes reproduce sexually and share the mitochondria in the same manner as eukaryotes.

• Prokaryotes transfer mitochondria through binary fission.

• Prokaryotes share their mitochondria through meiosis.

Mia is an archaeologist studying fossil organisms. She found a fossil containing a cell with several preserved organelles. The cell's mitochondria, cell wall, and  nucleus were intact.

Which type of cell might Mia have found?

• Eukaryotic animal

• Eukaryotic plant

• Prokaryotic animal

• Prokaryotic plant