D312 Lab Week 2 – Comparative Study of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

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Western Governors University

D312 Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab

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Date

D312 Lab Week 2 – Comparative Study of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

1. Identify the major similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Similarities:
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells possess a cell membrane, genetic material (DNA), ribosomes, and cytoplasm.

Differences (Multiple Choice):
A. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus enclosed by a double membrane.
B. Prokaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do not.
C. Eukaryotic cells lack DNA, while prokaryotic cells have it.
D. Both have mitochondria.

2. Where is the DNA housed in a prokaryotic cell? Where is it housed in a eukaryotic cell?

A. In prokaryotic cells, DNA is in the nucleoid region; in eukaryotic cells, DNA is in the nucleus (and mitochondria).
B. In prokaryotic cells, DNA is in the nucleus; in eukaryotic cells, DNA is in the cytoplasm.
C. In both, DNA is found in chloroplasts.
D. Only eukaryotic cells have DNA.

3. Name three structures that provide support and protection in a eukaryotic cell.

A. Cell membrane, mitochondria, cytoskeleton
B. Cell membrane, cell wall, cytoskeleton
C. Cell wall, ribosome, nucleus
D. Cytoplasm, vacuole, nucleolus

4. Label each of the arrows in the slide image of an onion root tip (1000×).

A. Cell wall, cytoplasm
B. A – Chromosomes, B – Nucleus
C. A – Nucleolus, B – Mitochondria
D. A – Ribosomes, B – Endoplasmic reticulum

5. What is the difference between the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

A. Rough ER has ribosomes; smooth ER does not.
B. Rough ER synthesizes proteins; smooth ER synthesizes lipids.
C. Both A and B
D. Rough ER and smooth ER have identical functions.

6. Would an animal cell be able to survive without mitochondria? Why or why not?

A. Yes, because the nucleus can produce energy.
B. No, because mitochondria produce ATP through aerobic respiration.
C. Yes, because chloroplasts can substitute mitochondria.
D. No, because mitochondria only help in digestion.

7. What is the function of a lysosome?

A. Transport proteins across the cell membrane
B. Digest foreign or damaged materials using enzymes
C. Store genetic information
D. Synthesize lipids

8. How does the surface area affect diffusion to the center of the cell?

A. As surface area increases, diffusion rate decreases.
B. As surface area increases, diffusion rate stays constant.
C. As surface area increases, time to reach the center increases (diffusion becomes more effective overall).
D. Surface area has no effect on diffusion.

9. How does the surface area-to-volume ratio affect diffusion?

A. Higher ratio → slower diffusion
B. Lower ratio → slower diffusion
C. Ratio has no effect on diffusion
D. Higher ratio → slower and inefficient diffusion

10. How does this experiment demonstrate the need for larger cells to divide?

A. Larger cells have higher diffusion rates, so they divide to slow metabolism.
B. As cells grow, surface area becomes insufficient for nutrient and gas exchange, so larger cells divide to restore a higher surface area-to-volume ratio.
C. Division increases volume but decreases surface area.
D. Small cells divide to form larger cells for more efficiency.