7th Grade Science

Different Types of Cells

There are two main types of cells: Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Use the reading from the CPO book in 7.1 and 7.2 to help you identify the differences between the different cell types and subcatagories. 

Prokaryotes

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Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that are the earliest and most primitive forms of life on earth. As organized in the Three Domain System, prokaryotes include bacteria andarchaeans. Prokaryotes are able to live and thrive in various types of environments including extreme habitats such as hydrothermal vents, hot springs, swamps, wetlands, and the guts of animals.

Eukaryotes (Plants)

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Plant cells are eukaryotic cells, or cells with a membrane-bound nucleus. Unlikeprokaryotic cells, the DNA in a plant cell is housed within the nucleus. In addition to having a nucleus, plant cells also contain other membrane-bound organelles, or tiny cellular structures, that carry out specific functions necessary for normal cellular operation. Organelles have a wide range of responsibilities that include everything from producing hormones and enzymes to providing energy for a plant cell. 

Eukaryotes (Animals)

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Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, or cells with a membrane-bound nucleus. Unlikeprokaryotic cells, DNA in animal cells is housed within the nucleus. In addition to having a nucleus, animal cells also contain other membrane-bound organelles, or tiny cellular structures, that carry out specific functions necessary for normal cellular operation. Organelles have a wide range of responsibilities that include everything from producing hormones and enzymes to providing energy for animal cells.