The Dynamic Cell Assignment
Eukaryotic cells are more structurally advanced than prokaryotic cells. The goal of this week’s project is to
describe the differences between the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, then outline the structure/function of select
eukaryotic organelles.When describing a function, be sure to answer the question, what does it do? For example,
while discussing the cell membrane, it is common for students to say “it is a phospholipid bilayer surrounding the
cell.” This explains what the cell membrane IS, but not what it DOES. To discuss the function of the cell membrane
one might say “it is semipermeable and controls what enters and leaves the cell,” or “it separates the cell from the
surroundings,” or “it protects the cells and its organelles from the environment.” Any, or all of these functions
answers the question, what does it do?
You are encouraged to spice it up a bit and have some fun with this project! Writing an essay will meet the minimal
requirements, but consider writing your project as a story, or an analogy, or create a project as though you were
teaching this material to someone else. You can even create a PowerPoint presentation if you’d like.
If you are a tactile learner and you prefer to build something, go ahead and do that! If you like to draw or make
videos, go ahead and do that! If you choose to make a video, post a link to your video explaining what you created.
For a drawing or video, you will still need to submit something in written form explaining the structure and function
of the organelles. Think of your written submission as providing the instructor with the key. Don’t forget to include
reference information about where you found your material, and, as always, using your course textbook is best.
More than anything, please try and have fun with this week’s assignment!
For this assignment:
Describe the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including how the different cell types
reproduce.
Outline the structure and function of the following eukaryotic organelles listed below.
Plasma (cell) membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Chromosomes
Mitochondria
Ribosomes
Golgi Apparatus
Lysosome
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Vacuole
Chloroplast
Please reference your course textbook(Phelan, J. (2021). What is life? A guide to biology with physiology (5th ed.). W.H. Freeman. ISBN: 9781319272531) for information. Course textbooks can be found on the Syllabus and
Textbooks page of this course via the top navigation bar.
