Learning Objects : Lifelong Application

 

RLO: Prokaryotes and eukaryotes

• Introduction
• Prokaryotes: characteristics
• Prokaryotes: examples
• Eukaryotes: characteristics
• Eukaryotes: examples
• Activity 1
• Activity 2
• Feedback
• Resources

Introduction to prokaryotes and eukaryotes

After working through this RLO, you will understand the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Every living thing is made up of cells; these are the smallest basic unit of all living organisms, from simple single celled organisms like bacteria and amoeba to complex, multicellular organisms like us. Our bodies are made up of around 50 million million cells!

The invention of the light microscope was a massive breakthrough in providing the evidence that all living things are made of cells.

Organisms can be divided into two categories - prokaryotes and eukaryotes - depending on characteristics of the cell or cells they are made of. Prokaryotes are composed of prokaryotic cells and eukaryotes are composed of eukaryotic cells.

 

When you've completed this section, click the button on the media player, or click the 'Prokaryotes: characteristics' tab above to continue.