Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms
I can describe differences in the cell structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms
I can describe differences in the cell structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Eukaryotic cells store their genetic material in a nucleus and have membrane bound sub-cellular structures.
- Eukaryotic organisms can be unicellular or multicellular.
- Examples of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.
- Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane bound sub-cellular structures including a nucleus; DNA is floating in cytoplasm.
- Prokaryotic organisms are unicellular.
Keywords
Eukaryotic - Eukaryotic cells contain a membrane bound nucleus; this contains the DNA.
Multicellular - Organisms that are made up of more than one cell are multicellular.
Prokaryotic - Prokaryotic cells have no membrane bound nucleus; DNA is free floating in the cytoplasm.
Unicellular - An organism that consists of only one cell is unicellular.
Common misconception
All eukaryotic cells are multicellular.
Addressed within the slides to specifically mention that some eukaryotic organisms are unicellular.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions



a unicellular microorganism that contains no nucleus
an organism where some cells contains chloroplasts
an organism where cells contain no cell wall
Exit quiz
6 Questions
an organism with a membrane bound nucleus
an organism with no membrane bound nucleus
an organism made up of many cells
an organism made up of a single cell