Cells are the basic building blocks of life. They come in two main types - prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells are simpler and unicellular, while eukaryotic cells are more complex and found in multicellular organisms. Cells also include animal and plant cells, with animal cells typically smaller and lacking cell walls, and plant cells typically larger with cell walls to perform photosynthesis. Understanding cells and their differences is essential for comprehending how living things function.

1. The Importance of Cells in Living Organisms
Handout Covers
- Introduction to Cells
- Prokaryotic Cells vs. Eukaryotic Cells
- Animal Cells vs. Plant Cells
Introduction to Cells
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms, including animals, plants, and even
single-celled organisms. Every cell is made up of various components, such as a nucleus,
mitochondria, and a cell membrane. These components work together to enable the cell to
perform its functions.
In animals and plants, cells are organized into tissues, which are then further organized into
organs and organ systems. This organization allows for the efficient functioning of the body.
Cells are important for many reasons. They are responsible for the production of energy,
the growth and development of the body, and the transmission of genetic information from
generation to generation. They also play a key role in the immune system, protecting the body
from disease and injury.
Without cells, life as we know it would not exist.
Prokaryotic Cells vs. Eukaryotic Cells
Cells can be divided into two main groups: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells
are unicellular organisms, such as bacteria, while eukaryotic cells are found in multicellular
organisms, such as plants and animals.
Prokaryotic cells are much simpler than eukaryotic cells. They have no nucleus, no cell
membrane and no organelles. They also lack the ability to reproduce sexually.
Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, are much more complex. They have a nucleus, a cell
membrane, and many organelles. They are also capable of reproducing sexually.
Can you think of any other differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

2. The Importance of Cells in Living Organisms
Animal Cells vs. Plant Cells
Cells can also be divided into two main classes: animal cells and plant cells.
Animal cells are typically smaller than plant cells, and lack a cell wall. They are also unable to
produce their own food and must rely on other sources for energy.
Plant cells, on the other hand, are typically larger than animal cells and have a cell wall. They
are also able to produce their own food through photosynthesis.
Can you think of any other differences between animal and plant cells?
Conclusion
Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms, and they play a key role in the
functioning of the body.
Cells can be divided into two main categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells are
simple and unicellular, while eukaryotic cells are complex and multicellular.
Cells can also be divided into two classes: animal cells and plant cells. Animal cells are typically
smaller and lack a cell wall, while plant cells are typically larger and have a cell wall.
It is important to understand the importance of cells and the differences between them in order
to better understand how living organisms function.

3. The Importance of Cells in Living Organisms