DE Science Middle School 5-Minute Prep for Organisms Diversity of Life Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes—Key Ideas Prokaryotes are individual microscopic organisms that contain no nucleus and reproduce asexually. Bacteria are the most commonly known form of prokaryote. The vast majority of bacteria are not harmful to humans.

Prokaryotes—Prior Knowledge Students may have looked at bacterial cells under a microscope. Prokaryotic cells, while simple, provide for many different life forms, most bacteria. Before there were cells, there were chemical reactions. Demonstrate some basic chemical reactions and then ask, “What is the advantage of these occurring inside a membrane?” Only bacteria have prokaryotic cells. What do students think a bacteria is, and what does it look like?

Prokaryotes—Common Misconceptions DNA is always present inside a nucleus. –Reality: DNA in prokaryotic organisms is able to replicate and divide without a nucleus. Prokaryotes do not have organelles like other cells. –Reality: They do have organelles, just not as many are found in complex eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotes—Using DE Science Content Use the PowerPoint version of this presentation for hyperlinks to these resources, or you can get to them through the browser or search feature. Reading Passage: Prokaryotes and EukaryotesProkaryotes and Eukaryotes Interactive Video: Life on the EdgeLife on the Edge Video: Form and Function: Bacteria Are the Simplest OrganismsForm and Function: Bacteria Are the Simplest Organisms

Prokaryotes—Instructional Ideas The Reading Passage Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes is a clearly written, brief, illustrated PDF that introduces differences and similarities between the two cell types.Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes The Interactive Video Life on the Edge lets students visualize different types of prokaryotes and observe where they live.Life on the Edge The Video Form and Function: Bacteria Are the Simplest Organisms is a good video to use to introduce students to the world of bacteria, which are the smallest, simplest organisms. They consist of single cells with no nucleus.Form and Function: Bacteria Are the Simplest Organisms

State Standards If you wish to review your state standards regarding Prokaryotes, click here to get to the curriculum standards search feature of DES. dLookup.cfm dLookup.cfm You can click on any standard to see what resources are available for you to use.