IntroductionIn this lab we looked at different prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, so we looked at the gut of a termite to see the different single-celled microorganisms it contained. The purpose of this laboratory is to observe live and prepared bacterial cells, then describe their morphology, observe and describe the primary characteristics of the eukaryotic cell, and investigate and observe organisms involved in a symbiotic relationship. By looking at these things, we hope to discover what we should expect to see in yogurt bacteria. To predict this, we first need to know the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are organisms that do not have a cell nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotes, on the other hand, have membrane-bound organelles, most characteristically, a nucleus. Perhaps the most important difference between these two cells is that eukaryotes have a “true” nucleus that houses their genetic material, whereas a prokaryote's DNA is not membrane-bound. Although many eukaryotes do not have a cell wall, the cell walls of prokaryotes are usually made of a different molecule than those of eukaryotes. Eukaryotes are generally much larger than prokaryotic cells, however, prokaryotes have a larger surface area to volume ratio which gives them a faster rate of metabolism, a higher growth rate, and consequently a shorter generation time compared to that of eukaryotes. There are two main types of prokaryotes: bacteria and archaea (single-celled organisms). All prokaryotes share four main structures: the plasma membrane, the cytoplasm, ribosomes, and genetic material. Some prokaryotic cells also have a cell wall, flagella, and pili. Bacterial cells have three different shapes:...... paper half ...... materials needed for this part of the lab include: a microscope slide, 0 sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, 5%, forceps, a thermite, a coverslip and a microscope. First, place a drop of 0.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution on a microscope slide. Then, use a pair of forceps to place a thermite into the drop of saline solution. Quickly place a coverslip over the thermite and gently press on the coverslip. Observe the preparation under the scanning objective (4X) of the microscope and locate the abdominal region of the crushed termite. Then, observe the fluid around the crushed intestinal tissue at low and high magnification to check for the presence of flagellates and spirochete bacteria. Works Cited http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/fancher/prokeuk.htm http://www. diffen.com/difference/Eukaryotic_Cell_vs_Prokaryotic_Cell http://www.shmoop.com/biology-cells/prokaryotic-cells.html