Cell Biology
Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes - A Brief Summary
The above cell you’re looking at is a eukaryotic cell.
Eukaryotic cells are cells with a nucleus.
Root hair cells like the one above absorb water and
mineral ions, and are found in plants.
The above cell here is a prokaryotic cell.
Prokaryotic cells are cells without a nucleus.
Instead, they, like the bacteria shown above, have small
rings called plasmids containing genetic material.
Keywords: Eukaryote, Prokaryote, Nucleus, Plasmid
Eukaryotes have the following:
Nucleus - Contains genetic material, controlling the activities of the cell.
Cytoplasm - Where most chemical reactions happen.
Cell membrane - Controls what comes in and out of the cell.
Mitochondria - The site of aerobic respiration, providing energy for the cell.
Ribosomes - The site of protein synthesis.
Prokaryotes share a lot of the subcellular structures eukaryotes have, but there
are some differences - here’s some from a bacterial cell:
No nucleus - Duh, that’s what makes them a prokaryote.
A large, singular strand of DNA that floats freely in the cytoplasm.
No mitochondria - They get their energy through other means.
A cell wall - Seen in plant cells, they strengthen and support the cell.
Extra Extra! Prokaryotes in the industry…
Did you know? Yeast cells are used to make bread, through a handy trick called fermentation (anaerobic respiration in yeast cells).
The carbon dioxide released as a product is used by bakers to make bread rise - tasty!
Furthermore, the ethanol released is used in making alcoholic beverages, such as beer and wine.
