Introduction
INTRODUCTION
The cell is a fundamental component of our modern definition of life and living things. Cells are regarded as the basic building blocks of life and are used in the elusive definition of what it means to be "alive."Cells keep chemical processes tidy and compartmentalized so individual cell processes do not interfere with others and the cell can go about its business of metabolizing, reproducing, etc.
Every living organism falls into one of two groups: eukaryotes or prokaryotes. Cellular structure determines which group an organism belongs to. In this article, we will explain in detail what prokaryotes and eukaryotes are and outline the differences between the two.
Task
Process
PROCESS
Prokaryotic Cell |
Eukaryotic cell |
Nucleus is absent |
Nucleus is present |
Membrane-bound nucleus absent. |
A membrane-bound Nucleus is present. |
One chromosome is present, but not true chromosome plastids |
More than one number of chromosomes is present. |
Unicellular |
Multicellular |
Prokaryote definition
Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack membrane-bound structures, the most noteworthy of which is the nucleus. Prokaryotic cells tend to be small, simple cells, measuring around 0.1-5 μm in diameter.
Prokaryotic cell features
Here is a breakdown of what you might find in a prokaryotic bacterial cell.
• Nucleoid: A central region of the cell that contains its DNA.
• Ribosome: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
• Cell wall: The cell wall provides structure and protection from the outside environment. Most bacteria have a rigid cell wall made from carbohydrates and proteins called peptidoglycans.
• Cell membrane: Every prokaryote has a cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, that separates the cell from the outside environment.
• Capsule: Some bacteria have a layer of carbohydrates that surrounds the cell wall called the capsule. The capsule helps the bacterium attach to surfaces.
• Fimbriae: Fimbriae are thin, hair-like structures that help with cellular attachment.
• Pili: Pili are rod-shaped structures involved in multiple roles, including attachment and DNA transfer.
• Flagella: Flagella are thin, tail-like structures that assist in movement.
Examples of prokaryotes
Bacteria and archaea are the two types of prokaryotes.
Eukaryote definition
Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus and other organelles enclosed by a plasma membrane. Organelles are internal structures responsible for a variety of functions, such as energy production and protein synthesis.
Eukaryotic cell features
Within a eukaryotic cell, each membrane-bound structure carries out specific cellular functions. Here is an overview of many of the primary components of eukaryotic cells.
• Nucleus: The nucleus stores the genetic information in chromatin form.
• Nucleolus: Found inside of the nucleus, the nucleolus is the part of eukaryotic cells where ribosomal RNA is produced.
• Plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the entire cell and encompasses the organelles within.
• Cytoskeleton or cell wall: The cytoskeleton or cell wall provides structure, allows for cell movement, and plays a role in cell division.
• Ribosomes: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
• Mitochondria: Mitochondria, also known as the powerhouses of the cell, are responsible for energy production.
• Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the region of the cell between the nuclear envelope and plasma membrane.
• Cytosol: Cytosol is a gel-like substance within the cell that contains the organelles.
• Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle dedicated to protein maturation and transportation.
• Vesicles and vacuoles: Vesicles and vacuoles are membrane-bound sacs involved in transportation and storage.
Examples of eukaryotes
Animals, plants, fungi, algae, and protozoans are all eukaryotes.
All cells, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic, share these four features:
1. DNA
2. Plasma membrane
3. Cytoplasm
4. Ribosomes
Evaluation
Conclusion
CONCLUSION
All living organisms can be sorted into one of two groups depending on the fundamental structure of their cells: the prokaryotes and the eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles. Eukaryotes are organisms made up of cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus that holds genetic material as well as membrane-bound organelles.