Cells: Prokaryote vs Eukaryote

Cells have evolved two different architectures:

Prokaryote “style”Eukaryote “style”

Prokaryote cells are smaller and simpler

Commonly known as bacteria10-100 microns in sizeSingle-celled(unicellular) orFilamentous (strings of single cells)

These are prokaryote E. coli bacteria on the head of a steel pin.

Prokaryote cells are simply built (example: E. coli)

capsule: slimy outer coatingcell wall: tougher middle layercell membrane: delicate inner skin

cytoplasm: inner liquid fillingDNA in one big looppilli: for sticking to thingsflagella: for swimmingribosomes: for building proteins

Prokaryote cells are simply built (example: E. coli)

Prokaryote lifestyleunicellular: all alonecolony: forms a filmfilamentous: forms a chain of cells

Eukaryotes are bigger and more complicated

Have organellesHave chromosomescan be multicellularinclude animal and plant cells

Organelles are membrane-bound cell parts

Mini “organs” that have unique structures and functionsLocated in cytoplasm

Cell membranedelicate lipid and protein skin around cytoplasmfound in all cells

Cell Structures

Nucleusa membrane-bound sac evolved to store the cell’s chromosomes(DNA)has pores: holes

Nucleolusinside nucleuslocation of ribosome factor.

mitochondrion makes the cell’s energythe more energy the cell needs, the more mitochondria it has

Ribosomesbuild proteins from amino acids in cytoplasmmay be free-floating, ormay be attached to ERmade of RNA

Endoplasmic reticulum

may be smooth: builds lipids and carbohydratesmay be rough: stores proteins made by attached ribosomes

Golgi Complextakes in sacs of raw material from ERsends out sacs containing finished cell products

Lysosomessacs filled with digestive enzymesdigest worn out cell partsdigest food absorbed by cell

Centriolespair of bundled tubesorganize cell division

Cytoskeletonmade of microtubulesfound throughout cytoplasmgives shape to cell & moves organelles around inside.

Structures found in plant cellsCell wall

very strongmade of celluloseprotects cell from rupturingglued to other cells next door

Vacuolehuge water-filled sackeeps cell pressurizedstores starch

Chloroplastsfilled with chlorophyllturn solar energy into food energy

How are plant and animal cells different?

Structure Animal cells Plant cellscell membrane Yes yes

nucleus Yes yesnucleolus yes yesribosomes yes yes

ER yes yesGolgi yes yes

centrioles yes nocell wall no yes

mitochondria yes yescholorplasts no yes

One big vacuole no yescytoskeleton yes Yes