Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
TSW – Recognize that the presence of a
nucleus determines whether a cell is
prokaryotic or eukaryotic. 6.12B
Cells
• There are two basic types of cells
1. Prokaryotes or prokaryotic cells
2. Eukaryotes or eukaryotic cells
Prokaryotic cells
• Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus
• The genetic material is bunched together, but
is not found inside a nucleus
• Think PRO and NO (no nucleus)
Prokaryotes
• Prokaryotes are single celled organisms that
sometimes live in colonies or groups
• They are ancient life forms that have been around
for billions of years
• They are less developed with only a few cell parts
that can be identified under a microscope
• However, they are able to survive a variety of
conditions and live quite well on Earth.
• Bacteria are prokaryotes
Prokaryotic Cell
Genetic material is not found inside a nucleus.
Eukaryotes
• Eukaryotes are more complex cells than
prokaryotes
• They have a nucleus which contains the
genetic material of the cell
• They also have more identifiable cell parts
Think “Eu” pronounced “you” You are made
up of complex eukaryotic cells.
Eukaryotes
• Most living things we are familiar with are
eukaryotic.
• This includes: all plants, all animals, all fungi
Eukaryotic Cell
Nucleus that contains
the genetic material of the
cell.
Notice this cell has more cell parts and is much more complex.
Comparing cells
Notice the difference in size between the two cells.
Cell size
Summary
Prokaryotes
Eukaryotes
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No nucleus
Smaller in size
Less complex
Single celled organisms
Ancient life form
Bacteria is an example
Has a nucleus
Larger than prokaryotes
More complex
Can be single celled
organism but all multicelled organisms are
eukaryotes
• Plants, animals, fungi – all
are eukaryotic
References
• http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/prokary
otic_cells.html
• http://www.cod.edu/PEOPLE/FACULTY/FANCH
ER/ProkEuk.htm
• http://naturalorder.info/
• http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/
prokaryotic_and_eukaryotic_cells