Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
There are two basic types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. A
prokaryotic cell does not have a true nucleus. Although the genetic
material is usually contained in a central location, a membrane does not
surround it. Furthermore, prokaryotic cells have no membrane bound
organelles. Bacteria are prokaryotic. The following image is a
prokaryotic cell.
A
A eukaryotic cell has a nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane. It
also has several membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells tend to
be larger than prokaryotic cells. Plant and animal cells are both
eukaryotic and, although similar I structure, contain unique cell parts.
For instance, plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, shile animal
cells have centrioles and some even have cilia and flagella. See the
following figures.
Plant vs. Animal Cells
Closely examine the above diagrams. You will notice that plant cells and
animal cells each contain unique structures. Plant cells are surrounded
by a stiff structure called a cell wasll. Cell walls support and give
structure to plant cells. Because animal cells lack a cell wall they have a
rounder shape when compared to plant cells. Animal cells have a more
permeable outer structure called a cell membrane. Plastids are another
structure uqique to plant cells. Plastids are used to capture light
energy. Plastids contain pigments that give plants their color. Green is
one common pigment found in chloroplasts. Animal cells lack plastids
and therefore cannot crete their own chemical energy. Some animal
cells have structures that help them move. Spcifically, they contain
flagella, and cilia. During cell division, animal cells also use sturctures
called centrioles.
Name
Description Name
Cell Wall
Rigid outer Plastids
covering,
provides
protection
and
support for
plant,
bacteria
and fungus
Description Name
In plant
Vacuoles
cells, store
pigments to
absorb light
for
photosynth
esis,
storage,
gives plants
color
Cell
Surrounds Golgi
Flattened
Mitochon
Membran cells and
Apparatu membrane dria
e
controls
s
sacs for
what
synthesis,
enters and
packaging
leaves cells
and
distribution
Cytoskele Microtubul
ton
es and
microfilam
ents that
give
internal
support,
move
internal
parts
Nucleus
Contains
hereditary
informatio
n, control
center of
cell
Lysosome Sac
Descript
ion
Storage
for food
and
water
Double
membra
ne
bound
structur
e where
respirati
on takes
place
In the
nucleus,
site of
ribosom
e
producti
on
Endoplas
mic
Reticulu
m (ER)
With or
Nucleolus
without
ribosomes,
transport of
RNA and
proteins
Ribosom
es
Manufactur Centrioles Only in
e proteins
animal
cells, aid
in cell
division
Cilia
Short, hair-
Flagella
Long,
containing
enzymes
for
digestion
Cytoplas
m
Jelly-like
substance
in the cell
that
contains
organelles
like
extensions
used for
movement
Cytosol
Liquid-like
substance
part of the
cytoplasm,
location of
metabolic
processes
Section Review Questions
1. Define the following terms:
a. Cell
b. Organelles
c. Cell theory
d. Prokaryotic
e. Eukaryotic
f. Cell wall
g. Plastids
h. Golgi apparatus
i. Mitochondria
j. Microfilaments
k. Microtubules
l. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)
m. Mucleolus
n. Cilia
o. Flagella
p. Cytoplasm
q. Cytosol
r. Tissue
s. Organ
whiplike
extensio
n used
for
moveme
nt
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
t. Ribosomes
u. Centrioles
v. Lysosome
w. Vacuoles
x. Cell membrane
y. Organ system
z. nucleus
Which of the following is true about the mitochondrion of a cell?
a. It has only one membrane
b. It has no membrane
it is circular
c. It is where cellular respiration occurs
What are structures that support and give shape to plant cells?
a. Microbodies
b. Golgi apparatus
c. Nucleus
d. Cell walls
Where is the hereditary information in eukaryotic cell stored?
a. Cytoplasm
b. Nucleus
c. Centrioles
d. lysosomes
List five more examples of organelles. Include their functions in
your answer.
Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Draw a
picture of each to support your answer.