Podcast
Questions and Answers
Prokaryotic cells are generally ___ in size.
Prokaryotic cells are generally ___ in size.
small (1-10 µm)
Eukaryotic cells have well-defined nuclear regions surrounded by a ___ membrane.
Eukaryotic cells have well-defined nuclear regions surrounded by a ___ membrane.
nuclear
Which of the following statements is true about prokaryotic cells?
Which of the following statements is true about prokaryotic cells?
What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?
What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?
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Eukaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.
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What is one function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
What is one function of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum?
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Name an organelle that carries out crucial functions in cells.
Name an organelle that carries out crucial functions in cells.
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The ER varies in structure; it always forms a ___ system.
The ER varies in structure; it always forms a ___ system.
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Study Notes
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic cells are generally small, measuring 1-10 µm in size, while eukaryotic cells range from 5-100 µm.
- Prokaryotic cells have an undefined nuclear region, known as a nucleoid, whereas eukaryotic cells feature a well-defined nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
- Prokaryotic cells possess a single chromosome, in contrast to eukaryotic cells, which contain multiple chromosomes.
- Membrane-bound organelles are absent in prokaryotic cells, but present in eukaryotic cells.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- The ER is a network of membrane-bound tubes and sheets, resembling long tubules and vesicles.
- Its membrane structure is similar to that of the plasma membrane, facilitating cellular functions.
- There are two main types of ER:
- Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum (RER): Characterized by ribosomes on its surface, giving it a rough appearance under a microscope. Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis, and the RER transports proteins to various cell regions.
- Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER): Lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid (fat molecule) synthesis, contributing to cell membrane formation and serving some proteins and lipids as enzymes and hormones.
- The ER's structure varies, forming a complex network essential for cell functionality.
Cell Organelles
- All cells possess a membrane to maintain compartmentalization between internal contents and the external environment.
- Larger, more complex cells require numerous chemical activities, leading to extensive structures known as organelles, which are crucial for separating these activities.
- Membrane-bound organelles are a defining feature of eukaryotic cells, distinguishing them from prokaryotic cells.
- Some organelles are visible only with an electron microscope.
- Key organelles include:
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
- Golgi Apparatus
- Lysosomes
- Mitochondria
- Plastids
- These organelles perform vital functions necessary for cellular operations, such as:
- Acting as transport channels for materials between different cytoplasmic regions and the nucleus.
- Providing a cytoplasmic framework that offers a surface for various chemical reactions and processes.
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Description
Test your knowledge on cell organelles, focusing on the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This quiz includes fill-in-the-blank questions to help reinforce your understanding of cell structure and function.
