Cell Structure and Function: Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic

Cell Structure and Function

• The human body is a community of cells
• Cells have three main components: cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus
• The cell membrane is the outer layer, controlling what enters and exits the cell
• The cytoplasm is the living matter inside the cell, containing a jelly-like substance called hyaloplasm
• The nucleus, separated by a porous membrane, contains chromatin and nucleolus
• Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not
• Prokaryotic organisms include bacteria and cyanobacteria, while eukaryotic include protists, fungi, plants, and animals
• DNA in prokaryotic cells is a loop in the cytoplasm, while in eukaryotic cells DNA is organized into chromosomes
• RNA and proteins are synthesized in the same compartment in prokaryotic cells, but differently in eukaryotic cells
• Prokaryotic cells mainly lack cytoskeletons and organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both
• Prokaryotic cells mainly reproduce asexually, while eukaryotic cells reproduce sexually (mitosis and meiosis)

Parts and Functions (Animal Cells)

• Cell membrane: Outermost layer, regulating the entry and exit of substances
• Nucleus: Contains DNA and controls cellular activities
• Nuclear envelope: Surrounds the nucleus, containing nuclear pores
• Nucleolus: Located inside the nucleus, involved in ribosome production
• Peroxisome: Spherical vesicles with enzymes for detoxifying harmful molecules
• Lysosome: Single-walled sacs for digesting nutrients and damaged cells
• Golgi apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages materials for export
• Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance containing organelles
• Ribosomes: Produce proteins

Cell Components and their functions

• Endoplasmic reticulum (ER): Network of membranes extending from the cell membrane to the nucleus
  • Rough ER: Associated with protein synthesis
  • Smooth ER: Involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification
• Ribosomes: Synthesize proteins; either free-floating or attached to rough ER
• Mitochondria: Double-walled sacs with folded inner membranes; release energy from food molecules
• Chloroplasts: (Plant cells only) Double-membrane organelles; convert light energy to chemical energy in photosynthesis

Support and Movement

• Cytoskeleton: Network of fibers (microtubules and microfilaments) maintaining cell shape and facilitating movement; includes centrosomes, cilia, and flagella
• Centrosomes: Organize spindle fibers during mitosis (animal cells only)
• Cilia and flagella: Hair-like projections for movement

Other Cell Components in Plant Cells

• Vacuoles: Membranous sacs storing and releasing substances, contributing to cell enlargement and water balance
• Cell wall: Rigid outer layer providing support and protection; made of cellulose
• Plasmodesmata: Channels between plant cells, facilitating communication

Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells

• Plant cells have cell walls, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles; animal cells don't
• Plant cells are typically larger and more rectangular, animal cells smaller and have varied shapes
• Plant cells mainly reproduce asexually while animal cells reproduce in different ways

Explore the fundamental differences and similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells in this quiz. Dive into the structures such as the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, and understand how these components function to support life. This quiz is essential for students studying cell biology and anatomy.