Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells

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Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic of lysosomes and peroxisomes?

They are involved in protein synthesis

They are responsible for cellular transport

They are found only in prokaryotic cells

They are spherical organelles enclosed by a single plasma membrane (correct)

What is the primary function of lysosomes in the cell?

To synthesize new proteins

To store genetic information

To generate energy for the cell

To break down and recycle cellular waste (correct)

What is the main difference between lysosomes and peroxisomes?

Their composition and structure

Their location in the cell

Their function in the cell (correct)

Their shape and size

What is the environment like inside lysosomes and peroxisomes?

Very different from the environment outside the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of peroxisomes in the cell?

To reduce reactive oxygen species into nontoxic forms Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells?

They are compartmentalized into different membrane-bound organelles Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of eukaryotic cells that is not found in prokaryotic cells?

They have compartmentalization Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the different compartments within a eukaryotic cell?

Organelles Signup and view all the answers

Why is compartmentalization important in eukaryotic cells?

It allows each compartment to have a different function Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a single-celled eukaryote?

Protist Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells have compartmentalization Signup and view all the answers

Why can't prokaryotic cells have different compartments?

Because they have a single-room structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the analogy used to describe the compartmentalization of eukaryotic cells?

A house with many rooms Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of multicellular organisms?

They are made up of eukaryotic cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the mitochondria in eukaryotic cells?

Cellular respiration Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the organelle that contains all of the genetic material in eukaryotic cells?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which eukaryotic cells divide?

Mitosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the endoplasmic reticulum?

Protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Golgi apparatus in eukaryotic cells?

Protein modification and transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

The presence of a nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which prokaryotic cells divide?

Binary fission Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the lysosome and the peroxisome?

Digestion and breakdown of cellular waste Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the cell's control center?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the endoplasmic reticulum's membrane structure?

It is a folded, continuous membrane Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells are typically larger than prokaryotic cells and are found in multicellular organisms, although some single-celled eukaryotes exist.
The defining characteristic of eukaryotic cells is compartmentalization, which means the cell is divided into different compartments or organelles.

Organelles in Eukaryotic Cells

Organelles are membrane-bound compartments within a cell that have specific functions.
The nucleus is a circular membrane-bound organelle that contains all the genetic material in the cell and is responsible for the name "eukaryotic".
Mitochondria are the cell's power plant, where glucose is converted into ATP to provide energy for the cell.
The endoplasmic reticulum is the site of protein synthesis, where mRNA is translated into proteins.
The Golgi apparatus is responsible for processing and sending proteins to other parts of the cell or for secretion.
Lysosomes and peroxisomes are recycling centers that break down cellular components and reduce reactive oxygen species.

Cell Division

Eukaryotic cells divide by the process of mitosis, which is a more complex process than prokaryotic cell division.
Mitosis involves the separation of the genetic material in the nucleus, followed by the division of the cytoplasm.

Comparison to Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells lack compartmentalization and have a single, large space where all cellular activities take place.
Prokaryotic cells have their genetic material floating freely in the cytoplasm, rather than being contained in a nucleus.
Prokaryotic cells divide by the process of binary fission, which involves copying the genetic material and then splitting the cell in two.