Veterinary Microbiology Module 02

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus; eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus.
• Organelles are absent in prokaryotic cells; eukaryotic cells contain various organelles.
• The cell wall in prokaryotes is composed of peptidoglycan; in eukaryotes, it is typically cellulose (plants) or chitin (fungi).
• Prokaryotic cells reproduce via binary fission, while eukaryotic cells undergo mitosis for cell division.
• Prokaryotic DNA is circular; eukaryotic DNA is linear and associated with histones.
• Prokaryotic cells are generally unicellular, whereas eukaryotic cells can be unicellular or multicellular (e.g., plants, fungi, animals).

Characteristics of Cells

• Prokaryotic cells are smaller in size (0.1-10 µm); eukaryotic cells are larger (10-100 µm).
• Flagella are present in some prokaryotes and consist of a filament, hook, and basal body; eukaryotic flagella are composed of a “9+2” arrangement of microtubules.
• Cilia are absent in prokaryotic cells but present in some eukaryotic cells.
• Fimbriae and pili are found in some prokaryotic cells; absent in eukaryotes.

Membrane and Organelles

• Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells contain them.
• Prokaryotic plasma membranes do not have sterols; eukaryotic membranes typically contain sterols.
• Ribosomes are smaller in prokaryotic cells (70S) compared to those in eukaryotic cells (80S).
• Cytoskeleton structures are absent in prokaryotic cells but present in eukaryotic cells.

Reproductive Strategies and DNA

• Prokaryotic reproduction is exclusively asexual; eukaryotic reproduction can be asexual or sexual.
• DNA in prokaryotes is circular, while eukaryotic DNA is linear.

Cytoplasm and Cellular Components

• Cytosol is a liquid component present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, containing necessary substances for cellular processes.
• Eukaryotic cytoplasm may contain carbohydrates and sterols, which are usually absent in prokaryotic cytoplasm.

Explore the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular structures in this quiz from Veterinary Microbiology. Learn about the various components and characteristics that define these two cell types. This quiz is essential for students of DVM 3D in understanding fundamental microbiological concepts.