​

🧬 Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic Cells

​

1. The Big Idea

All cells have structures that allow them to survive, grow, and reproduce.

There are two major types of cells:

• Prokaryotic cells → simpler cells

• Eukaryotic cells → more complex cells

​

🦠 Prokaryotic Cells

• Usually smaller and simpler

• Do NOT have a nucleus

• DNA is found in the cytoplasm

• Do not have membrane-bound organelles

• Examples: Bacteria and Archaea

🌱🐶 Eukaryotic Cells

• Usually larger and more complex

• Have a nucleus

• DNA is stored inside the nucleus

• Have many membrane-bound organelles

• Examples: Plants, animals, fungi, and protists

​

2. Prokaryotic Cells

🦠 Example: Bacteria

Prokaryote = "before nucleus"

Prokaryotic cells are generally simpler than eukaryotic cells.

​

Important Structures

• Structure and Function

• Cell membrane Controls what enters and leaves the cell

• Cell wall Provides support and protection

• Cytoplasm Jelly-like area where many chemical reactions occur

• Ribosomes Make proteins

• DNA Contains genetic instructions

• Nucleoid Region where the main DNA is located

• Capsule Extra protective layer in some bacteria

• Flagellum Helps some bacteria move

• Pili Help bacteria attach to surfaces or exchange genetic material

​

⭐ Key Point:

Prokaryotes do NOT have a nucleus.

Their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid.

​

3. Eukaryotic Cells

🌱🐶 Examples: Plants and Animals

• Eukaryote = "true nucleus"

• Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and many specialized organelles.

• Think of a eukaryotic cell as a tiny city where different structures have different jobs.

​

Common Eukaryotic Organelles

• Organelle and Function

• Nucleus Stores DNA and controls cell activities

• Nucleolus Produces components of ribosomes

• Ribosomes Make proteins

• Cell membrane Controls what enters and leaves the cell

• Cytoplasm Site of many chemical reactions

• Mitochondria Produce ATP through cellular respiration

• Rough ER Helps make and transport proteins

• Smooth ER Makes lipids and helps detoxify substances

• Golgi apparatus Modifies, sorts, and packages materials

• Lysosomes Break down wastes and worn-out cell parts

• Vacuoles Store water, food, and other materials

• Cytoskeleton Provides structure and helps with movement

​

4. Animal Eukaryotic Cells 🐶

Animal cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Animal cells contain:

✅ Nucleus
✅ Mitochondria
✅ Ribosomes
✅ ER
✅ Golgi apparatus
✅ Lysosomes
✅ Small vacuoles
✅ Cytoskeleton
✅ Cell membrane

Animal cells DO NOT normally have:

❌ Cell wall
❌ Chloroplasts
❌ Large central vacuole

Important:

The cell membrane provides the outer boundary of an animal cell.

​

5. Plant Eukaryotic Cells 🌱

Plant cells contain the same basic eukaryotic structures as animal cells, plus several structures that allow plants to carry out their specialized functions.

Plant cells contain:

✅ Nucleus
✅ Mitochondria
✅ Ribosomes
✅ ER
✅ Golgi apparatus
✅ Lysosomes/lysosome-like structures
✅ Cytoskeleton
✅ Cell membrane
✅ Cell wall
✅ Chloroplasts
✅ Large central vacuole

Three structures to remember:

🌿 Cell Wall

• Made primarily of cellulose

• Provides support and protection

• Helps maintain cell shape

☀️ Chloroplast

• Site of photosynthesis

• Contains chlorophyll

• Converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose

💧 Central Vacuole

• Large storage compartment

• Stores water and other substances

• Helps maintain turgor pressure, which helps keep plants rigid

​

large central vacuole.