Introduction to Cells
Discovered by Robert Hook in the year 1665, cells are the structural and functional unit of life. Some cells are bound by membrane organelles while some are not. Depending on the internal structure of the cells and whether they are bound by a membrane or not, cells in organisms are of two types- Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic.
Prokaryotic cells are the most primitive kind and do not have a defined nucleus with bacteria or cyanobacteria. The cytoplasm of the cells contains scattered chromatin bodies. Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells and asexual division in the form of binary fission is noted in them. A prokaryotic cell does not contain any nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria and Archaea are dependent on the prokaryotic cell, and all other forms of life are of eukaryotic type. Organisms with prokaryotic cells are very rich and make up much of Earth’s biomass.
Eukaryotic cells are believed to have evolved from prokaryotic cells and have a characteristic membrane nucleus. The cytoplasm of these cells contains mitochondria that are bound by membranes, a defined nucleus, and chromatin bodies contained within a nuclear membrane as well. Eukaryotic cells are subject to both asexual and sexual divisions. Much larger in size as compared to prokaryotes, these show a more structured organization.
The most distinguished difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is their cellular features. However, these are highly similar in terms of the presence of plasma membranes and the fact that for genetic information, both make use of DNA.
Examples of prokaryotes include microorganisms like bacteria while examples of eukaryotes include various fungi and algae.
Definition of Prokaryotic Cells
Known to be the very earliest in the world, prokaryotic cells are single-celled microorganisms, and include archaea and bacteria. These cells usually live freely by themselves or can be found in the gut of other organisms. The cells have a single membrane and consist of cytoplasm. Certain prokaryotic cells perform photosynthesis with the help of the cyanobacteria inside them.
Main Components of Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic Cells are Made up of the Following Components:
Cytoplasm- Present inside the cell and resembling a jelly-like structure, all cell organelles are suspended inside the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm also contains salts and enzymes.
Plasma Membrane- This is the outer protective covering that consists of phospholipid molecules that act as a barrier between the surrounding environment and the cell.
DNA- This is a cell’s genetic material. Circular in form, the DNA directs the proteins created by a cell and also regulates its actions.
Ribosomes- This is the place where the protein synthesis of a cell occurs.
Additional Structure of Prokaryotic Cells
While prokaryotic cells do not consist of nuclear membranes, mitochondria, or Golgi bodies, there are several other components that add to their structure. They are:
Nucleoid- Spherical, spiral or shaped like a rod, the nucleoid is the genetic material inside the cytoplasm of a cell.
Cell Wall- The outermost layer of prokaryotic cells, this lends shape and structure.
Capsule- In addition to the cell wall, a capsule protects bacterial cells, retains moisture, and helps cells attach themselves to various surfaces or nutrients.
Flagella- Certain prokaryotic cells have long tail-like structures that help them go from one surface to another. These are called flagella.
Pili- These are outgrowths of a cell that bear resemblance to fine, tiny hair and attach to the surface of other prokaryotic cells.
Common Characteristics of Prokaryotic Cells
Various Characteristic Features of Prokaryotic Cells are as follows:
There is no presence of a nuclear membrane.
Prokaryotic cells do not consist of mitochondria, Golgi bodies, chloroplast, or lysosomes.
Their cell walls are composed of amino acids and carbohydrates.
Prokaryotic cells do not have histone proteins.
A single chromosome consists of the genetic material.
The genetic material is present on a single chromosome.
Prokaryotic cells use the method of binary fission to divide asexually or recombine as a sexual method of reproduction such as conjugation.
In Prokaryotic cells, the plasma membrane acts as the mitochondrial membrane carrying respiratory enzymes.
Eukaryotic Cells
Definition of Eukaryotic Cells: Eukaryotic cells form more complex and larger organisms. They have a nuclear membrane that comprises a nucleus. Eukaryotic cells can thrive in and maintain multiple environments as part of a single cell- a characteristic that helps them grow larger as compared to prokaryotic cells and also facilitates metabolic reactions. Some examples of eukaryotic cells are plants, animals, protists, and fungi. And the Genetic material of Eukaryotic cells is structured in chromosomes. Golgi apparatus, Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Nucleus are the parts of the eukaryotic cell. Animals, plants, fungi, and protozoa have eukaryotic cells and are classified under the Eukaryota kingdom.
Eukaryotic Cell Structure: A Eukaryotic cell includes a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes. Eukaryotic cells also have a membrane-bound nucleus, numerous membrane-bound organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, chloroplasts, and mitochondria; it also has several rod-shaped chromosomes. A Eukaryotic cell’s nucleus is mainly surrounded by a membrane, it is often said to have a true nucleus.
Main Components of Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic Cells Consist of the Following Components that Make up their Structure:
Plasma Membrane- This acts as a barrier between the cell and the external environment. It is built of embedded proteins that facilitate the exchange of substances to and from the cell.
Cell Wall- Composed of proteins, cellulose, and pectins, this is present only in plant cells and completely absent in animal cells. The cell wall provides shape and structure while also acting as a layer of protection for the cell.
Nucleus- This is where ribosomes are produced. The nucleus consists of a nucleoplasm that further contains proteins and DNA.
Cytoskeleton- Located inside the cytoplasm, the cytoskeleton consists of microtubules, fibers, and microfilaments, all of which lend shape to the cell, help in cell movement, and also act as an anchor for organelles.
Endoplasmic Reticulum- Usually of two types- rough and smooth, the endoplasmic reticulum is a network of structures that are small and tubular in nature.
Golgi Apparatus- These are not present in plant sieve cells and human red blood cells. Made of disc-shaped, flat structures, these are placed close to the nucleus.
Ribosomes- They are made of ribonucleic acids, proteins and are where the protein synthesis for a cell occurs.
Mitochondria- This is the energy-producing powerhouse of the cell, and helps in maintaining cell metabolism as well.
Lysosomes- Lysosomes consist of hydrolytic enzymes that help digest nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and other proteins.
Plastids- Only found in plant cells, plastids are double membraned structures often involved in the process of photosynthesis.
Common Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells
Some of the Most Common Features of Eukaryotic Cells are:
The nucleus is protected by a nuclear membrane and keeps the cell’s DNA and directs the synthesis of proteins and ribosomes.
Mitochondria is a component of all eukaryotic cells and are mainly responsible for ATP production, the endoplasmic reticulum modifies proteins and synthesizes lipids, and the Golgi apparatus is where the sorting of lipids and proteins takes place.
The outermost layer of eukaryotic cells is a cell wall.
These cells divide by the process of mitosis.
Eukaryotic cells consist of a cytoskeletal structure.
All genetic information of the cell is within the nucleus which consists of a single and linear DNA.
Eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cells and have membrane-bound organelles and rod-shaped chromosomes.
Peroxisomes undergo oxidation reactions that break down fatty acids and amino acids and detoxify poisons, vesicles, and vacuoles that function in storage and transport.
Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
FAQs on Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
1. What are the Components of Prokaryotic Cells?
The prokaryotic cells mainly have four main components:
Plasma Membrane- Plasma Membrane is an outer protective covering of phospholipid molecules that separates the cell from the surrounding environment.
Cytoplasm- Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance present inside the cell and all the cell organelles are suspended in it.
DNA- DNA is basically the genetic material of the cell. All the prokaryotes possess circular DNA and direct what proteins the cell creates and also regulate the actions of the cell.
Ribosomes- Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
2. Explain some Examples of Eukaryotic Cells?
Eukaryotic Cells
The cells are found in plants, animals, fungi, protozoa, and other complex organisms. Some examples of eukaryotic cells are :
Plant Cells: The cell wall is mainly formed of cellulose that provides support to the plant and has a large vacuole that maintains the turgor pressure. The plant cell consists of chloroplast, which aids in the process of photosynthesis.
Fungal Cells: The cell wall of Fungal Cells is formed of chitin. Some fungi cells have holes known as septa which allow the organelles and cytoplasm to pass through them.
Animal Cells: Animal Cells do not have cell walls but they have a cell membrane and this is the reason why animals have varied shapes also they have the ability to perform phagocytosis and pinocytosis.
Protozoans: Protozoans are known as unicellular organisms. Even some protozoa have cilia for locomotion. A thin layer in the protozoa called pellicle provides support to the cell.
3. How do Prokaryotic Cells Divide?
Prokaryotic cells divide themselves through the process of binary fission. The binary fission process does not involve the condensation of DNA or the duplication of organelles. Prokaryotic cells consist of only a small amount of DNA, that is not stored in complex chromosomes and there are no organelles so there is nothing to divide. When a prokaryotic cell grows to a large size, the process of binary fission takes place and this process duplicates the DNA, then separates each new strand of DNA into individual cells. It means that bacteria can reproduce much faster than most eukaryotic organisms.
4. Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells?
Prokaryotic Cell Size is 0.1 - 5.0 um and Eukaryotic cell Size is 5-100 um. In Prokaryotic Cell Nucleus is absent and In the Eukaryotic cell, Nucleus is present. In the Prokaryotic Cell Membrane-bound nucleus is absent and In the Eukaryotic cell, Membrane-bound Nucleus is present. In Prokaryotic cells, One chromosome is present, but not true chromosome plastids and In Eukaryotic cells More than one number of chromosomes is included. Prokaryotic Cell is Unicellular and Eukaryotic cell is Multicellular. Lysosomes and Peroxisomes are absent in Prokaryotic Cell and Lysosomes and Peroxisomes are present in Eukaryotic cells.
