Biology of Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells
Cell Structure & Function of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Mar 17, 2008
What Are Cells?
All living things are constructed of cells; at least one (unicellular) or many (multicellular). Cell Theory, the very basic scientific truths about life and its smallest units, goes as follows:
- All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
- Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.
- All cells come only from other cells.
Two Types of Cells
All cells fall into one of the two major categories. They are either prokaryotic or eukaryotic.
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotes are evolutionarily ancient. These cells are simpler than eukaryotes and don’t contain a nucleus or any other membrane-bound organelles. Modern day bacteria (Eubacteria) and bacteria-like Archaea are prokaryotic organisms.
Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotes are more complex, having evolved from an ancestral prokaryote. Eukaryotic cells are the tiny units of life comprise most of the living things we are familiar with, such as animals, plants, fungi and protists (animal-like microbes).
Quick Links to Articles on Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes
The following articles, summarized and linked below, provide additional explanation of what prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are made of and how they work.
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: The Difference between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
There are only two basic types of cells, primitive prokaryotes and the more complex eukaryotes. Here are the main features that distinguish these cell types.
Prokaryote Cell Biology: The Cellular Components of Archaea and Eubacteria
Prokaryotes are evolutionarily ancient, for billions of years the only form of life. Here's a summary of the basic "parts & pieces" of the primitive cells of Archaea and Eubacteria.
Bacteria Cell Wall Structure: Peptidoglycan NAG & NAM Polymer of Bacteria
The amount and location of peptidoglycan in the prokaryotic cell wall is what determines whether a bacterium is Gram-positive or Gram-negative.
Eukaryotic Cell Biology: Eukaryotes - Cellular Organisms with a Nucleus & Organelles
Whether you know it or not, eukaryotic cells are the tiny,complex units of life that make up your entire body. Read on and learn more about yourself!
Eukaryotic Cellular Structure: Cell Structural Elements and Organelles of Eukaryotes
Eukaryotic cells possess several critical differences from prokaryotic cells, including a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
Cellular Endomembrane System: Membrane-bound Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells
The cell's endomembrane system consists of the rough and smooth ER, Golgi apparatus, vesicles and plasma membrane, all working together to transport cellular materials.
Additional Cell Biology Information
To learn more about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cellular structure and function see the cell biology websites Science Prof Online or Cells Alive.
Sources
Bauman, R. (2005) Microbiology.
Park Talaro, K. (2008) Foundations in Microbiology.
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