This collection of articles provides basic information about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their structure and function.

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:

1. All organisms are composed of one or more cells.
2. Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in organisms.
3. 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 these primitive cells.

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 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.