Eukaryotes Have A Much More Complex Cell Structure Than Prokaryotes

Cell Biology: 1.
2
Eukaryotes have a much more complex cell structure than prokaryotes.
Prokaryotes: Structure and Features
Prokaryotes are organisms whose cells lack a nucleus ('pro' = before; 'karyon' = nucleus). They belong
to the kingdom Monera and have been further classified into two distinct domains:
1. Archaebacteria: found in extreme environments (temperatures, salt concentrations, or pH)

2. Eubacteria: Traditional bacteria, including most known pathogenic forms (e.g., E. coli)
Prokaryotic Features: Prokaryotic cells will typically contain the following cellular components
Cytoplasm Internal fluid component of the cell
Region of the cytoplasm where the DNA is located (DNA strand is circular and called a
Nucleoid
genophore)
Autonomous circular DNA molecules that may be transferred between bacteria (horizontal
Plasmids
gene transfer)
70 S Ribosomes Complexes of RNA and protein that are responsible for polypeptide synthesis
Cell membrane Semi-permeable and selective barrier surrounding the cell
Cell wall Rigid outer covering made of peptidoglycan; maintains shape and prevents bursting (lysis)
Slime capsule Thick polysaccharide layer used for protection against drying out and phagocytosis
Flagella Long, slender projections containing a motor protein that enables movement
Hair-like extensions that enable adherence to surfaces (attachment pili) or mediate bacterial
Pili
conjugation (sex pili)
Prokaryotic Cells divide by Binary Fission:
Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotic cells
In the process of binary fission:
1. The circular DNA is copied in response to a replication signal

2. The two DNA loops attach to the membrane
3. The membrane elongates and pinches off (cytokinesis), forming two cells
Eukaryotic Cells:
Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells contain a nucleus (‘Eu’ = Good / True; ‘karyon’ = nucleus).
They have a more complex structure and are believed to have evolved from prokaryotic cells
↳ via endosymbiosis
Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalized by membrane-bound structures (organelles) that perform

specific roles. This structural Complex is referred to as Compartmentalization.
Eukaryotes can be divided into four distinct kingdoms:
Protista Unicellular Organisms or multicellular organisms without specialized tissue
Fungi have a cell wall made of chitin and obtain nutrition via heterotrophic absorption
Plantae have a cell wall made of cellulose and obtain nutrition autotrophically (photosynthesis)
Animalia No cell wall and obtain nutrition via heterotrophic ingestion.

Structure of Eukaryotic Cell: Animal vs Plant Cell
Typical Structure of Animal Cells:
Typical Structure of Plant Cells:

Organelles: Bio-Ninja
Organelles are specialized sub-structures within a cell that serves a specific function. Prokaryotic cells
do not typically possess any membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells possess several:
What is present in all Cells:
Note: DNA is also present in all Cells. Here we differentiate between Prokaryote: Naked and
Eukaryote: Not Naked DNA because of the Histone configuration.
Double Membrane:
When drawing Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes, notice that all Organelles except peroxisome have a
double membrane. This has to be drawn on the Structure as an indication for the Phospholipid
bilayer:
General Understanding: Phospholipid bilayer = Double membrane
The hydrophobic tail regions face inwards and are shielded from the surrounding polar fluids, while
the two hydrophilic head regions associate with the cytosolic and extracellular fluids respectively
Note: For the Drawing, the Double membrane should be Thinner than the Original Section
↳ | ||
What is Present in Eukaryotic Cells: Animal ∩ Plant
What is Special to Plant Cells?
Note: The cell wall is also Present in Prokaryotes ∴
Animal Cells only:
Difference between Autotroph and heterotroph
- Autotroph: Self Sufficient to get Energy

- Chemo Autotroph : Energy without sunlight → Bottom of the ocean
- Photo Autotroph : Energy with Sunlight → Land
- Heteretroph: Needs to eat other food to get nutrients
General Ecological Assumption: Photosynthesis is the bases for the food chains
Endosymbiotic Theory: Mitochondria where once Independent?
he endosymbiotic theory posits that some eukaryotic cell organelles, such as mitochondria and
plastids, evolved from free-living prokaryotes. Available data indicate that the mitochondrial
endosymbiosis initiated the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, including structural components of
organelles.
The Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain theyre own set of DNA indicating that both the
Mitochondria and chloroplast where first separate from the Eulkaryotic cells and functioned as
unicellular organisms Independeent from the Cell. The theory suggests that the Mitochondria and
chloroplasts then fused with the Cell creating a Symbitotic Relationship -> Hence they merged.
Symbiotic = Beneficial for both Cells

- Cell provided protection to Mitochondria
- Mitochondria provides Energy for Cell
Other Evidence in favour of this theory is that the Mitochondria have a double membrane further
suggesting that the Mitochondria where once unicellular. Organelles always have double membrane
including the double plasma membrane of the Cell suggesting that Eukaryotes might be made up of
smaller prokaryotes which over the course of evolution have merged.
Difference between Smooth and Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum:
The rough ER, studded with millions of membrane bound ribosomes, is involved with the
production, folding, quality control and despatch of some proteins. Smooth ER is largely associated
with lipid (fat) manufacture and metabolism and steroid production hormone production. It also has
a detoxification function.
Additional: Structure of Mitochondria - Double Membrane
Cristea: Folds in the inner Mitochonrial membrane

he major function of cristae is to increase the surface area of the mitochondrial membrane. This
allows membrane processes to produce more energy at a faster rate.
Mitochondrial Ribosoms: Protein Synthesis

Mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes) perform protein synthesis inside mitochondria, the
organelles responsible for energy conversion and adenosine triphosphate production
DNA: mtDNA
Mitochondrial DNA is the circular chromosome found inside the cellular organelles called
mitochondria
Nucleus vs Nucleoules: Eukaryotic Cells
Nucleoles: Nucleus:
What is a Cell membraine?
The cell membrane, also called the plasma membrane, is found in all cells and separates the interior
of the cell from the outside environment. The cell membrane consists of a lipid bilayer that is
semipermeable. The cell membrane regulates the transport of materials entering and exiting the cell.
The cell membrane can be found on almost all organelles.
This is different from the Cell Wall, as the Cell wall is strictly around the whole prokaryotic or
Eukarytic Cell.

Eukaryotes Have A Much More Complex Cell Structure Than Prokaryotes

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Eukaryotes Have A Much More Complex Cell Structure Than Prokaryotes

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Cell Biology: 1.

1. Archaebacteria: found in extreme environments (temperatures, salt concentrations, or pH)

Cytoplasm Internal fluid component of the cell

Cell membrane Semi-permeable and selective barrier surrounding the cell

In the process of binary fission:

1. The circular DNA is copied in response to a replication signal

Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalized by membrane-bound structures (organelles) that perform

Eukaryotes can be divided into four distinct kingdoms:

Protista Unicellular Organisms or multicellular organisms without specialized tissue

Animalia No cell wall and obtain nutrition via heterotrophic ingestion.

Typical Structure of Animal Cells:

Typical Structure of Plant Cells:

What is present in all Cells:

General Understanding: Phospholipid bilayer = Double membrane

Note: The cell wall is also Present in Prokaryotes ∴

Animal Cells only:

Difference between Autotroph and heterotroph

- Autotroph: Self Sufficient to get Energy

Symbiotic = Beneficial for both Cells

Difference between Smooth and Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum:

Cristea: Folds in the inner Mitochonrial membrane

Mitochondrial Ribosoms: Protein Synthesis

Nucleus vs Nucleoules: Eukaryotic Cells

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