Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells

Introduction

• Understand differences and similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Cells

• Examples: Animal and Plant cells.
• Key Feature: Presence of a nucleus containing the genetic material (DNA).
• Definition: Eukaryotic cells have their genetic material enclosed in a nucleus.
• Other Features:
  • Cell Membrane: Surrounds the cell; not to be confused with a cell wall.
  • Cytoplasm: Present in the cell; functions to be discussed in later videos.

Prokaryotic Cells

• Examples: Bacterial cells.
• Key Feature: Absence of a nucleus; genetic material is not enclosed in a nucleus.
• Definition: Prokaryotic cells have their genetic material as a single loop of DNA, not enclosed in a nucleus.
• Size: Generally much smaller than eukaryotic cells.
• Other Features:
  • Plasmids: Small rings of DNA that may be present.
  • Cell Membrane and Cell Wall: Have both, but cell wall is specific to bacteria and should not be confused with plant cell walls.
  • Cytoplasm: Present in the cell.

Study Resources

• Questions on eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells can be found in the revision workbook mentioned.