Lecture Notes: Ringworm and Cell Types

Introduction to Ringworm

• Personal anecdote: Developed a circular red spot on the arm in elementary school, known as ringworm.
• Misconception: Initially thought it was caused by a worm.
• Reality: Ringworm is caused by a fungus, not a worm.
• Common carriers: Pets, soil, etc.
• Treatment: Antifungal cream, not antibiotics.

Understanding Antibiotics and Antifungals

• Antibiotics:
  • Target bacterial infections.
  • Mechanisms: Inhibit reproduction, damage cell walls, interfere with protein synthesis.
• Fungal vs. Bacterial Cells:
  • Fungal cells have more in common with animal cells than bacterial cells.

Cell Types: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic

• Modern Cell Theory: All living things are made of one or more cells.
• Domains of Life:
  • Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea.
  • Eukaryotes: Fungi, plants, animals, protists.

Prokaryotic Cells

• Characteristics:
  • Unicellular organisms.
  • "Pro" in prokaryote rhymes with "no."
  • No nucleus (DNA is not contained within a nucleus).
  • No membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria, ER, Golgi apparatus).
  • Most have cell walls.

Eukaryotic Cells

• Characteristics:
  • Can be unicellular or multicellular.
  • "Eukaryote" rhymes with "do."
  • Have a nucleus to contain DNA.
  • Possess various membrane-bound organelles (e.g., nucleus, chloroplasts in plant cells).
  • Some have cell walls (plant cells, fungal cells); animal cells do not.

Commonalities Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Both have DNA as genetic material.
• Both have ribosomes for protein synthesis.
• Both contain cytoplasm.
• Both have a cell membrane/plasma membrane for homeostasis.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding cell types for identifying infections (prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells).
• Encouragement to explore and understand the diversity of living organisms.