Eukaryotic Cells vs Prokaryotic Cells

Definition and Comparison

Eukaryotic Cells

• Found in multicellular organisms (and some single-celled like protists)
• Larger in size compared to prokaryotic cells
• Defined by compartmentalization (divided into compartments called organelles)

Prokaryotic Cells

• Generally smaller in size
• Lack compartmentalization
• Resemble a one-room house where everything happens in one space

Compartmentalization

• Allows cells to have different compartments, each performing distinct functions
• Similar to rooms in a house, each with a specific purpose (e.g., living room, kitchen, etc.)
• Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, whereas prokaryotic cells do not

Origin of the Term "Eukaryotic"

• "Eu" means "well" in Greek, and "karyote" means "kernel" or "nut"
• Named for the well-formed nucleus (appearing as a "nut") found in eukaryotic cells
• Nucleus: membrane-bound organelle containing the cell's genetic material

Key Differences in Division

Eukaryotic Cells

• Divide through mitosis due to their complex structure with multiple organelles

Prokaryotic Cells

• Divide through binary fission, simply splitting into two after duplicating contents

Important Organelles in Eukaryotic Cells

Nucleus

• Control center of the cell
• Contains DNA and is the site of transcription into mRNA

Mitochondria

• Known as the power plant of the cell
• Site of cellular respiration, converting glucose into ATP

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

• Surrounds the nucleus with folded membranes
• Site of protein synthesis (translation of mRNA)

Golgi Apparatus

• Mail room of the cell
• Modifies, packages, and distributes proteins and other molecules

Lysosome and Peroxisome

• Recycling centers of the cell
• Lysosome: breaks down cellular components and recycles materials
• Peroxisome: reduces reactive oxygen species to non-toxic forms

Summary

• Eukaryotic cells are differentiated from prokaryotic cells by their compartmentalization and presence of membrane-bound organelles.
• Key organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, and peroxisome.