Lecture Notes: Understanding Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Introduction

• Personal Anecdote: Story about developing ringworm in elementary school.
  • Misconception: Thought it was caused by a worm because of the name.
  • Reality: Caused by a fungus, not a worm.
  • Treatment: Antifungal cream, not antibiotics.

Antibiotics vs. Antifungal Treatments

• Antibiotics:
  • Target bacteria by interfering with reproduction, damaging cell walls, or affecting protein synthesis.
• Antifungal Treatments:
  • Used for fungal infections like ringworm.
  • Antibiotics are ineffective against fungal infections.

Cell Types

• Bacterial Cells vs. Fungal Cells:
  • Bacterial cells: Targeted by antibiotics.
  • Fungal cells: More similar to animal cells than bacterial cells.
• Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
  • Prokaryotic Cells: Include bacteria and archaea.
    • Single-celled organisms.
  • Eukaryotic Cells: Include protists, plants, animals, fungi.
    • Can be unicellular or multicellular.

Characteristics of Cells

• Common Features:
  • Both have DNA, ribosomes, cytoplasm, cell membrane.
• Differences:
  • Cell Walls:
    • Most prokaryotic cells have cell walls.
    • Some eukaryotic cells (plants, fungi) have cell walls; others (animals) do not.
  • Complexity:
    • Eukaryotic cells are generally more complex and larger.

Key Differences: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic Cells:
  • No nucleus; DNA not contained within a nucleus.
  • No membrane-bound organelles.
• Eukaryotic Cells:
  • Have a nucleus containing DNA.
  • Have membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum).
  • Specific organelles vary by cell type (e.g., chloroplasts in plant cells).

Conclusion

• Importance of Understanding Cell Types:
  • All living things fall into either prokaryotic or eukaryotic categories.
  • Understanding cell characteristics helps comprehend the diversity of living organisms.
  • Determines correct treatment for infections (e.g., bacterial vs. fungal).
• Final Note: Stay curious about the biological world!