Eukaryotic Cells vs Prokaryotic Cells

Overview

• Objective: Understand differences and similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
• Examples of eukaryotes: Animal and plant cells.
• Example of prokaryotes: Bacterial cells.

Eukaryotic Cells

• Definition: Cells with genetic material enclosed in a nucleus.
• Key Features:
  • Nucleus: Contains DNA.
  • Cell Membrane: Encases the cell (do not confuse with cell wall).
  • Cytoplasm: Material within the cell.
• Examples: Animal and plant cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

• Definition: Cells with genetic material not enclosed in a nucleus.
• Key Features:
  • DNA: Consists of a single loop; may have plasmids (small rings of DNA).
  • Cell Membrane: Present in cells.
  • Cell Wall: Present, distinct from plant cell walls.
  • Cytoplasm: Present within the cell.
• Size: Much smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Similarities

• Both have a cell membrane.
• Both contain cytoplasm.

Important Notes

• Distinguish between cell membrane and cell wall (specific to prokaryotic cells).
• Review additional materials and questions on these cells in the vision workbook.