{"id":95,"date":"2014-10-26T13:02:27","date_gmt":"2014-10-26T13:02:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/novabiology\/?post_type=chapter&p=95"},"modified":"2016-11-23T23:00:03","modified_gmt":"2016-11-23T23:00:03","slug":"comparing-prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-cells","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/atd-herkimer-biologyfundamentals2\/chapter\/comparing-prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-cells\/","title":{"raw":"Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells","rendered":"Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells"},"content":{"raw":"
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Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\nBy the end of this section, you will be able to:\r\n
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  • Name examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Compare and contrast prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells<\/li>\r\n \t
  • Describe the relative sizes of different kinds of cells<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n

    Cells fall into one of two broad categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The predominantly single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea are classified as prokaryotes (pro<\/em>- = before; -karyon<\/em>- = nucleus). Animal cells, plant cells, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes (eu<\/em>- = true).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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    Components of Prokaryotic Cells<\/h2>\r\n

    All cells share four common components: 1) a plasma membrane, an outer covering that separates the cell\u2019s interior from its surrounding environment; 2) cytoplasm, consisting of a jelly-like region within the cell in which other cellular components are found; 3) DNA, the genetic material of the cell; and 4) ribosomes, particles that synthesize proteins. However, prokaryotes differ from eukaryotic cells in several ways.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

    <\/figure>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1125\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"400\"]\"In Figure 1. This figure shows the generalized structure of a prokaryotic cell.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nA prokaryotic cell is a simple, single-celled (unicellular) organism that lacks a nucleus, or any other membrane-bound organelle. We will shortly come to see that this is significantly different in eukaryotes. Prokaryotic DNA is found in the central part of the cell: a darkened region called the nucleoid (Figure 1).\r\n

    Unlike Archaea and eukaryotes, bacteria have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, comprised of sugars and amino acids, and many have a polysaccharide capsule (Figure 1). The cell wall acts as an extra layer of protection, helps the cell maintain its shape, and prevents dehydration. The capsule enables the cell to attach to surfaces in its environment. Some prokaryotes have flagella, pili, or fimbriae. Flagella are used for locomotion. Pili are used to exchange genetic material during a type of reproduction called conjugation. Fimbriae are protein appendages used by bacteria to attach to other cells.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/section>

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    Eukaryotic Cells<\/h2>\r\n

    In nature, the relationship between form and function is apparent at all levels, including the level of the cell, and this will become clear as we explore eukaryotic cells. The principle \u201cform follows function\u201d is found in many contexts. For example, birds and fish have streamlined bodies that allow them to move quickly through the medium in which they live, be it air or water. It means that, in general, one can deduce the function of a structure by looking at its form, because the two are matched.<\/p>\r\n

    A eukaryotic cell is a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound compartments or sacs, called organelles, which have specialized functions. The word eukaryotic means \u201ctrue kernel\u201d or \u201ctrue nucleus,\u201d alluding to the presence of the membrane-bound nucleus in these cells. The word \u201corganelle\u201d means \u201clittle organ,\u201d and, as already mentioned, organelles have specialized cellular functions, just as the organs of your body have specialized functions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/section>

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    Cell Size<\/h2>\r\n

    At 0.1\u20135.0 \u00b5m in diameter, prokaryotic cells are significantly smaller than eukaryotic cells, which have diameters ranging from 10\u2013100 \u00b5m (Figure 2). The small size of prokaryotes allows ions and organic molecules that enter them to quickly spread to other parts of the cell. Similarly, any wastes produced within a prokaryotic cell can quickly move out. However, larger eukaryotic cells have evolved different structural adaptations to enhance cellular transport. Indeed, the large size of these cells would not be possible without these adaptations. In general, cell size is limited because volume increases much more quickly than does cell surface area. As a cell becomes larger, it becomes more and more difficult for the cell to acquire sufficient materials to support the processes inside the cell, because the relative size of the surface area through which materials must be transported declines.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1127\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1024\"]\"Relative Figure 2. This figure shows the relative sizes of different kinds of cells and cellular components. An adult human is shown for comparison.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n

    <\/figure><\/section>
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    Section Summary<\/h2>\r\n

    Prokaryotes are predominantly single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea. All prokaryotes have plasma membranes, cytoplasm, ribosomes, a cell wall, DNA, and lack membrane-bound organelles. Many also have polysaccharide capsules. Prokaryotic cells range in diameter from 0.1\u20135.0 \u00b5m.<\/p>\r\n

    Like a prokaryotic cell, a eukaryotic cell has a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes, but a eukaryotic cell is typically larger than a prokaryotic cell, has a true nucleus (meaning its DNA is surrounded by a membrane), and has other membrane-bound organelles that allow for compartmentalization of functions. Eukaryotic cells tend to be 10 to 100 times the size of prokaryotic cells.<\/p>\r\nhttps:\/\/www.openassessments.org\/assessments\/646\r\n\r\n<\/section>

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    <\/h1>\r\n \r\n
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    Additional Self Check Question<\/h3>\r\n
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    1. Describe the structures that are characteristic of a prokaryote cell.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section>

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    Answer<\/h3>\r\n
    \u00a01. Prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a plasma membrane and have DNA, cytoplasm, and ribosomes, like eukaryotic cells. They also have cell walls and may have a cell capsule. Prokaryotes have a single large chromosome that is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane. Prokaryotes may have flagella or motility, pili for conjugation, and fimbriae for adhesion to surfaces.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n \r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>","rendered":"
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    Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n

    By the end of this section, you will be able to:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Name examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms<\/li>\n
    • Compare and contrast prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells<\/li>\n
    • Describe the relative sizes of different kinds of cells<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      Cells fall into one of two broad categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The predominantly single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea are classified as prokaryotes (pro<\/em>– = before; –karyon<\/em>– = nucleus). Animal cells, plant cells, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes (eu<\/em>– = true).<\/p>\n

      \n

      Components of Prokaryotic Cells<\/h2>\n

      All cells share four common components: 1) a plasma membrane, an outer covering that separates the cell\u2019s interior from its surrounding environment; 2) cytoplasm, consisting of a jelly-like region within the cell in which other cellular components are found; 3) DNA, the genetic material of the cell; and 4) ribosomes, particles that synthesize proteins. However, prokaryotes differ from eukaryotic cells in several ways.<\/p>\n

      <\/figure>\n
      \"In<\/p>\n

      Figure 1. This figure shows the generalized structure of a prokaryotic cell.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      A prokaryotic cell is a simple, single-celled (unicellular) organism that lacks a nucleus, or any other membrane-bound organelle. We will shortly come to see that this is significantly different in eukaryotes. Prokaryotic DNA is found in the central part of the cell: a darkened region called the nucleoid (Figure 1).<\/p>\n

      Unlike Archaea and eukaryotes, bacteria have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, comprised of sugars and amino acids, and many have a polysaccharide capsule (Figure 1). The cell wall acts as an extra layer of protection, helps the cell maintain its shape, and prevents dehydration. The capsule enables the cell to attach to surfaces in its environment. Some prokaryotes have flagella, pili, or fimbriae. Flagella are used for locomotion. Pili are used to exchange genetic material during a type of reproduction called conjugation. Fimbriae are protein appendages used by bacteria to attach to other cells.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

      \n

      Eukaryotic Cells<\/h2>\n

      In nature, the relationship between form and function is apparent at all levels, including the level of the cell, and this will become clear as we explore eukaryotic cells. The principle \u201cform follows function\u201d is found in many contexts. For example, birds and fish have streamlined bodies that allow them to move quickly through the medium in which they live, be it air or water. It means that, in general, one can deduce the function of a structure by looking at its form, because the two are matched.<\/p>\n

      A eukaryotic cell is a cell that has a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound compartments or sacs, called organelles, which have specialized functions. The word eukaryotic means \u201ctrue kernel\u201d or \u201ctrue nucleus,\u201d alluding to the presence of the membrane-bound nucleus in these cells. The word \u201corganelle\u201d means \u201clittle organ,\u201d and, as already mentioned, organelles have specialized cellular functions, just as the organs of your body have specialized functions.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n

      \n

      Cell Size<\/h2>\n

      At 0.1\u20135.0 \u00b5m in diameter, prokaryotic cells are significantly smaller than eukaryotic cells, which have diameters ranging from 10\u2013100 \u00b5m (Figure 2). The small size of prokaryotes allows ions and organic molecules that enter them to quickly spread to other parts of the cell. Similarly, any wastes produced within a prokaryotic cell can quickly move out. However, larger eukaryotic cells have evolved different structural adaptations to enhance cellular transport. Indeed, the large size of these cells would not be possible without these adaptations. In general, cell size is limited because volume increases much more quickly than does cell surface area. As a cell becomes larger, it becomes more and more difficult for the cell to acquire sufficient materials to support the processes inside the cell, because the relative size of the surface area through which materials must be transported declines.<\/p>\n

      \"Relative<\/p>\n

      Figure 2. This figure shows the relative sizes of different kinds of cells and cellular components. An adult human is shown for comparison.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

      <\/figure>\n<\/section>\n
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      Section Summary<\/h2>\n

      Prokaryotes are predominantly single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea. All prokaryotes have plasma membranes, cytoplasm, ribosomes, a cell wall, DNA, and lack membrane-bound organelles. Many also have polysaccharide capsules. Prokaryotic cells range in diameter from 0.1\u20135.0 \u00b5m.<\/p>\n

      Like a prokaryotic cell, a eukaryotic cell has a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes, but a eukaryotic cell is typically larger than a prokaryotic cell, has a true nucleus (meaning its DNA is surrounded by a membrane), and has other membrane-bound organelles that allow for compartmentalization of functions. Eukaryotic cells tend to be 10 to 100 times the size of prokaryotic cells.<\/p>\n