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Updated on January 29, 2020 All living organisms can be sorted into one of two groups depending on the fundamental structure of their cells: the prokaryotes and the eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles. Eukaryotes are organisms made up of cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus that holds genetic material as well as membrane-bound organelles. Understanding Cells and Cell MembranesThe cell is a fundamental component of our modern definition of life and living things. Cells are regarded as the basic building blocks of life and are used in the elusive definition of what it means to be "alive." Cells keep chemical processes tidy and compartmentalized so individual cell processes do not interfere with others and the cell can go about its business of metabolizing, reproducing, etc. To achieve this, cell components are enclosed in a membrane which serves as a barrier between the outside world and the cell's internal chemistry. The cell membrane is a selective barrier, meaning that it lets some chemicals in and others out. In so doing it maintains the chemical balance necessary for the cell to live. The cell membrane regulates the crossing of chemicals in and out of the cell in three ways including:
ProkaryotesProkaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles. This means the genetic material DNA in prokaryotes is not bound within a nucleus. In addition, the DNA is less structured in prokaryotes than in eukaryotes: in prokaryotes, DNA is a single loop while in Eukaryotes DNA is organized into chromosomes. Most prokaryotes are made up of just a single cell (unicellular) but there are a few that are made of collections of cells (multicellular). Scientists have divided the prokaryotes into two groups, the Bacteria, and the Archaea. Some bacteria, including E Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, are found in foods and can cause disease; others are actually helpful to human digestion and other functions. Archaea were discovered to be a unique life form which is capable of living indefinitely in extreme environments such as hydrothermal vents or arctic ice. A typical prokaryotic cell might contain the following parts:
EukaryotesEukaryotes are organisms made up of cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus (that holds DNA in the form of chromosomes) as well as membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic organisms may be multicellular or single-celled organisms. All animals are eukaryotes. Other eukaryotes include plants, fungi, and protists. A typical eukaryotic cell is surrounded by a plasma membrane and contains many different structures and organelles with a variety of functions. Examples include the chromosomes (a structure of nucleic acids and protein which carry genetic information in the form of genes), and the mitochondria (often described as the "powerhouse of the cell").
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: Cells are the building blocks of life i.e. all living organisms are made up of cells. Do you know about the internal structure of a cell? How many types of cells are found in an organism? Let's have a look! Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: In 1665, Robert Hook discovered a cell. Some cells have membrane-bound organelles and some do not. Depending upon the internal structure of the cell, two types of cells are found in an organism namely Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic. What is the difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells? Cells are also known as 'a small room'. It is the functional and structural unit of life. It is a small united area where all kinds of actions and reactions collectively take place. Organisms that are made up of single cells are known as single-celled organisms or unicellular and many cells are known as multi-cellular organisms. In 1665, the cell was first discovered by Robert Hook. When scientists studied cells of various living organisms from an electron microscope, it was found that many organisms have no distinct nucleus surrounded by a cell membrane. Thus, two types of cells are found in the organisms: eukaryotic and prokaryotic depending on whether cells contain membrane-bound organelles or not. Their genetic materials are enclosed by a nuclear envelope or not. Let us study through this article the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. READ| List of 20 Important Topics in Biology for Preparation of Competitive Exams What are Prokaryotes? According to the morphological point of view, prokaryotic cells are the most primitive cells. They do not have a definite nucleus which includes bacteria and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). The chromatin bodies remain scattered inside the cytoplasm. In prokaryotes, asexual division occurs basically binary fission. Prokaryotes are smaller than eukaryotes. Do you know that the nucleus which does not have a nuclear membrane is known as a nucleoid? READ| What is the difference between Animal and Plant Cells? What are Eukaryotes? It is believed that eukaryotes have evolved from the prokaryotes. They have been characterised by their membrane nucleus. They contain organelles like mitochondria bounded by membranes and are located in the cytoplasm. They have a definite nucleus. The chromatin bodies are enclosed by a nuclear membrane. Both asexual and sexual division occurs in eukaryotes. They are larger than prokaryotes and show better structural organisation and increased functional efficiency than prokaryotes. Now let us study the difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Therefore, we can say that on the basis of genetic materials enclosed by a nuclear envelope, cells are divided into prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotes don’t have membrane-bound organelles whereas eukaryotes have. Also, Read FAQWhat are the similarities or common features that are shared by prokaryotes and eukaryotes?Ans: All cells, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic share these four features namely DNA, Plasma Membrane, Cytoplasm, and Ribosomes. What is a Eukaryotic cell?Ans: These cells possess a true nucleus and have membrane-bound organelles. They are either unicellular or multicellular. What is a Prokaryotic cell?Ans: It is a primitive cell characterised by the absence of a nucleus. Prokaryotes do not have membrane-bound organelles and are exclusively unicellular. What is the function of Ribosomes?Ans: They are responsible for protein synthesis. What are 3 major differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?No prokaryotic cell has a nucleus; every eukaryotic cell has a nucleus. Prokaryotic cells have no mitochondria; nearly every eukaryotic cell has mitochondria. Prokaryotic cells have no organelles enclosed in plasma membranes; every eukaryotic cell has a nucleus and organelles, each enclosed in plasma membranes.
What are the 5 differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?Prokaryotes don't have membrane-bound organelles whereas eukaryotes have.
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What is the difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells?. |