2.

1 Types Of Cells
Even though there are many different types of cells in organisms, they are all classified into either
prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. Although these two types of cells have many differences, they both
contain and share basic similarities with each possessing a:

Cell membrane: a structure that surrounds and encloses a cell.

Cytoplasm: the fluid part of the cell outside of the nucleus that contains dissolved chemical
substances, insoluble substances and suspended organelles; the chemical reactions that allow the
cell to live are carried out here.

Ribosome: a very small, spherical structure found in the cytoplasm that contains both RNA and
proteins; its function is to manufacture the proteins required by the cell.

Prokaryotic cells are cells with no Eukaryotic cells do contain a

membrane-bound nuclei or membrane-bound nuclei or
membrane-bound organelles. They membrane-bound organelles.
are ‘primitive’ cells and have a
much simpler structure than
eukaryotes.

Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells range in diameter from 0.1 to 5.0µm (micrometres). The four main structures that
all prokaryotic cells possess are the cell membrane, genetic material, ribosomes and the cytoplasm.

The cell(plasma) membrane is an outer covering of the cell that separates the cell’s interior from its
surrounding environment. It is responsible for controlling what goes into and outside of the cell.

The genetic material is not surrounded by any membrane, and therefore, prokaryotic cells do not
have a nucleus.

Most of the genetic material forms a large loop called the bacterial chromosome, with the rest in
small circular rings called plasmids (the circular ring of genetic material in a prokaryotic cell).

The structures that are inside prokaryotic cells do not contain a membrane- they simply float in the
fluid like cytoplasm, as does the genetic material.

Structures that are present in some prokaryotic cells are:

Cell Wall: The rigid outer layer of a cell that gives the cell support and structure. The substances it is
composed of differ depending on the type of cell.

Pili: Hair like structures on the surface of a cell that allow them to adhere to nearby substances.

Flagella: A whip-like tail that provides a cell with locomotion(the ability to move from one place to
another).

Capsule: A layer composed of complex carbohydrates outside the cell wall and protects the cell.

Most organisms that are composed of prokaryotic cells are unicellular- a single cell. Some bacterial
species clump together as a colony of prokaryotic cells that work together.
Prokaryotic organisms, also known as prokaryotes, are unicellular organisms that lack membrane-
bound organelles such as a mitochondria, nucleus or chloroplasts. Prokaryotes can be divided into
two main groups:

- Bacteria
- Archaea: one of the two types of prokaryotes, often living in extreme environments. They
are structurally similar to bacteria but have genes and metabolic pathways closer to those of
eukaryotes.

The cells in these groups are similar in shape and size, but differ chemically in terms of their genetic
material and proteins. Bacteria can be found in many different environments and can be either
beneficial or harmful to living organisms. Archaea are unicellular organisms that are found in
extreme and harsh environments, such as hydrothermal vents and hot springs.
Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells range in size from 10 to 100µm (micrometres) and are much more complex than
prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are characterised by a membrane-bound nucleus containing the
genetic material of the cell. All of the internal structures of these cells are membrane bound and are
known as organelles (an internal structure or part of the cell that is enclosed by a membrane and has
a particular function). Each organelle has a specific function within the cell. Together, these
organelles carry out all of the biochemical processes and reactions, such as respiration and
photosynthesis, that are required for the successful functioning of a living cell.

Analogy:

Just as a large family home is split into many rooms with different purposes (bedrooms, bathrooms,
kitchen, living room, etc.), so eukaryotic cells contain a variety of different compartments with
specialized functions, neatly separated from one another by layers of membrane. This organization
lets each compartment maintain its own conditions, the ones it needs to carry out its job.

For instance, compartments called lysosomes, which act as recycling centres for the cell, must
maintain an acidic pH in order to dispose of cellular waste. Similarly, structures
called peroxisomes carry out chemical reactions called oxidation reactions and produce hydrogen
peroxide, both of which would damage the cell if they weren’t safely stored away in their own
“room.”

The ability to maintain different environments inside a single cell allows eukaryotic cells to carry out
complex metabolic reactions that prokaryotes cannot. In fact, it’s a big part of the reason why
eukaryotic cells can grow to be many times larger than prokaryotic ones.

Living organisms that contain eukaryotic cells are known as eukaryotes. These organisms, unlike
prokaryotes, can be either unicellular OR multicellular.

Multicellular plants and animals are composed of a variety of different types of eukaryotic cells.

Key - There are two types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

Concepts
- Prokaryotic cells exist as single cells (unicellular) and have no membrane
bound nucleus or organelles.

- Bacteria and Archaea kingdoms contain prokaryotic cells.

- Eukaryotic cells have a membrane bound nucleus and organelles.

 Prokaryotic Cells: No nuclei to
store the genetic material.
Rather it is formed into large
loops called bacterial Contain cell
chromosomes with the rest in membrane,
circular rings called plasmids. cytoplasm, genetic temperatures within a single
Much simpler than eukaryotic material and
cells. Can only be unicellular. No
membrane bound organelles. ribosome.
Size ranges from 0.1 to 0.5
micrometers.
Eukaryotic Cells: Genetic
material stored in a nucleus.
Much more complex structure
than eukaryotes and their
ability to maintain different
cell allows eukaryotes to live
much longer than prokaryotes.
Size ranges from 10-100
micrometers.