CHAPTER 4: Cell Types 

Type of Cells 
- all cells are not the same 
- but they share general features 
- different types of cell 
• based on number 
• based on complexity 
• based on shape 
• based on function 
• based on size 
Chapter 4 
Type of Cells 
• based on number 
- organism can come in many range of number of cells 
- most complex organisms are composed of million of cells 
- simple organisms are composed of only a single cell 
- two types: 
- unicellular
- multicellular 
Chapter 4 
• Unicellular Organisms 
- these are made of a single cell which performs 

all the functions to keep the organism alive - e.g. bacteria 

• Multicellular Organisms 
- these are made of many cells which perform different functions.
- e.g. animals are made of different cells each with a different function (cells in eyes
help us to see etc.) 
Chapter 4 
• based on number (Unicellular)
-Paramecium
-Amoeba 
Chapter 4 
• based on number (Multicellular)
-Plant
-Human 
Chapter 4 
• Characteristics of Unicellular Organisms 
- organism is made of a single cell and and different 
parts inside the cell perform different functions - their size may vary from 0.3
micrometer (e.g. bacteria) to 30 cm (Caulerpa taxifolia largest single-celled aquatic
algae)
- they have simple structure with basic features necessary for life
- some of them have locomotory organelles like flagella, cilia and pesudopodia which
help in their movement
- nutrition is mainly through phagocytosis (taking-in food through their cell
membrane) 
- some eukaryotic (nucleus present) unicellular organisms like Chlorella (algae) have
the ability to synthesize their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis)
- they reproduce by both sexual and asexual methods
- some of them (e.g. bacteria) divide and live in colonies
- the unicellular eukaryotes have more advanced cell structure (with mitochondria
chloroplast etc.) than the unicellular prokaryotes (nucleus absent). 

• Characteristics of Multicellular Organisms 

- an organism that is made of many (multi) cells is called a Multicellular organism 
- they have bigger bodies as they are made of many cells (e.g. man or plant) 
- the cells in the organism undergo differentiation (convert to different forms) to form
various types of cell 
- reproduce through sexual reproduction 
- different cells in the same organism perform different functions (e.g cells in eye help
to see, cells in the legs and arms help to move) 
- most of the multicellular organisms are Eukaryotes 
- all the animals and plants are best examples of multicellular organisms. 
•Unicellular Organisms 
-The entire is organism is made of  single cell (e.g. bacteria). 
-All functions necessary for life are performed by single cell.
-They divide and multiply continuously. 
-Since it is made of only a single cell it is always exposed to surrounding
environment.
-Regeneration (ability to make lost body parts) is present.
-Since single cell has to do all the tasks of life; they have short lifespan functions and
work together to support life all the functions necessary for lifeare animals) performed
by a single cell .

•Multicellular
- These organisms made of multiple single cell (many cells) (Fungi, plants
and animals).
- Different cells perform different functions and work together to support life.
- Cells divide (division is slower) but after differentiation, some specialized cells stop
dividing .
-Since they have many cells, only the cells on the surface are exposed to the
surrounding environment .
-Regeneration is seen only in some multicellular organisms but in most of the
organisms regeneration is absent .
-Longer lifespan the unicellular organisms .
Chapter 4 
• based on complexity 
- there are complex organisms
- there are just simple ones 
two types: 
- prokaryotes
- eukaryotes 

•Based on numbers
• Prokaryotes 
- any of the typically unicellular microorganisms that lack a distinct nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles
- e.g. bacteria 

• Eukaryotes 
- any cell or organism that possesses a clearly defined nucleus
- has a nuclear membrane that surrounds the nucleus, in which the well defined
chromosomes (bodies containing the hereditary material) are located.
- e.g. multicellular algae, fungi, plantae, animalia 
Chapter 4 
• Characteristics of Prokaryotes 
- pro means “old” and karyon means “nucleus”
- history of the evolution of prokaryotic cells is at least 3.5 billion years old
- contains DNA or RNA but not both
- genetic material is not confined in nucleus
- but has an irregularly-shaped region called nucleoid within the cell of a prokaryote
that contains all or most of the genetic material 
Chapter 4 
General Structure of Prokaryotes
• Glycocalyx
- made of glycoprotein and glycolipid that surrounds the cell membrane
- functions as as a receptor and adhesive
- provides protection to the cell wall 

• Cell Membrane
- thin layer of protein and lipids, surrounds cytoplasm
- regulates the flow of materials inside and outside the cells. 
General Structure of Prokaryotes 
Chapter 4 
• Nucleoid
- it is the location of the genetic material (DNA) 

• Pilus
- hair like hollow attachment present on the surface of bacteria
- used to transfers of DNA to other cells during cell
-cell adhesion and asexual reproduction 

• Mesosomes
- it is the extension of the cell membrane, unfolded into the cytoplasm their role is
during the cellular respiration 
Chapter 4 
• Flagellum
- helps in movement, attached to the basal body of the cell 

• Cell Wall
- It provides rigidity and protection of the cell 

• Fimbriae
- helps in attachment to the surface and other bacteria while mating
- these are small hair-like structure. 
Chapter 4 
• Inclusions/Granules
- it helps in storage of carbohydrates, glycogen, phosphate, fats in the form of
particles which can be used when needed 

• Ribosomes
- tiny particles which help in protein synthesis. 

• Endospore
- it helps cell in surviving during harsh conditions. 
Chapter 4 
• Characteristics of Eukaryotes 
- eu means “new,” and karyon means “nucleus” 
- presence of “True Nucleus” and “Membrane-Bound Organelles” 
- more complex compared to prokaryotic cells
- type of cells found in plant, animals, and fungi and in some protists 
Chapter 4
•Animal Cell 
- Animal cells are generally small in size 
- Cell wall is absent 
- Vacuoles either absent or very small 
- Centrosomes present 
- Chloroplast absent 
- Pigments are present 
- Lysosomes are generally present 
- Large number of mitochondria 
- Capable of changing its form and move 
- Shape varies 

•Plant Cell
- Plant cells are generally larger than animal cells 
- Cell wall present 
- Large central vacuole is present 
- Centrosomes are absent 
- Chloroplast present 
- Pigments are present 
- Lysosomes are absent 
- Few number of mitochondria 
- Stationary 
- Usually in rectangular shape 
Chapter 4 
•Prokaryotes 4
- Nucleus absent but has nucleoid region 
- Small (1-10 μm) 
- No membrane-bound organelles 
- Mostly unicellular 
- Small ribosomes present 
- Slower growth rate 
- Presence of DNA or RNA but not both 
- Sexual and asexual reproduction (Binary Fission) 
- Can easily mutate 

•Eukaryotes 
- Nucleus Present 
- Large (10-100 μm) 
- Presence of membrane-bound organelles 
- Mostly multicellular 
- Large ribosomes present 
- Faster growth rate 
- Presence of both DNA and RNA 
- Sexual and asexual reproduction (Mitosis/Meiosis) 
- Mutation happens for several years 
Chapter 4