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Eukaryotic Cells

Definition of Eukaryotic Cell

"Eukaryotic cells are cells that contain membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.”

Table of contents

• Explanation

• Characteristics

• Structure

• Illustration

• Cellular cycle

• Examples

Explanation:
Eukaryotic cells have nuclei enclosed within the nuclear membrane and form large, complex

organisms. Protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals have eukaryotic cells. They are classified under

the reign of Eukaryotic.

They can maintain different environments in a cell, allowing them to undergo different metabolic

reactions. This helps them grow much larger than prokaryotic cells.

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Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells

The characteristics of eukaryotic cells are as follows:

 The nucleus is enclosed within the nuclear membrane by eukaryotic cells.

 There are mitochondria in the cell.

 Flagella and cilia are the locomotor organs of a eukaryotic cell.

 The cell wall is the outermost layer of eukaryotic cells.

 Cells divide through a process called mitosis.

 Eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeletal structure.

 DNA contains linear DNA, which carries all genetic information.

Structure of Eukaryotic Cells

The structure of eukaryotic cells includes the following:

Plasma Membrane
 The plasma membrane separates the cell from the external environment.

 Contains specific built-in proteins, which promote the exchange of substances inside and

outside the cell.

Cell Wall
 A cell wall is a rigid structure outside the plant cell. However, it is absent in animal cells.

 Shapes the cell and facilitates cell-cell interaction.

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 It is a protective layer that protects the cell from any injury or attack by pathogens.

 It is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, proteins, etc.

Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is present within the cytoplasm, which is composed of microfilm,

microtubules, and fibers to provide perfect cell shape, anchor organs, and stimulate cell

movement.

Endoplasmic Reticulum
It is a network of small tubular structures that divide the cell surface into two parts: luminous and

extraterrestrial.

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The endoplasmic reticulum has two types:

 The rough endoplasmic reticulum has ribosomes.

 Smooth endoplasmic reticulum is devoid of ribosomes and therefore smooth.

Nucleus
 The nucleus contains DNA and proteins that are enclosed in the nucleus.

 The nuclear envelope consists of two layers: the outer membrane and the inner

membrane. Membranes are permeable to ions, molecules, and RNA content.

 The production of ribosomes also occurs within the nucleus.

Golgi apparatus
 It is made up of flat, disk-shaped structures called cisterns.

 It is absent in human red blood cells and the plant cell sieve.

 They are arranged parallel and close to the nucleus.

 It is an important site for the formation of glycoproteins and glycerides.

Ribosomes
Ribosomes are complex molecular machines found within living cells that produce proteins from

amino acids during the process known as protein synthesis or translation. A key function is the

process of protein synthesis, which makes all cells live. These are the main site for protein

synthesis and are made up of proteins and ribonucleic acids.

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Mitochondria
They are also called "cellular power plants" because they produce energy.

 It consists of an outer and an inner membrane. The inner membrane is divided into folds

called cristae.

 Helps regulate cell metabolism.

Lysosomes
They are called "suicide bags" because they contain hydrolytic enzymes to digest proteins, lipids,

carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

The Plastids
These are two-membrane structures and are found only in plant cells. There are three types of

these

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 Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and participate in photosynthesis.

 Chromoplast contains a pigment called carotene that gives plants yellow, red, or

orange colors.

 Leucoplasts that are colorless and store oil, fat, carbohydrates, or proteins.

Eukaryotic Cell Diagram

The eukaryotic cell diagram mentioned below shows some cell organs present in eukaryotic

cells. The diagram clearly indicates nuclei, endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasm, mitochondria,

ribosomes, and lysosomes.

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Eukaryotic Cell Cycle
Eukaryotic cells divide during the cell cycle. The cell goes through several stages during the
cycle. There are different checkpoints between each step.

Quiescence (G0)
This is called the relaxation phase and the cell does not form during this phase. The cell cycle
begins at this stage. Cells in the liver, kidneys, neurons, and stomach reach this stage and can
stay there for longer periods of time. Many cells do not enter this stage and divide indefinitely
throughout life.

Interphase
In this stage, cells grow and secrete nutrients to prepare them for division. It consists of three
Checkpoints:
Space 1 (G1): the cell is expanded here. Proteins also increase.
Synthesis (S): DNA replicates at this point.
Gap 2 (G2): Larger cells increase to undergo some mitotic.

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Mitosis
Mitosis involves the following stages:
 Prophase
 Prometaphase
 Metaphase
 Anaphase
 Telophase
 Cytokinesis
For some, each daughter cell is an exact replica of the original cell.

Examples of Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells are found exclusively in plants, animals, fungi, protozoa, and other complex
organisms. Examples of eukaryotic cells are given below:

Plant Cells
The cell wall is made up of cellulose, which provides support for the plant. It has a large vacuum
that maintains the turgor pressure. The plant cell contains chloroplast, which helps in the
photosynthesis process.

Fungal Cells
The cell wall is made up of chitin. Some fungi have holes called septa that allow organs and
cytoplasm to pass through.

Animal Cells
These do not have a cell wall. Instead, they have a cell membrane. That is why animals have
different shapes. They have the ability to cause phagocytosis and pinocytosis.

Protozoa
Protozoa are single-celled organisms. Some protozoa have cilia to move around. A thin layer
called a film provides support for the cell.

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