CELLS FALL INTO ONE OF TWO

CATEGORIES…

•Prokaryotes (prokaryotic)
or
•Eukaryotes (eukaryotic)
And that is it! Every organism on the planet can be put into one of these two
categories, including you!
Pro means NO!
PROKARYOTES:

•unicellular microorganisms
•lack a distinct nucleus
•lack membrane-bound organelles
•always bacteria!!!
•very simple and small
 COMPONENTS OF PROKARYOTIC
CELL
All cells share four common components:
• 1) a plasma membrane, an outer covering that
separates the cell’s 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.
PROKARYOTES:
Eu means True
EUKARYOTES:
•unicellular or multicellular organisms
•have a nucleus
•have membrane-bound organelles
•LARGER and more complex (have more
stuff inside)
•Examples: animals, plants, fungi and protists
•NEVER BACTERIA!!!!
COMPONENTS OF EUKARYOTIC
CELL
1.A membrane-bound nucleus, a central cavity surrounded
by membrane that houses the cell’s genetic material.
2.A number of membrane-bound organelles, compartments
with specialized functions that float in the cytosol.
(Organelle means “little organ,” and this name reflects that
the organelles, like the organs of our body, have unique
functions as part of a larger system.)
3.Multiple linear chromosomes, as opposed to the single
circular chromosome of a prokaryote.
EUKARYOTES:

Like the organs in

your body, each
organelle in the cell
performs a specific
function that helps
the cell maintain
homeostasis: a
state of balance.
EUKARYOTES:
Prokaryotes are much smaller than Eukaryotes

Prokaryote (Bacteria) Eukaryote (Animal Cell)

PROKARYOTES VERSUS EUKARYOTES
 Prokaryote: Eukaryote:

• Lacks Nucleus • Has Nucleus

• Organelles Lack • Organelles have Membranes
Membranes • DNA is in the Nucleus
• DNA is free floating • Can be unicellular or
• Always unicellular multicellular
• Always bacteria • Plants, Animals, Fungi, Protists
• Smaller than Eukaryote • Much Larger than Prokaryote
• Reproduction is asexual
• Reproduction can be asexual
(exact copies/clones)
(clones) or sexual (variations)