compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

The cell wall acts as an extra layer of protection, helps the cell maintain its shape, and prevents dehydration.

Unlike Archaea and eukaryotes, bacteria have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, comprised of sugars and amino acids, and many have a polysaccharide capsule ( Figure 3.6). Figure 3.6 This figure shows the generalized structure of a prokaryotic cell.

Prokaryotic DNA is found in the central part of the cell: a darkened region called the nucleoid. We will shortly come to see that this is significantly different in eukaryotes. However, prokaryotes differ from eukaryotic cells in several ways.Ī prokaryotic cell is a simple, single-celled (unicellular) organism that lacks a nucleus, or any other membrane-bound organelle. Components of Prokaryotic CellsĪll 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. Animal cells, plant cells, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes ( eu– = true). The predominantly single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea are classified as prokaryotes ( pro– = before – karyon– = nucleus). Describe the relative sizes of different kinds of cellsĬells fall into one of two broad categories: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.

Compare and contrast prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.Name examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells