Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structures

Vocabulary flashcards identifying the key organelles and cellular features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Nucleus

An organelle present in eukaryotic cells only, which prokaryotes lack.

Cytoplasm

A cellular component present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (all cells).

Golgi Body

A membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells only.

Cytoskeleton

A structural component present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (all cells).

Ribosome

A cellular structure found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (all cells).

Cell Wall

A cellular structure found in both prokaryotes and plant cells, but absent in animal cells.

Lysosome

An organelle present in eukaryotic cells only, primarily in animal cells.

Mitochondria

A membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells only, and absent in prokaryotic cells.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in eukaryotic plant cells only, and absent in animal cells.

Cell Membrane

A fundamental cellular barrier found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (all cells).

Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth/Rough)

Membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells only.

DNA

The genetic material present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (all cells).

Centrosomes

Organelles found in eukaryotic cells only, specifically in animal cells.

Nucleoid region

The area in a prokaryotic cell where DNA floats freely without a surrounding nucleus.

Large central vacuole

An organelle specifically contained within plant cells.

Nucleus

A structure present in eukaryotic cells only; prokaryotes lack a nucleus.

Cytoplasm

A cellular component found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Golgi Body

An organelle found only in eukaryotic cells.

Cytoskeleton

A cellular structure found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Ribosome

A structure involved in protein synthesis that is present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Cell Wall

A cellular structure found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotic plant cells, but absent in animal cells.

Lysosome

An organelle found only in eukaryotic cells, primarily within animal cells.

Mitochondria

A membrane-bound organelle found only in eukaryotic cells.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found only in eukaryotic cells, specifically within plant cells.

Cell Membrane

A universal outer structure found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (Smooth/Rough)

A membrane-bound organelle system found only in eukaryotic cells.

DNA

The genetic material found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Centrosomes

Structures found only in eukaryotic cells, specifically within animal cells.

Nucleoid Region

The region in prokaryotic cells where DNA floats freely due to the absence of a nucleus.

Membrane-Bound Organelles

Internal cell structures, such as mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, that are absent in prokaryotic cells.

Large Central Vacuole

A cellular structure contained specifically within plant cells.