Eukaryotic cells

Eukaryotes

Larger and more complex than prokaryotes, can be unicellular or multicellular, with linear DNA molecules housed in a nucleus.

Cell membrane

Composed of phospholipids that are amphipathic, forming a bilayer with polar heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails inward.

Plasma membrane function

Regulates transport of nutrients and waste, maintains pH balance, provides a site for reactions, detects signals, and interacts with other cells.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound structure containing genetic material, with components like the outer membrane, inner membrane, nuclear pores, and nucleolus.

Endoplasmic reticulum

An extensive membrane structure responsible for lipid synthesis, membrane protein synthesis, and detoxification, consisting of rough and smooth ER.

Ribosomes

Complex structures made of rRNA and proteins, essential for protein synthesis, with eukaryotic ribosomes made of 40S and 60S subunits.

Golgi complex

Stack of membranous sacs involved in packaging proteins for secretion and modification, organized into regions: cis, medial, and trans.

Mitochondria

Organelles involved in ATP production, containing their own DNA and ribosomes, capable of self-replication through binary fission.

Lysosomes

Membrane-bound organelles containing enzymes for degrading cellular materials and waste, with a low interior pH that activates hydrolytic enzymes.

Peroxisomes

Single membrane-bound organelles that break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances using enzymes like catalase.

Cytoskeleton

A lattice-like array of filaments and tubules involved in cell movement, division, shape maintenance, and organelle trafficking.

Microfilaments

Filaments made of polymerized G-actin subunits, involved in cellular movement and contraction through interactions with myosin.

Microtubules

Tubules of tubulin that form tracks for motor proteins, essential for vesicle transport and chromosome segregation during cell division.

Intermediate filaments

Filamentous structures that contribute to cell shape and tissue integrity, varying in composition and function among cell types.

Cytosol

The fluid portion of the cell enclosed by the plasma membrane, containing metabolic enzymes, ribosomes, and a dynamic cytoskeleton.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells involved in photosynthesis.

Vacuoles

Storage organelles in plant cells, playing roles similar to lysosomes.

Plasmodesmata

Channels through cell walls that connect plant cells, allowing for transport and communication.