Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic

Nucleoid

Central region in prokaryotic cells containing circular DNA and haploid chromosomes.

Inclusions

Storage structures found in prokaryotic cells.

Plasmids

Small, circular DNA molecules in prokaryotes that exist in high copy numbers.

Endospores

Dormant and hardy structures in prokaryotes that are clinically important.

Fimbrae

Numerous, short, bristly appendages in prokaryotes that aid in attachment.

Pili

Fewer and longer appendages than fimbrae, including the sex pilus in prokaryotes.

Cell wall

Structure in prokaryotes that provides osmotic pressure resistance, with unique features in gram+ and gram- bacteria.

Ribosomes

Prokaryotic ribosomes composed of 70S (50S + 30S) subunits.

Plasma membrane

Fluid mosaic model structure in prokaryotes, consisting of a phospholipid bilayer with various transport mechanisms.

Flagella

Prokaryotic structures for movement, consisting of a basal body, hook, and filament, enabling run and tumble motion.

Glycocalyx

Sugar coat in prokaryotes that provides adhesion and protection.

S-layer

Outer layer in prokaryotes that offers support, with unknown permeability.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound structure in eukaryotic cells containing linear DNA and a nucleolus.

Mitochondria

Organelles in eukaryotic cells responsible for aerobic respiration, featuring two membranes.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Eukaryotic organelle involved in the synthesis of various molecules and transport via vesicles.

Golgi apparatus

Eukaryotic organelle that modifies lipids and proteins and produces secretory vesicles.

Lysosomes

Eukaryotic organelles that compartmentalize digestion processes.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in eukaryotic cells responsible for photosynthesis, containing thylakoids and two membranes.

Peroxisomes

Eukaryotic organelles involved in lipid synthesis and molecule degradation.

Cytoskeleton

Structural network in eukaryotic cells composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules.

Cilia

Eukaryotic structures that aid in locomotion and particle movement.

Ribosomes

Eukaryotic ribosomes composed of 80S (40S + 60S) subunits.

Plasma membrane

Eukaryotic fluid mosaic model structure containing sterols and a membrane transport system, including endocytosis and exocytosis.

Cell wall

Structure in eukaryotic cells that varies among fungi, plants, protists, and algae.

Flagella

Eukaryotic structures for movement, characterized by a flexible 9+2 arrangement of microtubules.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Composed of proteoglycans and fibrous proteins, providing stability in eukaryotic cells without a cell wall.