Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Flashcards on Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that do not have membrane-bound cell organelles and a nucleus. They are considered the first life forms on Earth and are found in Bacteria and Archaea kingdoms.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles enclosed by a plasma membrane. They can be unicellular or multicellular organisms.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that do not have membrane-bound cell organelles and a nucleus. They are considered the first life forms on Earth and are found in Bacteria and Archaea kingdoms.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles enclosed by a plasma membrane. They can be unicellular or multicellular organisms.

Organelles

Internal structures within eukaryotic cells responsible for various functions, such as energy production and protein synthesis.

Prokaryotic Cells

Small in size but their impact is enormous to the extent that life on the earth will cease to exist without them.

Eukaryotic Cells

Large (around 10-100 μm) and complex cells.

Similarities between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Both cell types share four features: DNA, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.

Complexity of Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells are more complex due to their larger size, greater number of cell organelles, membrane-bound organelles, and ability to maintain different internal environments.

Nucleoid

The region in a prokaryotic cell where the genetic material is stored; it lacks a membrane.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound structure in eukaryotic cells that stores the genetic material.

Bacteria

Ancient, microscopic, single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and organelles (prokaryotic cells).

Archaea

Microscopic, single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus (prokaryotic cells).

Helpful Bacteria

Bacteria that provide benefits, such as E. coli aiding in food digestion, Lactobacillus fermenting milk into cheese and yogurt, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria transforming atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds.

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria [Rhizobium]

Found in leguminous plant/soil transforming atmospheric nitrogen into fixed nitrogen (inorganic compounds usable by plants).

Helpful Archaea

Methanogens are anaerobic archaea that produce methane gas from carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas.

Methanogens

Are anaerobic archaea that produce methane gas from carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas. They can be found in places such as the guts of cattle and in flooded soils of wetlands.

Role of Prokaryotes in Ecosystems

Prokaryotes photosynthesize, recycle carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur, fix nitrogen, and decompose dead remains.

Bioremediation

A branch of biotechnology that uses living organisms, like microbes and bacteria, to remove contaminants, pollutants, and toxins from soil, water, and other environments.