Cell Theory and Cell Types: Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the components of cell theory, distinguishing features and shared traits of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their evolutionary timeline, and organelle distributions.

Cell

The basic unit of structure and function of life.

The Cell Theory

A foundational biological theory stating that: 1) all living things are made of cells, 2) cells are the basic unit of structure and function of life, and 3) cells come from preexisting cells.

Prokaryotic Cell

A smaller, simpler cell type that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; examples include bacteria such as E. coli.

Eukaryotic Cell

A cell type that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles and is larger than a prokaryotic cell; examples include cells of humans, dogs, plants, mushrooms, and yeast.

Shared Cell Features

Structures that both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have in common: DNA, a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.

Evolutionary Appearance of Cells

Prokaryotes evolved first, existing nearly 2 billion years before the emergence of eukaryotic cells.

Nucleus

A membrane-bound organelle present in eukaryotic cells (both plants and animals) that encloses genetic material, but is completely absent in prokaryotes.

Cell Wall

An outer structural layer found in bacteria (prokaryotes) and plant cells (eukaryotes), but absent in animal cells.

Chloroplast

A specialized organelle found in plant cells for photosynthesis, but absent in both animal cells and bacteria.

Mitochondria

Membrane-bound organelles present in eukaryotic cells (both plants and animals) that generate energy, but absent in prokaryotes.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures present in all major cell types—bacteria (prokaryotes), plants (eukaryotes), and animals (eukaryotes)—responsible for protein synthesis.

Cytoplasm

The internal fluid and cellular environment found inside all cell categories, including bacteria, plant, and animal cells.