prokaryotic vs eukaryotic

Types of Cells

• Two main types of cells:
  • Prokaryotic cells
  • Eukaryotic cells

Prokaryotic Cells:

• Characteristics:
  • Small and simple
  • Always unicellular
  • Structure includes:
  • Membranes
  • Cytoplasm
  • DNA (free in cytoplasm, not associated with proteins)
  • Plasmids
  • Examples: Bacteria

Eukaryotic Cells:

• Characteristics:
  • Larger and more complex
  • Can be unicellular or multicellular
  • Structure includes:
  • Membranes
  • Cytoplasm
  • DNA (contained in the nucleus, associated with histone proteins)
  • Membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria)
  • Examples:
  • All animal and plant cells
  • Yeasts, fungi, algae

Common Mistake:

• Prokaryote: Always unicellular; consists of a single prokaryotic cell.
• Eukaryote: Can be multicellular or unicellular.

Revision Activity:

• Create a list of various living organisms and classify them as unicellular or multicellular.