SCIENCE READING # 2
Understanding Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Cells are the fundamental units of life, making up all living organisms. They come in two major types: prokaryotic and
eukaryotic. Although both types share certain characteristics, they differ significantly in structure and function. Let’s
explore these differences and similarities to answer common questions about cell biology.
1. Unique Characteristic of Prokaryotic Cells
One key characteristic that distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells is the absence of a nucleus. Prokaryotic
cells, such as bacteria and archaea, lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Instead,
their genetic material floats freely in a region called the nucleoid.
Example: Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms. Their DNA is found in the cytoplasm, not enclosed within a nucleus.
2. Shared Components in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Despite their differences, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share several key components:
Cell membrane: A protective barrier that controls what enters and exits the cell.
Cytoplasm: A gel-like substance where cellular activities occur.
Ribosomes: Organelles responsible for protein synthesis.
Genetic Material (DNA): The molecule that carries the cell's genetic information.
This shared structure underpins many basic cellular functions across all forms of life.
3. Uniform and Non-uniform Features of Cellular Life
While many features are common across all cells, certain components are not universally found in every type of cell. For
example:
Cell Walls: While plants and many prokaryotes have cell walls, animal cells do not.
Membrane-bound Organelles: Only eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria,
chloroplasts, and the endoplasmic reticulum.
Thus, features like cell walls and membrane-bound organelles are not uniform across all cellular life forms.
4. Examples of Eukaryotic Organisms
Eukaryotic organisms include animals, plants, fungi, and protists.
For example:
Dogs are animals, and mushrooms are fungi, both of which are eukaryotic.
Their cells contain a nucleus and specialized organelles that enable complex functions like energy production,
reproduction, and cellular organization.
5. Restriction of Cell Size
A cell’s overall size is restricted by the need to maintain an optimal surface-area-to-volume ratio. As cells grow, their
volume increases faster than their surface area, making it harder for the cell membrane to efficiently transport nutrients
in and waste out. This limitation ensures cells remain small or adopt shapes that maximize surface area for efficient
exchange with their environment.
Example: Cells in our body, such as red blood cells, are small and disk-shaped to allow for efficient gas exchange.
Summary
Prokaryotic Cells: Simple, lack a nucleus, include bacteria and archaea.
Eukaryotic Cells: Complex, have a nucleus and organelles, include plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
Shared Components: Cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and DNA.
Non-uniform Features: Cell walls (not found in all cells), membrane-bound organelles (only in eukaryotes).
Examples of Eukaryotes: Dogs and mushrooms.
Cell Size Restriction: Determined by surface-area-to-volume ratio requirements for material exchange.
