BIOS 242 Week 2 Active Learning Template: Cells

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Chamberlain University

BIOS-242 Fundamentals of Microbiology

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Active Learning Template: Cells

Prokaryotic Cell:

A prokaryotic cell is the simplest form of life, typically found in bacteria. These cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Key structures within a prokaryotic cell include fimbriae, ribosomes, the nucleoid region, flagella, the cell wall, and the plasma membrane. Each of these components plays a vital role in the cell’s survival and function. Fimbriae help the cell adhere to surfaces, while ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis. The nucleoid contains the cell’s genetic material, and flagella assist in movement. The cell wall provides structural support and protection, while the plasma membrane regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Below is a table summarizing the functions of various organelles and structures commonly found in prokaryotic cells:

Organelles and Structures	Function
Capsule	Protects the cell from being engulfed by other organisms.
Cell Wall	Provides structural support and protection to the bacterial cell.
Pili	Facilitates attachment to other bacterial cells for conjugation.
Flagella	Aids in cellular locomotion, allowing the cell to move.
Plasmids	Circular DNA structures that carry genes, but are not involved in reproduction.
Ribosomes	Responsible for protein synthesis.
Cell Membrane	Regulates the flow of substances in and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm	Composed mainly of water, containing enzymes, salts, cell components, and organic molecules.
Nucleoid Region	Contains the single, circular DNA molecule that is not enclosed by a membrane.

Eukaryotic Cell:

Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells, possessing a nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles. These cells are found in organisms such as animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Eukaryotic cells contain structures like the nucleus, nucleolus, rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and ribosomes. The nucleus houses the cell’s DNA, while the rough ER is involved in protein synthesis, and the smooth ER is responsible for lipid production. The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins for transport. Mitochondria are responsible for ATP production through cellular respiration, and ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis. Other structures, such as the cytoplasm and cell membrane, are essential for maintaining the cell’s integrity and function.

Below is a table summarizing the functions of various organelles and structures commonly found in eukaryotic cells:

Organelles and Structures	Function
Cytoplasm	Material between the cell membrane and the nucleus, where cellular processes occur.
Cell Wall	Provides structural support and protection to the cell.
Cell Membrane	Serves as the boundary of the cell, regulating the materials that enter and exit.
Mitochondria	Converts food into ATP, where cellular respiration takes place.
Chloroplast	Captures energy from sunlight and converts it into chemical energy in plant cells.
Vacuole	Saclike structure that stores materials, including water, nutrients, and waste.
Flagella	A whip-like structure that facilitates movement of the cell.
Lysosomes	Contains enzymes that break down lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Nucleus	Stores DNA and controls most of the cell’s processes.
Ribosome	Synthesizes proteins based on genetic instructions from the nucleus.
Nucleolus	A region within the nucleus where ribosomal RNA is produced and ribosomes are assembled.

Similarities Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells carry out all the essential functions of life.
Both types of cells contain DNA and ribosomal DNA (rDNA).
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have vesicles for storage and transport.
Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes can exist as single-celled organisms (e.g., amoebas, paramecia, yeast).
Both types of cells contain vacuoles, which serve as storage units for food and liquid.

Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.
Prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria, whereas eukaryotic cells contain mitochondria.
Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have organelles such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, each enclosed in membranes.
Prokaryotic cells contain circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells have multiple, linear DNA molecules housed within a nucleus.