Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

TSW – Recognize that the presence of a nucleus determines whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic. 6.12B

Cells• There are two basic types of cells1. Prokaryotes or prokaryotic cells 2. Eukaryotes or eukaryotic cells

• Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus• The genetic material is bunched together, but

is not found inside a nucleus• Think PRO and NO (no nucleus)

Prokaryotic cells

Nucleus

Prokaryotes

• Prokaryotes are single celled organisms that sometimes live in colonies or groups

• They are ancient life forms that have been around for billions of years

• They are less developed with only a few cell parts that can be identified under a microscope

• However, they are able to survive a variety of conditions and live quite well on Earth.

• Bacteria are prokaryotes

Prokaryotic Cell

Genetic material is not found inside a nucleus.

Eukaryotes

• Eukaryotes are more complex cells than prokaryotes

• They have a nucleus which contains the genetic material of the cell

• They also have more identifiable cell partsThink “Eu” pronounced “you” You are made up of complex eukaryotic cells.

YOU

Eukaryotes

• Most living things we are familiar with are eukaryotic.

• This includes: all plants, all animals, all fungi

Eukaryotic Cell

Nucleus that contains the genetic material of the cell.

Notice this cell has more cell parts and is much more complex.

Comparing cells

Notice the difference in size between the two cells.

Cell size

Summary

Prokaryotes• No nucleus• Smaller in size• Less complex• Single celled organisms• Ancient life form• Bacteria is an example

Eukaryotes• Has a nucleus• Larger than prokaryotes• More complex• Can be single celled

organism but all multi-celled organisms are eukaryotes

• Plants, animals, fungi – all are eukaryotic

References

• http://library.thinkquest.org/C004535/prokaryotic_cells.html

• http://www.cod.edu/PEOPLE/FACULTY/FANCHER/ProkEuk.htm

• http://naturalorder.info/• http://microbiology.suite101.com/article.cfm/

prokaryotic_and_eukaryotic_cells