Prokaryotic v. Eukaryotic Cells

Think About itWhat’s the smallest part of any living thing that still counts as being “alive?”

Can we just keep dividing living things into smaller and smaller parts, or is there a point at which what’s left is no longer alive?

The smallest living unit of any organism is the cell.

The Discovery of the Cell

The cell theory states:

1.All living things are made up of cells.

2.Cells are the basic units of structure in living things.

3.New cells are produced

from existing cells.

Exploring the Cell

Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

All cells:• Contains DNA (biological

information)

• surrounded by a thin, flexible barrier

called a cell membrane

• BUT………How are prokaryotic

and eukaryotic cells different?

• Eukaryotic cells - DNA in nucleus

• (separates the genetic material

from the rest of the cell)

• Eu = Nu

• Prokaryotic cells - DNA in cytoplasm

• Pro = No

What is a Nucleus?

• 2 categories of cells

• depending on whether they contain a nucleus.

• Nucleus - large membrane-enclosed structure that

contains DNA (cell’s genetic material)

• Controls many of the cell’s activities.

Prokaryotes

• Prokaryotic cells

• Smaller/simpler than eukaryotic cells.

• Grow, reproduce, and respond to the environment

• All characteristics of life

• Example: Bacteria

Eukaryotes

• Eukaryotic cells

• Larger/ more complex than prokaryotic cells.

• Dozens of structures and internal membranes.

• Highly specialized.

• Examples: plants, animals, fungi, protists

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

BACTERIA

Escherichia coli

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?

Prokaryote or Eukaryote?