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5: Eukaryotic Cell

Last updated

May 8, 2025
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- 4.E: Prokaryotic Cell (Exercises)
- 5.1: Nucleus and the Endomembrane System

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All living organisms are made of cells, yet not all cells are the same. Among the most complex and diverse are eukaryotic cells, which form the building blocks of animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Unlike prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus that houses their genetic material, as well as a range of specialized internal structures, or organelles, that perform distinct functions. These compartments allow eukaryotic cells to carry out intricate processes such as energy production, intracellular transport, and coordinated responses to environmental signals.

Figure 3-35 Eukaryotic cell.jpg — Figure $\PageIndex{1}$ : An illustration of a generalized, single-celled eukaryotic organism. Note that cells of eukaryotic organisms vary greatly in terms of structure and function, and a particular cell may not have all of the structures shown here.

Eukaryotic cells are incredibly varied in size, shape, and complexity—from single-celled organisms that swim through aquatic environments to multicellular organisms with billions of cells working in concert. (credit a, d: modification of work by CDC; credit b: modification of work by University of Edinburgh; credit c, e: modification of work by NIH)

In this chapter, we will explore the key features of eukaryotic cells, including their structure, function, and evolutionary origin. We will examine how compartmentalization contributes to cellular specialization, and how eukaryotic microbes both support ecosystems and impact human health.

5.1: Nucleus and the Endomembrane System
Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a nucleus containing the DNA genome and bound by a nuclear membrane (or nuclear envelope) composed of two lipid bilayers that regulate transport of materials into and out of the nucleus through nuclear pores. Eukaryotic cell morphologies vary greatly and may be maintained by various structures, including the cytoskeleton, the cell membrane, and/or the cell wall. The nucleolus in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells is the site of ribosomal synthesis.
5.2: Cytoskeleton
Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a nucleus containing the DNA genome and bound by a nuclear membrane (or nuclear envelope) composed of two lipid bilayers that regulate transport of materials into and out of the nucleus through nuclear pores. Eukaryotic cell morphologies vary greatly and may be maintained by various structures, including the cytoskeleton, the cell membrane, and/or the cell wall. The nucleolus in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells is the site of ribosomal synthesis.
5.3: Mitochondria and Chloroplasts
Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a nucleus containing the DNA genome and bound by a nuclear membrane (or nuclear envelope) composed of two lipid bilayers that regulate transport of materials into and out of the nucleus through nuclear pores. Eukaryotic cell morphologies vary greatly and may be maintained by various structures, including the cytoskeleton, the cell membrane, and/or the cell wall. The nucleolus in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells is the site of ribosomal synthesis.
5.4: Cell Boundary and External Structures of Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a nucleus containing the DNA genome and bound by a nuclear membrane (or nuclear envelope) composed of two lipid bilayers that regulate transport of materials into and out of the nucleus through nuclear pores. Eukaryotic cell morphologies vary greatly and may be maintained by various structures, including the cytoskeleton, the cell membrane, and/or the cell wall. The nucleolus in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells is the site of ribosomal synthesis.
5.E: Eukaryotic Cell (Exercises)

Thumbnail: A 3D rendering of an animal cell cut in half. (CC -BY-SA 4.0; Zaldua I., Equisoain J.J., Zabalza A., Gonzalez E.M., Marzo A., Public University of Navarre).

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