4: Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells
- Page ID
- 184196
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)The cell is the basic unit of life and the foundation of all biological systems. All living organisms, from single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular plants and animals, rely on cellular processes to survive, grow, and reproduce. Cells are the smallest units capable of carrying out the chemical reactions that sustain life, making them the primary focus of biotechnology.
This principle is captured in cell theory (a foundational principle stating that all living organisms are composed of cells, the cell is the basic unit of structure and function, and all cells arise from preexisting cells). Cell theory explains how life is organized and perpetuated and provides the biological framework that allows scientists to grow, modify, and apply cells for practical purposes.
Although all organisms are made of cells, cells differ in structure and complexity. Based on these differences, cells are classified as prokaryotic cells (cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles) or eukaryotic cells (cells that contain a membrane-bound nucleus and specialized organelles). These structural distinctions are critical in biotechnology because they influence how cells are engineered, cultured, and used to produce products such as pharmaceuticals, enzymes, vaccines, and biofuels
- 4.1: Shared Features
- This page discusses the similarities and differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting their shared features such as a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and DNA for genetic information. Both types execute vital life processes including metabolism, growth, and reproduction, illustrating their common biological ancestry and fundamental role in cellular biology.
- 4.2: Eukaryotic Cells
- This page discusses eukaryotic cells, which are complex and larger than prokaryotic cells, featuring membrane-bound organelles that enable organized functions. The plasma membrane, with its phospholipid bilayer, allows selective permeability and contains essential proteins. The cytoplasm is structured by a dynamic cytoskeleton.
- 4.3: Plant Cells
- This page describes plant cells as eukaryotic organisms that share similarities with animal cells but have distinct features, such as chloroplasts, a rigid cell wall, and large vacuoles. These vacuoles play multiple roles, including storage and maintaining turgor pressure. It also explains the effects of hypertonic environments, where plant cells experience plasmolysis, resulting in wilting, and notes that the cell wall provides protection in hypotonic conditions.
- 4.4: Prokaryotic Cells
- This page discusses prokaryotic cells, emphasizing their pivotal role in biotechnology. Key features include the plasma membrane and cell wall that ensure proper functioning. It highlights the significance of E. coli in protein production and genetic engineering, along with S. aureus, which is studied for its surface proteins and toxins to enhance vaccine and therapy development against infections. Additionally, materials from S.