Eukaryotic Cells [short]

Eukaryotes

• Eukaryotic cells are 10-100x larger than prokaryotic cells.
• Basic cell structure is very complex:
• Membranes found inside of the cells to hold organelles together: membrane bound organelles.
• Eukaryotic cells are often built into multicellular organisms. Example: Humans, any other animal/plant, fungi and protists.

Composition of an Animal Cell

Components of a Plant Cell

Roles of Different Organelles

• Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) - sacs that are continuous with the nuclear envelope.
• Rough ER:
• Is "decorated" with ribosomes;
• Interior is called the lumen: new proteins are processed here;
• Ribosomes synthesize proteins in the rough ER that will later be exported elsewhere.
• Smooth ER:
• Lacks ribosomes;
• Functions as a lipid-processing center.

• Nucleus contains chromosomes and is the genetic information storage and processing center for eukaryotes.
• The nucleus is surrounded by a double-membrane known as the nuclear envelope.
• The nucleolus is where the ribosome is assembled.
• Golgi Apparatus: many flattened sacs called cisternae.
• Sort and package proteins for transport;
• Transportation of lipids.
• Cytosol: Aqueous fluid portion of cytoplasm.

• Peroxisomes
• Center for oxidation reactions.
• Lysosomes
• In animal cells functions as a major digestive center;
• Contains hydrolytic enzymes.
• Vacuoles
• Takes up much of the volume of a plant cell;
• Are also found in fungi, and certain other groups.
• Mitochondria
• Powerhouse of the cell!
• Has its own small chromosome that encodes its own genes and manufactures its own ribosomes;
• Contains the ATP required to build organelles.
• Chloroplast
• Have a double membrane and contain their own DNA;
• Perform photosynthesis.

Eukaryotes vs Prokaryotes

Illustrations of Cellular Components: Halloween at the Factory