Eukaryotic Cells

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Kassie Bunch
Module 1 Essay, Comparing Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells, which include bacteria, are structurally simpler than eukaryotic cells, such as plants and animals. When it comes to their external structure, their biggest similarity is their plasma membrane. The plasma membrane, or cell membrane, is the structure that separates the external environment from the cell. The plasma membrane is made up of lipids, proteins, and phospholipids. The lipids form two layers and the proteins float within the lipid and thus forms the fluid mosaic structure. The proteins in the fluid mosaic structure are what carry out most of the functions of the membrane. Prokaryotic cells are substantially smaller than eukaryotic. They range from 0.2-2.0um in diameter whereas eukaryotic cells are typically 10-100um in diameter. Prokaryotic …show more content…

Internally, eukaryotes are much more complex than prokaryotes. The organelles within eukaryotes are membrane-bound and prokaryotic organelles are not. Eukaryotic organelles consist of lysosomes, rough and smooth ER (endoplasmic reticulum), Golgi apparatus, endosomes, peroxisomes, and glyoxisomes. The function of endoplasmic reticulum is to manufacture lipids and proteins. They purpose of the Golgi apparatus is to transport materials throughout the cell. These are the complex cytoplasmic organelles of eukaryotes. They also carry out cellular respiration via the mitochondria and chloroplasts. Mitochondria fuel cell activities by making chemical energy. Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis in plants. They also have a complex cytoskeleton structure including microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. The cytoskeleton is responsible for shape, support, and movement throughout the cell. Eukaryotes also have the ability to undergo phagocytosis, which is the ability to ingest material within plasma membrane

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