Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
Unlike eukaryotic cells, prokaryotes lack this membrane-bound structure that holds genetic material.
What is the nucleus?
Often called the "powerhouse of the cell," this organelle generates most of the chemical energy needed to power cellular reactions.
What is the mitochondrion (or mitochondria)?
Found primarily in plant cells, this green organelle conducts photosynthesis to turn sunlight into chemical energy.
What is a chloroplast?
The cell membrane is primarily composed of a double layer of these molecules, which have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
What are phospholipids (or a phospholipid bilayer)?
According to Cell Theory, this is the basic fundamental unit of structure and function in all living organisms.
What is the cell?
Bacteria and archaea fall under this cell category, while plants, animals, and fungi fall under eukaryotic.
What are prokaryotes?
Known as the control center of the eukaryotic cell, it houses chromatin and regulates gene expression.
What is the nucleus?
Packed with digestive enzymes, this organelle breaks down cellular waste, worn-out organelles, and foreign invaders.
What is a lysosome?
Because it regulates what enters and leaves the cell to maintain homeostasis, the cell membrane is described as having this type of permeability.
What is selective permeability (or semi-permeable)?
In 1665, this scientist coined the term "cell" after observing thin slices of cork under a primitive compound microscope.
Who is Robert Hooke?
While eukaryotic cells have linear chromosomes inside a nucleus, prokaryotic DNA is usually structured as a single, circular chromosome located in this un-enclosed region.
What is the nucleoid?
This organelle is covered with ribosomes, giving it a bumpy appearance and specialized role in synthesizing proteins.
What is the rough endoplasmic reticulum (Rough ER)?
Plant cells feature a massive "central" version of this organelle to store water and maintain turgor pressure.
What is a vacuole?
This model describes the cell membrane as a dynamic, flexible tapestry of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates that move laterally within the layer.
What is the fluid mosaic model?
The third principle of cell theory states that all new cells arise only from these.
What are pre-existing cells?
Prokaryotes range from 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers, making them significantly smaller than eukaryotic cells due to their lack of these membrane-bound structures.
What are membrane-bound organelles?
Functioning like the cell's post office, this organelle modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for transport out of the cell or to other organelles.
What is the Golgi apparatus (or Golgi body)?
Unlike its "rough" counterpart, this network of membranes lacks ribosomes and synthesizes lipids, phospholipids, and steroid hormones while detoxifying chemicals.
What is the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (Smooth ER)?
These macromolecules are found in the cell membrane and can allow substances to pass through them.
Proteins (protein channels)
How did Anton Van Leeuwenhoek contribute to the study of cells and the cell theory?
What is he observed living cells like bacteria and called them animalcules.
This non-membrane-bound organelle responsible for protein synthesis is found in both cell types.
What is a ribosome?
Found inside the nucleus, this dense structure is the specific site where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is synthesized and ribosome subunits are assembled.
What is the nucleolus?
This network of microfilaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules provides structural support, aids in intracellular transport, and helps the cell move.
What is the cytoskeleton?
What is the function of glycoproteins and glycolipids in the cell membrane?
What is cell communication (cell recognition)?
These two German scientists—a botanist and a zoologist—co-founded classic cell theory in the late 1830s by declaring that all plants and animals are composed of cells.
Who are Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann?