CHAPTER 3

Procaryotic and Eukaryotic cells

CONTENT
 The differences in the structure of prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells.
 LEARNING OUTCOMES
 At the end of this lecture, students should be able to :
 Identify the characteristic of cells
 Recognize the differences between prokaryotes and
eukaryotes
 Differentiate between Gram positive and Gram
negative cell wall
 Identify the characteristic of eukaryotes
 Recognize the differences between prokaryotes and
eukaryotes
 Identify other types of living organisms such as algae
and viruses

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Cell Theory
 Cells are the basic units of living organisms.
 The cell theory states that:
 All living things are made of one or more cells.
 Cells are the basic unit of structure and function in
living things.
 All cells come from other cells.
 Cell Types
 Two categories:
1. Cell that have
membrane-bound organelles
 Called Eukaryotic Cells
2. Cells that do not have
membrane-bound organelles
 called prokaryotic cells
 Unicellular organisms such as
bacteria are examples of
prokaryotes.
 Characteristics of Cells and Life
All living things (unicellular and multicellular) are made
of cells that share some common characteristics:
 basic shape – spherical, cubical, cylindrical
 internal content – cytoplasm, surrounded by a
membrane
 DNA chromosome(s), ribosomes, metabolic capabilities

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Characteristics of Cells
Eukaryotic cells: animals, plants, fungi and protists
 comes from the Greek words for true nucleus.
 contain double-membrane bound nucleus with DNA
chromosomes
 contain membrane-bound organelles that
compartmentalize the cytoplasm and perform specific
functions

Prokaryotic cells: bacteria and archaea

 comes from the Greek words for prenucleus.
 no nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles

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Characteristics of Microbes
 Prokaryotes and eukaryotes
 Prokaryote – microscopic, unicellular organisms, lack
nuclei and membrane-bound organelles

 Eukaryote – unicellular (microscopic) and

multicellular, nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles

 Viruses
 acellular, parasitic particles composed of a nucleic acid
and protein

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 Insert figure 1.5
basic cell and virus structures

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Bacterial cell Animal cell Plant cell
Prokaryotic Cell
Eukaryotic Cell
(protist, animal)
Eukaryotic Cell
(plant)
Differences Between Cell Types

Prokaryotic Cell Eukaryotic Cell

Single circular Multiple linear

chromosome chromosomes
Chromosome found Chromosomes found
in a cytoplasmic in a membrane-
region called the bound nucleus.
nucleoid.
No internal Extensive network of
membranes internal membranes
Some infolded
plasma membrane
Insert figure 1.7
measurements

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Prokaryotic Cells

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Prokaryotic Cells: Shapes
 Average size: 0.2 –1.0 µm  2 – 8 µm
 Most bacteria are monomorphic
 A few are pleomorphic

Figure 4.7a
 Basic Shapes
 Bacillus (rod-shaped)
 Coccus (spherical)
 Spiral
 Spirillum
 Vibrio
 Spirochete
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 Arrangements
 Pairs: Diplococci,
diplobacilli

 Clusters:
Staphylococci

 Chains: Streptococci,
streptobacilli
Arrangements
Bacillus or Bacillus
 Scientific name: Bacillus cereus
 Shape: Bacillus
Unusually Shaped Bacteria

Figure 4.5a
Unusually Shaped Bacteria

Figure 4.5b
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INTERNAL STRUCTURES

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Internal Structure
 Bacterial cells typically contain (in their
cytoplasm):

1. Ribosomes

2. Nucleoid region

3. Vacuoles

4. Certain bacteria sometimes contain endospores

Ribosomes

 Consist of ribonucleic acid and protein;

serve as sites of protein synthesis
 Abundant in the cytoplasm of bacteria
 Often grouped in long chains called
polyribosomes
 70S in bacteria; 80S in eukaryotes
 Streptomycin & Erythromycin bind
specifically to 70S ribosomes and
disrupt bacterial protein synthesis
Nuclear Region (Nucleoid)
 This centrally located nuclear region consists
mainly of DNA, but also contains RNA and
protein

 DNA: Usually one large, circular chromosome

 Vibrio cholerae: Two chromosomes, one large

and one small
 Plasmids: Extrachromosomal pieces of
smaller, circular DNA
BACTERIAL NUCLEAR REGION
Inclusions
 Within the bacterial cytoplasm are a variety
of small bodies:
1. Granules: Not membrane bound and
contain densely compacted substances
(glycogen or polyphosphate)

2. Vesicles: Specialized membrane-enclosed

structures that contain gas or poly-B-
hydroxybutyrate (lipid)
EXTERNAL STRUCTURES

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External Structures
 Appendages
 two major groups of appendages:
 Motility – flagella and axial filaments (periplasmic
flagella)
 Attachment or channels – fimbriae and pili

 Glycocalyx
o surface coating/slime layer
o extra cellular polymetric

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Flagella
 3 parts:
◦ filament – long, thin, helical structure composed of
protein flagellin
◦ hook- curved sheath
◦ basal body – stack of rings firmly anchored in cell wall
 Rotates 360o
 Number and arrangement of flagella varies:
◦ monotrichous, lophotrichous, amphitrichous,
peritrichous
 Functions in motility of cell through environment

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36
Flagellar Arrangements
1. Monotrichous – single
flagellum at one end
2. Lophotrichous –
small bunches arising
from one end of cell
3. Amphitrichous –
flagella at both ends
of cell
4. Peritrichous – flagella
dispersed over
surface of cell; slowest
Fimbriae
 Fine, proteinaceous, hairlike bristles from the cell
surface
 Function in adhesion to other cells and surfaces

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Reproduction Binary
Fission
 Pili
 Rigid tubular structure made of pilin protein
 Found only in Gram negative cells
 Function to join bacterial cells for partial DNA
transfer called conjugation

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Glycocalyx
 Coating of molecules external to the cell wall,
made of sugars and/or proteins
 Two types:
1. slime layer - loosely organized and attached
2. capsule - highly organized, tightly attached
 Functions:
◦ protect cells from dehydration and nutrient loss
◦ inhibit killing by white blood cells by phagocytosis
contributing to pathogenicity
◦ attachment - formation of biofilms
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43
The Cell Envelope
 External covering outside the cytoplasm
 Composed of two basic layers:
 cell wall and cell membrane
 Maintains cell integrity
 Two generally different groups of bacteria
demonstrated by Gram stain:

 Gram-positive bacteria: thick cell wall composed

primarily of peptidoglycan and cell membrane

 Gram-negative bacteria: outer cell membrane, thin

peptidoglycan layer, and cell membrane

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Insert figure 4.12
Comparative cell envelopes

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 Structure of Cell Walls
 Determines cell shape, prevents lysis (bursting) or
collapsing due to changing osmotic pressures

 Peptidoglycan is primary component:

 unique macromolecule composed of a repeating
framework of long glycan chains cross-linked by
short peptide fragments

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 Gram-positive Cell Wall
 Thick, homogeneous sheath of peptidoglycan
 20-80 nm thick
 includes teichoic acid and lipoteichoic acid: function
in cell wall maintenance and enlargement during cell
division; move cations across the cell envelope;
stimulate a specific immune response

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 Gram-negative Cell Wall
 Composed of an outer membrane and a thin
peptidoglycan layer
 Outer membrane is similar to cell membrane bilayer
structure
 outermost layer contains lipopolysaccharides and
lipoproteins (LPS)
 endotoxin that may become toxic when released during infections
 may function as receptors and blocking immune response
 contains porin proteins in upper layer – regulate molecules
entering and leaving cell
 Bottom layer composed of phospholipids and lipoproteins

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 Gram-negative Cell Wall
 Single, thin sheet of peptidoglycan
 Protective structure while providing some
flexibility and sensitivity to lysis
 Periplasmic space surrounds peptidoglycan

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 Eukaryotic cells
• Comes from the Greek (eu-, “true”, karyon, “nucleus”).
• Include the Animals, Plants, Fungi, and Protists.
• Some unicellular, some multicellular forms.
• Evolved from prokaryotic cells ~ 1 billion years ago.
• Generally much larger than prokaryotic cells, size ranges from
tiny yeasts to giant sequoias, dinosaurs.
• Characterized by having:
DNA in a nucleus that is bounded by a membranous
nuclear envelope;
Membrane-bound organelles; and
Cytoplasm in the region between the plasma membrane
and nucleus.
 ANIMAL CELLS
Nuclear
envelope
ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM
Nucleolus NUCLEUS
(ER)
Rough ER Smooth ER
Flagellum Chromatin

Centrosom
e Plasma
membrane

CYTOSKELETON:
Microfilaments
Intermediate
filaments
Ribosomes
Microtubules

Microvilli

Golgi
Peroxisome apparatus
Mitochondrion
Lysosome
 PLANT CELLS
Nuclear envelope Rough endoplasmic
Nucleolus reticulum
NUCLEUS
Chromatin
Smooth endoplasmic
reticulum
Ribosomes

Central vacuole
Golgi
apparatus
Microfilaments
Intermediate
CYTO-
filaments
SKELETON
Microtubules

Mitochondrion
Peroxisome
Chloroplast
Plasma
membrane
Cell wall
Plasmodesmata
Wall of adjacent cell
 ORGANELLES
 Animal and plant cells have organelles.
 Organelles compartmentalize functions within the cell.
 = the membrane-bounded structure that form compartments within
which multiple biochemical processes can proceed simultaneously and
independently.
 The organelles of animal and plant cells are similar to each other except
that centriole are present only in animal cells, and vacuole and
chloroplast are present only in plant cells.

Concept 6.3
The eukaryotic cell’s genetic
instructions are housed in
the nucleus and carried out
by the ribosomes
Concept 6.4
The endomembrane system
regulates protein traffic and
performs metabolic functions
in the cell
Concept 6.5
Mitochondria and chloro-
plasts change energy from
one form to another
Cell Component Structure
Nucleus Surrounded by nuclear
envelope (double membrane)
perforated by nuclear pores.
The nuclear envelope is
continuous with the
endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
(ER)
Ribosome Two subunits made of ribo-
somal RNA and proteins; can be
free in cytosol or bound to ER
Endoplasmic reticulum Extensive network of
membrane-bound tubules and
(Nuclear sacs; membrane separates
envelope) lumen from cytosol;
continuous with
the nuclear envelope.
Golgi apparatus Stacks of flattened
membranous
sacs; has polarity
(cis and trans
faces)
Lysosome Membranous sac of hydrolytic
enzymes (in animal cells)
Vacuole Large membrane-bounded
vesicle in plants
Mitochondrion Bounded by double
membrane;
inner membrane has
infoldings (cristae)
Chloroplast Typically two membranes
around fluid stroma, which
contains membranous thylakoids
stacked into grana (in plants)
Peroxisome Specialized metabolic
compartment bounded by a
single membrane
Function
Houses chromosomes, made of
chromatin (DNA, the genetic
material, and proteins); contains
nucleoli, where ribosomal
subunits are made. Pores
regulate entry and exit of
materials.
Protein synthesis
Smooth ER: synthesis of
lipids, metabolism of carbohy-
drates, Ca2+ storage, detoxifica-tion of drugs and
poisons
Rough ER: Aids in synthesis of
secretory and other proteins from
bound ribosomes; adds
carbohydrates to glycoproteins;
produces new membrane
Modification of proteins, carbo-
hydrates on proteins, and phos-
pholipids; synthesis of many
polysaccharides; sorting of Golgi
products, which are then
released in vesicles.
Breakdown of ingested substances,
cell macromolecules, and damaged
organelles for recycling
Digestion, storage, waste
disposal, water balance, cell
growth, and protection
Cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
Contains enzymes that transfer
hydrogen to water, producing
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a
by-product, which is converted
to water by other enzymes
in the peroxisome

Concept 6.3
The eukaryotic cell’s genetic
instructions are housed in
the nucleus and carried out
by the ribosomes
Cell Component Structure
Nucleus Surrounded by nuclear
envelope (double membrane)
perforated by nuclear pores.
The nuclear envelope is
continuous with the
endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
(ER)
Ribosome Two subunits made of ribo-
somal RNA and proteins; can be
free in cytosol or bound to ER
Function
Houses chromosomes, made of
chromatin (DNA, the genetic
material, and proteins); contains
nucleoli, where ribosomal
subunits are made. Pores
regulate entry and exit os
materials.
Protein synthesis
Fig. 6-UN1b

Cell Component Structure Function

Concept 6.4 Endoplasmic reticulum Extensive network of Smooth ER: synthesis of

The endomembrane system
regulates protein traffic and
performs metabolic functions
in the cell
membrane-bound tubules and lipids, metabolism of carbohy-
(Nuclear sacs; membrane separates
envelope) drates, Ca2+ storage, detoxifica-
lumen from cytosol; tion of drugs and poisons
continuous with
the nuclear envelope. Rough ER: Aids in sythesis of
secretory and other proteins
from bound ribosomes; adds
carbohydrates to glycoproteins;
produces new membrane

Golgi apparatus Stacks of flattened Modification of proteins, carbo-

membranous hydrates on proteins, and phos-
sacs; has polarity pholipids; synthesis of many
(cis and trans polysaccharides; sorting of
faces) Golgi products, which are then
released in vesicles.

Breakdown of ingested sub-

Lysosome Membranous sac of hydrolytic stances cell macromolecules,
enzymes (in animal cells) and damaged organelles for
recycling
Vacuole Large membrane-bounded Digestion, storage, waste
vesicle in plants disposal, water balance, cell
growth, and protection
 Cell Component Structure
Concept 6.5 Mitochondrion Bounded by double
Mitochondria and chloro- membrane;
plasts change energy from inner membrane has
one form to another infoldings (cristae)
Chloroplast Typically two membranes
around fluid stroma, which
contains membranous thylakoids
stacked into grana (in plants)
Peroxisome Specialized metabolic
compartment bounded by a
single membrane
Function
Cellular respiration
Photosynthesis
Contains enzymes that transfer
hydrogen to water, producing
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a
by-product, which is converted
to water by other enzymes
in the peroxisome
 CYTOPLASM
Nickname: The Matrix

Function: "molecular chowder"

in which the organelles are suspended.
 This is a collective term for the cytosol plus the organelles suspended
within the cytosol.
 Inside the plasma membrane, the nucleus is surrounded by cytoplasm.
 A water-like substance that fills cells.

Cytosol is made up of water, salts, organic molecules and many enzymes

that catalyze reactions.
PROKARYOTES VS EUKARYOTES

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