BYA1 SECTION 10.1
The cell is the basic unit of structure in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms |
|
- Cells are structural and functional units
- Small cells: bigger surface area per volume → allows exchange of more nutrients/waste
- Large cells: smaller surface area per volume → problems to transport waste out of cell
- More nutrients → more waste
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Table 1-10-1: Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
| Feature |
Prokaryotic (bacteria) |
Eukaryotic (plant/animal/fungi) |
| Size |
Small cells - 5µm |
Large cells - 50µm |
| Capsule (protection) |
Present |
Absent |
| Cell wall |
Present (peptidoglycan) |
In fungi (chitin)
In plants (cellulose)
NOT in animals |
| Plasma membrane |
Present |
Present |
Cytoplasm
- Chloroplast
- Lysosomes
- Golgi Apparatus
- Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Mitochondria
- Ribosomes |
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
Small ribosomes, always
free in the cytoplasm |
Only in plant cells
Present
Present
Present
Present
Larger ribosomes free in cytoplasm
and attached to rough ER |
Nucleus
- Nuclear envelope
- Nucleoli
- Chromosomes (DNA) |
Absent
\ Absent
\ Absent
Single and circular |
Present
\ Present
\ Present
Many and linear |
| Centriole (for mitosis) |
Absent |
Only in animal cells |
|
References and Further Reading
AQA (2006) GCE Biology/Biology (Human) 2006 specification, [PDF]
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