UNSW Cell Biology

Medicine: Society and Health: Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic

Introduction

The 2 major classes of cells are defined by the presence or absence of a nucleus; Eukaryotic (with nucleus) and Prokaryotic (without nucleus).

This topic will introduce bacteria, you should compare and contrast their structure and cellular fuction with animal cells. Prokaryotic cells are described as biochemically diverse in contrast to the specialized metabolism of eukaryotes.

Note that humans have both cells without a nucleus or with several nuclei (plural), but these are still eukaryotic cells.

Human cells without a nucleus- red blood cells, which had a nucleus that is lost as they develop.

Human cells with several to hundreds of nuclei- heart cardiomyocytes, bone osteoclasts, skeletal muscle fibers.

Student Guide

Brief Study (1-15 minutes)

Start by looking at the online textbooks. These links will give you an introduction to Prokaryote and some images.

Detailed Study (15-30 minutes)

Next more detailed online resources on Prokaryote. Includes a link to a complete set of lecture slides on Prokaryote.

In Depth (+30 minutes)

Then look at the comparison between Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes.

Includes links to review articles and animations.

Links

Search NLM Online Textbooks- "Prokaryote" or "Procaryote"

Molecular Biology of the Cell (4th edition)

Molecular Cell Biology

The Cell- A molecular Approach

Related Topics

Prokaryote, Eukaryote, compartments, nucleus, cell wall, antibiotics