Unit 4: Fantastic Voyage

Research into the Structure & Cycle of Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells

The Structure Of Prokaryotic Cells

 Single-Celled Organism Earliest and most primitive form of life on earth Include bacteria and archaeans (can exist in extreme conditions like hot, acidic or alkaline environments) Found in various types of environments: hydrothermal vents, hot springs, swamps, wetlands and the guts of animals Doesnt have a true necleus as the DNA is not contained in the Membrane but is coiled up in a region of the cytoplasm called the nucleoid.

 Capsule An additional outer covering that protects the cell when engulfed by another organism, retains the cells moisture and helps it stick to to surfaces and nutrients. Cell Wall Outer covering that protects the cell and gives it shape. Cytoplasm Gel-like substance made mainly of water which contains Enzymes, salts, cells components and various organic molecules. Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane Surrounds the cytoplasm and controls the flow of substances in and out of the cell Pili Hair-like structures on the surface of the cell which attaches to other bacterial cells. Short pili known as fimbriae help bacteria attach to surfaces. Flagella Long Tail like piece that helps in the cells movement Ribosomes Cell structures that are responsible for protein production Plasmids Gene carrying, circular DNA structures (not involved in reproduction) Nucleiod Region Area of the cytoplasm that contains the single DNA molecule

The Cycle of Prokaryotic Cells

Divide through the process of Binary fission. They include DNA replication, chromosome segregation and the separation from a parent cell to two daughter cells. DNA Replication Just before the cell divides the DNA is copied, this gives us two identical chromosomes instead of one. This is necessary so that when the cell divides each daughter cell will have its own chromosome. Chromosome Segregation The two chromosomes separate and move to opposite ends of the cell. This happens as each copy of the DNA attaches to different parts of the cell membrane. Separation A new plasma membrane starts growing in the centre of the cell which results in the cytoplasm splitting apart which forms the two daughter cells. As the cells pull apart the new and original chromosomes are separated. The daughter cells are identical to each other and the parent cell. A new cell wall must also form around the two cells.

The Structure Of Eukaryotic Cells

 Define as Eukaryotic if it has a membrane-bound nucleus. Biologists dont know of any single organism on earth that is composed of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells although many types of prokaryotic cells can live inside eukaryotic organisms. Example of where eukaryotic cells are found: Animals Plants Fungi (mushrooms) Protists (algae, Plankton)

Endoplasmic Reticulum responsible for the synthesis and processing of proteins which are either secreted from the cell or end up stuck in the plasma membrane. Involved in the synthesis of lipids and steroids, which are important components of the cell membranes. Nucleus Most noticeable feature the distinguishes eukaryotes from prokaryotes. A double membrane-bound control centre separating the genetic material, DNA from the rest of the cell. Plasma Membrane Surrounds the cytoplasm and controls the flow of substances in and out of the cell Cytoplasm Gel-like substance made mainly of water which contains Enzymes, salts, cells components and various organic molecules. Cytoskeleton Maintains the cells shape, protects the cell, plays an important role in intra-cellular transport and is involved in cellular division Cillia and Flagella Help in movement of the cell and to stick to materials outside of the cell. Internal structure consists of microtubules. Ribosomes Cell structures that are responsible for protein production. Found attached to rough endoplasmic reticulum or floating free in the cytoplasm. Mitochonodrion The final and most energy-productive steps of metabolism take place to generate cellular energy. Lysosome responsible for breaking down cellular debris and material taken into the cell through the process of phagocytosis. Golgi body Flattened membrane disks. Proteins marked for discharge are packed into vesicles that transport them to the plasma membrane to then be discharged from the cell. The golgi body also does this with the lipids and steroids but are transported to the edge of the cell. Go off into small spheres to create lysosomes

The Cycle Of Eukaryotic Cells

All the DNA in a eukaryotic cells multiple chromosomes are replicated. Its organelles are also duplicated. When the cell divides it does it in two major steps. Interphase is a stage before the splitting of the cell it has three phases: Growth Phase The cell grows rapidly while performing the metabolic process. It makes proteins needed for the DNA replication and copies organelles in preparation for cell division. Synthesis Phase The cells DNA is copied in the process of DNA replication. Growth Phase 2 The cell makes final preparations to divide making additional protein and organelles. The first step is mitosis this is when the nucleus of the cell divides. During mitosis the membrane of the nucleus breaks down and later reforms. the chromosomes are also sorted and separated so that each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. The second step is cytokinesis. Just like the prokaryotic cell during this step the cytoplasm divides and two daughter cells are formed.