Eukaryotic cells, or eukaryotes, are generally larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells. As you can see in the figures below, eukaryotic cells generally contain numerous structures, many of which are highly specialized. Most importantly, eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus which separates their genetic material from the rest of the cell. Eukaryotes display great variety. Some eukaryotes live solitary lives as single-celled organisms, while others from large, multicellular organisms. Plants, animals, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes.
Video Clip: Eukaryotic Cells
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Upon close inspection, you will notice that while animal and plant cells share many similarities, some structures, such as centrioles, are unique to animal cells while chloroplasts are unique to plant cells. The Venn diagram above shows these similarities and differences. |
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Video Clip: Plant vs. Animal Cells
The eukaryotic cell, whether plant or animal, is like a factory in that each structure has its own job. Let's take a look at some of the structures that are common to eukaryotic cells. Because many of these structures act as if they are specialized organs, they are known as organelles, which literally means "little organs." Select an organelle from the table below to find out more.
This site was last updated on Saturday, November 22, 2008.
