The Difference between Eukaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic cells are the most structurally advanced of the major cell types. Describe the structure and function of each of the eukaryotic organelles. Distinguish between those that are and are not membranous. Most are membranous.

Eukaryotic cells, whether from animals, plants, protists, or fungi, are the most structurally advanced of the major cell types. Eukaryote are single-celled or multicellular organism whose cells contain nucleus and any other structures (organelles) enclosed within the membrane that perform specific functions. The surface of the cell is covered with a thin film or plasma membrane, which is the boundary that separates the living cell from its nonliving surroundings. Plasma membranes are composed mostly of proteins and lipids (Simon, 02/2012, p. 59-60).

The most important and largest cellular organelle is the nucleus, which houses most of the eukaryotic cell’s DNA and is surrounded by a double membrane. The nucleus contains most of the cells genetic material. The nucleus is the control center of the cell.

“The plasma membrane is the edge of life, the boundary that separates the living cell from its nonliving surroundings. The plasma membrane is a remarkable film, so thin that you would have to stack 8,000 of these membranes to equal the thickness of the page you are reading. Yet the plasma membrane can regulate the traffic of chemicals into and out of the cell. The key to how a membrane works is its structure” (Simon, 02/2012, p. 60).

Other than the previously mentioned nucleus, below are other organelles commonly found in eukaryotic cells. Comparison of structures between animal and plant cells (Table 1.0).

• Mitochondria which makes energy out of food are surrounded by two membranes and have...

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...e cell. Lipids and proteins are the main ingreadiants of membranes.

Works Cited

Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, and Lysosomes. (2013). In Scitable Nature Education. Retrieved December 09, 2013, from http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/endoplasmic-reticulum-golgi-apparatus-and-lysosomes-14053361

Gardiner, L. (2004). Organelles of Eukaryotic Cells. In Windows to The Universe. Retrieved December 8, 2013, from http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Life/cell_organelles.html.

Simon, E. J., Reece, J. B., Dickey, J. L. (02/2012). Campbell Essential Biology with Physiology, 4th Edition [VitalSource Bookshelf version 6.2]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781256902089

Vacuoles. (n.d.). In Boundless. Retrieved December 10, 2013, from https://www.boundless.com/biology/cellular-structure-and-function/the-endomembrane-system/vacuoles/.