Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic
Eukaryotic
Plant Cell
Animal Cell
Comparison
Similarities
Differences
Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than their eukaryotic counterparts.
Prokaryotic cells have no membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryotic cells are simpler in structure than eukaryotic cells.
Prokayotic cells do not have a nucleus, unlike eukaryotic cells
Both cells contain ribosomes
Both have plasma membranes.
Both contain DNA
Both have cytoplasm
Cell Organelles and Their Functions
Plasma Membrane - Acts as a protective barrier around the cell
Nucleus - Contains the genetic material of the cell
Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum - Produces lipids
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum - Produces secretory and membrane proteins
Lysosomes - Digests food and waste materials
Ribosomes - Act as development centers for proteins
Cytoskeleton - Similar to an animal skeleton in that it gives the cell its shape
Cell Wall - Aids in maintaining the shape of the cell
Golgi Apparatus - Modifies proteins
Mitochondria - Produces energy for the cell
Central Vacuole - Aids in maintaining cell shape by keeping constant pressure on cell wall; transports material throughout the cell.
Chloroplast - Where the process of photosynthesis occurs
Plant & Animal Cell Differences
Plant cells have a central vacuole; animal cells do not.
Plant cells have a cell wall in addition to a plasma membrane, while animal cells only have a plasma membrane
Plant cells have chloroplasts to perform photosynthesis; animal cells do not.