Download Cell Notes - G. Holmes Braddock

Life is Cellular
All cells share two characteristics:
 A barrier called a cell membrane that surrounds the cell
 At some point in their lives they contain DNA
 DNA is the molecule that carries genetic and hereditary information
Cells fall into two broad groups, based on whether they have a
nucleus. Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
 A nucleus is a membrane-enclosed structure that holds the cell’s
 genetic material (DNA).
 The nucleus controls many of the cell’s activities.
 Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus.
 Prokaryontes have genetic material that is not contained in a
nucleus. The genetic material is called plastids.
 Bacteria are prokaryotes and have no membrane bound organells.
 Eukaryotes are cells that have nuclei and membrane bound
organells.
 Eukaryotes have a nucleus in which their genetic material is
separated from the cytoplasm.
 Plants, animals, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes
Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells
Plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic cells.
They both have nuclei and membrane bound organelles.
The difference between plant and animal cell are :
Plant cells have a cell membrane and a cell wall made of cellulose.
Animal cells only have a cell membrane.
Plant cells contain chloroplasts and animal cells do not.
Plant and animal cells share all other organelles except plant cells have
more vacuoles than animal cells