1.

2 Ultrastructure of Cells
Essential Idea: Eukaryotes have a much more complex cell structure
than prokaryotes.

Prokaryotic Cells
-Prokaryotic cells are the most basic of cells (pro meaning before as in
primitive, kary meaning genetic/gene as found in nucleus)
-They have a simple cell structure without compartmentalization

cell membrane
cell wall made of peptidogylcan (gives cell shape, protects cell,
prevents bursting)
no nucleus, but a nucleoid region containing naked DNA
lack of membrane bound organelles as only ribosomes are found in the
cytoplasm
ribsomes are 70s (smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes)

-Prokaryotic cells reproduce by binary fission (cell division)

-creates 2 identical copies of same cell
-Pili is found in some prokaryotes (bacteria)
-used for gene transfer, attachment to surfaces
-Flagella is found in some prokaryotes as well, used for motility
-All bacteria are prokaryotic and unicellular

Archaebacteria:
-Ancient, believed to be earliest life forms
-Found everywhere, from acidic hot springs to undersea volcanic vents
-3 groups:

Methanogens: live in anaerobic conditions, metabolise H2 and CO2 into

CH4
Thermoacidophiles: live in extremely hot (110 C) and acidic (<pH 2)
waters
Halophiles: live in extremely salty conditions (e.g. 10x seawater)

Eukaryotic Cells
-Eukaryotes are complicated
-Have compartmentalized cell structure and have membrane bound
organelles
-Have ribosomes (80s), microtubules, centrioles, cilia, flagella

Extracellular Components:
-Plasma membrane separates inside from outside
-Structures inside the cell are intracellular, outside is extracellular

-There are 2 examples of extracellular components

Plant cell wall in plant cell:

Constructed mainly out of cellulose

Secretes cellulose out of cell via vesicles
Cellulose gets deposited on side of wall closest to plasma membrane
Allows plant cell to maintain shape, can withstand high pressure
without bursting
Provides structural support against gravity, as the cells high internal
pressure (turgot pressure) allows the plant to stay up
Prevents excess water uptake (osmosis) as high internal pressure does
not allow water molecules to diffuse in

Extracellular matrix in animal cell:

Secreted by cell, formed from collagen and glycoproteins

Results in gel-like cell basement membrane
Common in tissues that are only one cell thick such as capillaries and
alveoli
Provides support because thin layers may rip
Helps with cell adhesion since it allows cells of one tissue to stick to
cells of another (e.g: capillary walls stick to alveolar walls for gas
exchange)
Separates cell from surrounding connective tissue, acts as a barrier

Plant Cell

Animal Cell