ULTRASTRUCTURE
Structural Similarities
PROKARYOTES
PROKARYOTES
Mainly divided into because of the
Ribosomal RNA sequencing work of Carl
Woese, Ralph Wolfe and co workers.
EUBACTERIA: Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas streptococcus, and
Staphylococcus.
ARCHAEA: Methanogens, Halophiles
and Thermacidophiles
BACTERIAL
CHROMOSOME
Location: Within nucleoid
region , not surrounded by
nuclear envelope.
Component: Single, double
stranded, circular DNA.
Also contains RNA and
proteins that take part in
DNA replication,
transcription and regulation
of gene expression. DNA
does not interact with
protein histone.
Information: Contain
EUKARYOTES
Eukaryotes
Eukaryotes have cells that are larger and more
complex in structure than prokaryotic cells.
Only a few prokaryotes have become as large as
eukaryotic cells.
The needs of a large, eukaryotic cell can be compared
to those of a factory.
Compartmentalization and an
endomembrane system allow eukaryotic cells
to function efficiently.
Organelles serve as compartments within the cell and
the endomembrane system enhances organization and
internal transport.
Some prokaryotes have infolded membranes to provide
limited compartmentalization, and a few may even
utilize vesicles to concentrate enzymes or for internal
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
A. NUCLEUS
The nucleus controls cell functions through
transcription of DNA followed by protein synthesis.
Chromosomes within the nucleus consist of
chromatin which is DNA combined with proteins.
The chromatin is highly compacted to fit within the
nucleus; loosely compacted chromatin is called
euchromatin.
Chromosomes only become visible as distinct
entities during cell division.
The nuclear membrane contains pores;
macromolecules can enter and leave the nucleus by
this route.
A dense region within the nucleus, called the
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
B. ENDOMEMBRANE SYSTEM
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
ENDOMEMBRANE SYSTEM:
GOLGI APPARATUS
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
ENDOMEMBRANE SYSTEM:
SECRETORY VESICLE
Once processed by the Golgi complex, secretory
proteins and other substances intended for
export from the cell are packaged in the
secretory vesicle. The vesicle from the golgi
region move to and fuse with the plasma
membrane and discharge their contents to the
exterior of the cell by the process of exocytosis
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
C. MITOCHONDRIA
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
MITOCHONDRIA
Mitochondria are thought to have arisen as
endosymbionts of larger cells.
Mitochondria are similar in structure to those
bacteria that have infolded membranes.
Mitochondria contain their own DNA and replicate by
dividing.
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
D. CYTOSKELETON
The cytoskeleton consists of three types of
filamentous structures that form a 3dimensional support network within the
cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Microfilaments (also called actin filaments) are solid
fibers with the smallest diameter.
Intermediate filaments are solid, but larger.
Microtubules are hollow rods with the largest
diameter.
Microfilaments and microtubules are dynamic
structures that can disassemble and reassemble.
Eukaryotes: Common
Organelles
CYTOSKELETON
Microfilaments and microtubules are
also involved in motility functions.
Microfilaments are responsible for
contraction and cell shape change in many cell
types.
They form a contractile ring around the cell during
cell division.
They alter cell shape to generate cell movement over
a surface.
They interact with myosin to bring about muscle
contraction.
Eukaryotes: Animal
Cells
Eukaryotes: Animal
Cells
Peroxisomes are small membrane-bound
compartments that contain peroxidase.
They perform several different
functions involving oxidation.
They produce their own membranes,
and sometimes replicate by splitting.
Eukaryotes: Animal
Cells
References:
Madigan., M.T., Martinko., J.M., Stahl., D.A. and Clark.,
D.P. (2012). Biology of Microorganisms. 13 edition. Boston
and London.Pearson.
Atlas., R.M. (1995). Principles of Microbiology. 1st edition.
London and New York. Mosby-Yearbook, Inc.
Talaro., K and Talaro., A. (1993). Foundations in
Microbiology. Wm. C. Brown Communication, Inc.
Hogg., S. (2006). Essential Microbiology.Wiley.
www.micro.magent.fsu.edu/cells/bacteriacell.html