Structure of Eukaryotic Cells and Importance of Membranes

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Structure of Eukaryotic Cells and Importance of Membranes South University A Eukaryotic cell is a single celled or multicellular organism whose cells contain a distinct membrane bound nucleus (a distinct nucleus encased within membranes). Eukaryotic cells are found in the kingdoms of Protista, Plantae, Fungi and Animalia (Protists, Plants, Fungi and Animals). Eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane enclosed organelles (an organelle is a cell component that performs a specific function within that cell) and some of the features of eukaryotic cells are; they have a nucleus, they are ten times greater in size than prokaryotic cells, they possess a plasma membrane (a phospholipid bilayer that encloses the cell), cystol and ribosomes make up the cytoplasm in eukaryotic cells, they have an internal cytoskeleton, they have membrane bound organelles. The endomembrane system in a eukaryotic cell is a system of membranes that exchange materials. The Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes are all members of the endomembrane system. The eukaryotic organelles have different structures/features. Here is a list of them. Organelle Nucleus - a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction Mitochondria - Powerhouse of the cell, organelle that is the site of ATP (energy) production Ribosome - small particle in the cell on which proteins are assembled; made of RNA and protein Golgi apparatus - stack of membranes in the cell that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum Lysosome - cell organelle filled with enzymes needed to break down certain materials in the cell Endoplasmic Reticulum - a cell structure that forms a maze of passageways in which proteins and other materials are carried from one part of the cell to another Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum - No ribosomes.

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