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Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Eukaryotic Cell Structure: Key Differences & Features

Word Count Emoji
496 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Eukaryote cell structure - an in-depth exploration

Introduction: The Basics Eukaryotes are complex cells found in plants, animals, and even you! They've got a unique structure that makes them stand out from simpler prokaryotic cells (like bacteria). Let's explore what makes them special!

  • Compartmentalization: Imagine your bedroom with different sections for sleeping, studying, and playing. Eukaryotic cells are like that! They're divided into different compartments (or organelles) for different functions. How cool is that?

  • Three Big Features: Eukaryotic cells have three major characteristics that separate them from their simpler relatives:
    • Nucleus: This is like the cell's brain, holding all the blueprints (chromosomes made of DNA).
    • 80S Ribosomes: These are the chefs of the cell, cooking up proteins with a unique flair.
    • Mitochondria: Think of them as the cell's power plants, providing energy.

Now, let's dive into these features!

The nucleus - the cell's library

  • Structure: Double membrane with pores, kind of like a library with doors and windows.
  • Chromosomes: Contains DNA attached to proteins, called histones. Picture a necklace with beads; DNA is the chain, and histones are the beads.
  • DNA: Linear, not circular. Imagine a straight road versus a roundabout.
  • Function: Holds the instructions for everything the cell does, like a library holding all the world's books.

80S ribosomes - the cell's chefs

  • Size and Structure: Larger than prokaryotic ribosomes (70S). Think of them as gourmet chefs compared to fast-food cooks.
  • Function: Synthesize proteins, the building blocks of life, like a chef cooking up delicious dishes.
  • Svedberg Units: This is how we measure them, like using cups and tablespoons in cooking.

Mitochondria - the cell's power plants

  • Structure: Double membrane, with inner folds to increase surface area, like the coils in a power plant.
  • Function: Aerobic respiration (using oxygen) to make energy. Imagine your house's power plant that keeps everything running.
  • Note: Only found in cells that respire aerobically, so it's like a power plant only in cities that need lots of electricity.

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IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

Eukaryotic Cell Structure: Key Differences & Features

Word Count Emoji
496 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Eukaryote cell structure - an in-depth exploration

Introduction: The Basics Eukaryotes are complex cells found in plants, animals, and even you! They've got a unique structure that makes them stand out from simpler prokaryotic cells (like bacteria). Let's explore what makes them special!

  • Compartmentalization: Imagine your bedroom with different sections for sleeping, studying, and playing. Eukaryotic cells are like that! They're divided into different compartments (or organelles) for different functions. How cool is that?

  • Three Big Features: Eukaryotic cells have three major characteristics that separate them from their simpler relatives:
    • Nucleus: This is like the cell's brain, holding all the blueprints (chromosomes made of DNA).
    • 80S Ribosomes: These are the chefs of the cell, cooking up proteins with a unique flair.
    • Mitochondria: Think of them as the cell's power plants, providing energy.

Now, let's dive into these features!

The nucleus - the cell's library

  • Structure: Double membrane with pores, kind of like a library with doors and windows.
  • Chromosomes: Contains DNA attached to proteins, called histones. Picture a necklace with beads; DNA is the chain, and histones are the beads.
  • DNA: Linear, not circular. Imagine a straight road versus a roundabout.
  • Function: Holds the instructions for everything the cell does, like a library holding all the world's books.

80S ribosomes - the cell's chefs

  • Size and Structure: Larger than prokaryotic ribosomes (70S). Think of them as gourmet chefs compared to fast-food cooks.
  • Function: Synthesize proteins, the building blocks of life, like a chef cooking up delicious dishes.
  • Svedberg Units: This is how we measure them, like using cups and tablespoons in cooking.

Mitochondria - the cell's power plants

  • Structure: Double membrane, with inner folds to increase surface area, like the coils in a power plant.
  • Function: Aerobic respiration (using oxygen) to make energy. Imagine your house's power plant that keeps everything running.
  • Note: Only found in cells that respire aerobically, so it's like a power plant only in cities that need lots of electricity.

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Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟