Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

5. Cell Components

Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells

General Biology

5. Cell Components

Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells

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1:19 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Which of the following clues would tell you whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
a. The presence or absence of a rigid cell wall
b. Whether or not the cell is partitioned by internal membranes
c. The presence or absence of ribosomes
d. Both b and c are important clues

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles and a defined nucleus.

Step 2: Analyze option (a): The presence or absence of a rigid cell wall is not a definitive clue because both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (e.g., plant cells) can have a rigid cell wall.

Step 3: Analyze option (b): Internal membranes are a key feature of eukaryotic cells, as they allow compartmentalization (e.g., organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum). Prokaryotic cells lack such internal membranes.

Step 4: Analyze option (c): Ribosomes are present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, so their presence or absence is not a distinguishing feature.

Step 5: Conclude that option (b) is a critical clue, and since option (d) includes (b), it is the most comprehensive answer. Internal membranes are the most reliable indicator of whether a cell is prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic cells are simple, unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells are more complex, can be unicellular or multicellular, and contain a nucleus and various organelles. This fundamental distinction is crucial for understanding cellular structure and function.

Cell Membranes and Internal Compartmentalization

Eukaryotic cells are characterized by internal membranes that create distinct compartments, allowing for specialized functions within the cell. In contrast, prokaryotic cells do not have these internal membranes, which affects their metabolic processes and overall cellular organization.

Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis

Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis in all living cells, but their structure and location differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller and free-floating in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic ribosomes can be found both free in the cytoplasm and attached to the endoplasmic reticulum, reflecting differences in cellular complexity.