Medical Microbiology

Medical Microbiology

Lec:1 Introduction to Microbiology

 MSc: Zaineb Aziz Al-abbassi

Introduction
 Every living organism falls into one of two groups:
eukaryotes or prokaryotes. Cellular structure determines
which group an organism belongs to. In this lecture, we
will explain in detail what prokaryotes and eukaryotes are
and outline the differences between the two.
Prokaryote definition
 Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack
membrane-bound structures, the most noteworthy of
which is the nucleus. Prokaryotic cells tend to be
small, simple cells, measuring around 0.1-5 μm in
diameter.
Prokaryotic cell features
Nucleoid: A central region of the cell that contains its DNA.
Ribosome: Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
Cell wall: The cell wall provides structure and protection from the
outside environment. Most bacteria have a rigid cell wall made from
carbohydrates and proteins called peptidoglycans.
Cell membrane: Every prokaryote has a cell membrane, also known
as the plasma membrane, that separates the cell from the outside
environment.
Prokaryotic cell features
Capsule: Some bacteria have a layer of carbohydrates that
surrounds the cell wall called the capsule. The capsule helps
the bacterium attach to surfaces.
Fimbriae: Fimbriae are thin, hair-like structures that help
with cellular attachment.
Pili: Pili are rod-shaped structures involved in multiple
roles, including attachment and DNA transfer.
Flagella: Flagella are thin, tail-like structures that assist in
movement.
Examples of prokaryotes
 Bacteria
 Viruses
 mycoplasma
Eukaryote definition
 Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus and other
organelles enclosed by a plasma membrane. Organelles are
internal structures responsible for a variety of functions, such
as energy production and protein synthesis.
 Eukaryotic cells are large (around 10-100 μm) and complex.
While most eukaryotes are multicellular organisms, there are
some single-cell eukaryotes.
Eukaryote cell
Eukaryotic cell features
Nucleus: The nucleus stores the genetic information in
chromatin form.
Nucleolus: Found inside of the nucleus, the nucleolus is the
part of eukaryotic cells where ribosomal RNA is produced.
Plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is a phospholipid
bilayer that surrounds the entire cell and encompasses the
organelles within.
Cytoskeleton or cell wall: The cytoskeleton or cell wall
provides structure, allows for cell movement, and plays a role
in cell division.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are responsible for protein
synthesis.
Mitochondria: Mitochondria, also known as the
powerhouses of the cell, are responsible for energy
production.
Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the region of the cell
between the nuclear envelope and plasma membrane.
Cytosol: Cytosol is a gel-like substance within the cell that
contains the organelles.
Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is an
organelle dedicated to protein maturation and transportation.
Vesicles and vacuoles: Vesicles and vacuoles are membrane-
bound sacs involved in transportation and storage.
Examples of eukaryotes
 Animals
 Plants
 fungi
 algae
 protozoans
Main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell
Main similarity between prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cell
All cells, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic, share these
four features:
1. DNA
2. Plasma membrane
3. Cytoplasm
4. Ribosomes
Cytosol is the liquid matrix found inside cells. It occurs in both
eukaryotic (plant and animal) and prokaryotic (bacteria) cells. In
eukaryotic cells, it includes the liquid enclosed within the
cell membrane, but not the cell nucleus, organelles (e.g.,
chloroplasts, mitochondria, vacuoles), or fluid contained within
organelles. In contrast, all of the liquid within a prokaryotic cell
is cytoplasm, since prokaryotic cells lack organelles or a nucleus.
The cytosol is also known as groundplasm, intracellular fluid
(ICF), or cytoplasmic matrix.
•The cytosol is a component of the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm
includes the cytosol, all the organelles, and the liquid contents inside
the organelles. The cytoplasm does not include the nucleus.
•The main component of cytosol is water. It also contains dissolved
ions, small molecules, and proteins.
•Cytosol and cytoplasm are related, but the two terms are not usually
interchangeable. The cytosol is a component of cytoplasm.
The cytoplasm encompasses all of the material in the cell
membrane, including the organelles, but excluding the nucleus. So,
the liquid within mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles is part of
the cytoplasm, but is not a component of the cytosol. In prokaryotic
cells, the cytoplasm and the cytosol are the same.
•Cytosol and cytoplasm are related, but the two terms are not usually interchangeable.
The cytosol is a component of cytoplasm. The cytoplasm encompasses all of the
material in the cell membrane, including the organelles, but excluding the nucleus.
So, the liquid within mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles is part of the
cytoplasm, but is not a component of the cytosol. In prokaryotic cells, the cytoplasm
and the cytosol are the same.
Cytosol Composition
The cytosol consists of a variety of ions, small molecules, and
macromolecules in water, however, this fluid is not a homogeneous
solution. About 70% of the cytosol is water. In humans, its pH ranges
between 7.0 and 7.4. The pH is higher when the cell is growing. Ions
dissolved in the cytosol include K+, Na+, Cl-, Mg2+, Ca2+, and
bicarbonate. It also contains amino acids, proteins, and molecules.
Cytosol Functions
The cytosol serves several functions within a cell.
1. It is involved in signal transduction between the cell membrane and the
nucleus and organelles.
2. It transports metabolites from their production site to other parts of the
cell. It is important for cytokinesis, when the cell divides in mitosis.
3. The cytosol plays a role in eukaryote metabolism.
A. In animals, this includes glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, protein
biosynthesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway.
B. However, in plants, fatty acid synthesis occurs within chloroplasts, which
are not part of the cytoplasm.
C. Nearly all of a prokaryote's metabolism occurs in the cytosol.

Medical Microbiology

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Medical Microbiology

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Medical Microbiology

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Medical Microbiology

Lec:1 Introduction to Microbiology

 MSc: Zaineb Aziz Al-abbassi

You might also like