Cell Theory and Cell Organelles in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lecture, you should be able to:
 - Describe the principles of cell theory.
 - Distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
 - Identify and describe the structure and function of major cell organelles.

The cell was first seen by Robert Hooke in 1665 using a primitive, compound
microscope. He observed very thin slices of cork and saw a multitude of tiny structures
that he likened to walled compartments of a monk. Hence, named them cells. The cell is
the smallest unit of a living system and falls in the microscopic range of 1 to 100 μm.
They attain various shapes and sizes to perform a variety of functions. The understanding
of cells is necessary to understand the structure and function of a living organism. One of
the most important characteristics of the cell is the ability to divide. The existence of a
cell indicates that it has evolved from an already existing cell, and further, it can give rise
to a new cell. This was first stated by Theodor Schwann. Pioneering work by Theodor
Schwann, Matthias Jakob Schleiden on cells gave birth to the cell theory. Their theory
states:
 1. All living things are made of cells.
 2. Cells are the basic building units of life.
 3. New cells are created by old cells dividing into two.

In 1855, Rudolf Virchow added another point to the theory and concluded that all cells
come from pre-existing cells, thus completing the classical cell theory. The cell theory
holds true for all living things, no matter how big or small, or how simple or complex.
Viruses are an exception to the cell theory. Cells are common to all living beings and
provide information about all forms of life. Because all cells come from existing cells,
scientists can study cells to learn about growth, reproduction, and all other functions that
living things perform.
History of Cell Theory

• Robert Hooke (1663) - discovered and used the name cell (cell looked similar to
cellula = small rooms, observed dead cells = cork)

• Anton van Leeuwenhoek- observed cell under the microscope

• Jean-Baptiste Lamarck - recognized that living things were made of cells.

• Theodor Schwann, Matthias Jakob Schleiden (1839) - cells are the basic unit of
life.

• Rudolph Virchow- "Omnis cellula e cellula„ = all cells arise from pre-existing
cells

• J.E. Purkyně- cell theory, some cells named after him

The Cell Theory

 - All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.
 - The cell is the basic unit of structure and organization in organisms.
 - All cells arise from pre-existing cells (Virchow).
 - Modern additions: Energy flow occurs within cells, cells contain DNA, and all cells
are similar in chemical composition.
The Modern Cell Theory

1. All living things are made up of cells.

2. The cell is the structural and functional unit of all living things.

3. Cells come from pre-existing cells by division.

4. Same in chemical composition and hereditary information

5. Energy flow (metabolism & biochemistry)

There are two exceptions to the modern cell theory: Viruses and the first cell did not
originate from a preexisting cell.

Types of Cells
 - Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea
 - Eukaryotes: Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals

Prokaryotic Cell Structure

 - Plasma membrane
 - Cytoplasm
 - Ribosomes (70S)
 - Nucleoid (circular DNA)
 - Cell wall (peptidoglycan)
 - Capsule (in some bacteria)
 - Flagella and pili (mobility and adhesion)

Eukaryotic Cell Structure

 - Larger and more complex
 - Membrane-bound organelles
 - Nucleus with linear DNA
 - Ribosomes (80S)

Differences between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes cell

Prokaryotes Eukaryotes

Type of Cell Always unicellular Unicellular and

multicellular

Cell size Ranges in size from 0.2 μm Size ranges from 10 μm –

– 2.0 μm in diameter 100 μm in diameter

Cell wall Usually present; chemically When present, chemically

complex in nature simple in nature

Nucleus Absent. Instead, they have a Present

nucleoid region in the cell

Ribosomes 70S (50S + 30S) ribosomes 80S (60S+40S) ribosomes

present. Smaller in size and present. Larger in size and
spherical in shape linear in shape

DNA arrangement Circular Linear

Mitochondria Absent Present

Plasmids Present Very rarely found in

eukaryotes

Lysosome Lysosomes and Lysosomes and

centrosomes are absent centrosomes are present

Cell division Through binary fission Through mitosis

Flagella The flagella are smaller in The flagella are larger in

size size

Reproduction Asexual Both asexual and sexual

Example Bacteria and Archaea Plant and Animal cell

THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF MAJOR CELL ORGANELLES

Cell Membrane
 - Structure: Phospholipid bilayer with proteins
 - Function: Controls entry/exit of substances; communication

Nucleus
 - Structure: Nuclear envelope, nucleoplasm, nucleolus, chromatin
 - Function: Stores DNA, coordinates cell activities

Mitochondria
 - Structure: Double membrane, inner folds (cristae)
 - Function: Site of ATP production (cellular respiration)

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

 - Rough ER: Ribosomes attached; protein synthesis
 - Smooth ER: Lipid synthesis and detoxification

Golgi Apparatus
 - Structure: Flattened membrane sacs (cisternae)
 - Function: Modifies, packages, and transports proteins/lipids

Lysosomes and Peroxisomes

 - Lysosomes: Digestive enzymes; breakdown of waste
 - Peroxisomes: Break down fatty acids; detoxify

Cytoskeleton
 - Components: Microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules
 - Function: Structural support, transport, cell division

Plant-Specific Organelles
 - Chloroplasts: Photosynthesis (contain chlorophyll)
 - Large Central Vacuole: Storage and structural support
 - Cell Wall: Cellulose-based; protection and structure

Cell Theory Rap

Listen close to the story I tell. It's the rapping story of the living cell. It's a happy tune
that's sort of cheery. About a real tough topic called the cell theory. All animals, plants,
and protists, too, are made of cells with different jobs to do. They're the basic units of all
organisms, and I hope by now you’ve got the rhythm. It all started with one dude named
Hooke. Who, at some cork cells, took a look. He used a scope and took his time. 'Cause a
cell is small and thinner than a dime. Say 1, 2, 3, 4, Are you ready to learn some more?
The animal cell has many parts, and you must know each one by heart. Like the farmer
man in the dell. The nucleus controls the cell. its gives the orders -- kind of like a brain.
And it's protected by a nuclear membrane. Around the cell, you'll find another "skin."
The cellular membrane holds the whole cell in, but its job isn't simple. There's no doubt,
it lets some particles go in and out. Now, please don't lose your science enthusiasm.
Listen to the story of the cytoplasm. All around the cell this thick fluid does go, But in the
nucleus, it will not flow. And don't forget those. This is where proteins come from. These
protein factories are so small, you'll agree, You need an electron microscope to see. Just
when you thought you weren't having any fun, Along comes the endoplasmic reticulum.
These tubelike structures serve as a track to carry stuff to the membrane and back. Now,
have you ever seen any doughnuts without holes? In a cell, they're called vacuoles.
They're filled with stuff like H2O, and they carry food so the cell can grow. Last of all,
but not the very least, Mitochondria- mighty cellular beasts, since they turn sugars into
energy so well, we call them the powerhouse of the cell. Now my friend, you know it
well, the unforgettable story of the living cell.

Quiz / Knowledge Check

 - List three differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
 - Match each organelle to its function.
 - Identify labeled parts of a cell diagram.