Answer to Question #93550 in Microbiology for Kylie

Question

With the aid of a diagram, illustrate the different organelles of a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic cell
and briefly describe the structure and function of each organelle.

Answer 1

The main difference of prokaryotic cell is that it does not have any membrane bound organelle. In prokaryotes nucleoid is the area where DNA, however it is not enclosed in any membranes. On the other hand, eukaryotes have DNA surrounded by he membrane, that is called nucleus. One of the main features common for both types of cells are ribosomes. Functional role of ribosomes is protein translation. However, ribosome is rather a macro-molecular complex than an organelle. Specific organelle for eukaryotes is mitochondria, which is a double-membrane organelle supplying energy. Other eukaryotic organelles are endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi body that are responsible for transport and processing of biomolecules, lysosomes contain enzymes to break down complex biomolecules.