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Relations Project

By Katherine F., and Dylan J.

Third Period, (Honors)

Cells are the basic unit of life. They are the 

smallest unit of any living organism. 

 With a cell membrane, lysosomes, complex 

organelles, and a full nucleus, the eukaryotic 

cell felt very accomplished. It was also about 

10x larger!

However, the prokaryotic cell, with a cell wall, 

free-floating DNA, and almost no organelles, 

didn't want to be shown up quite yet.

In fact, the two seemed almost too different... 

But first, let's go a bit more in depth! Eukaryotic cells 

are large, complex cells. (Ex.- Animal cells.) They are 

quite larger than prokaryotic cells, and contain a 

nucleus, lysosomes, and other membrane-bound 

organelles with specific functions.

On the other hand, prokaryotic cells seem quite 

different.

They are much smaller; with free-floating DNA, a cell 

wall, and quite lacking in other organelles. 

So, what exactly is a cell? Well, we're glad you asked! A 

cell is the tiniest unit of life. All living things are made 

up of them, and they all contribute different functions.

If we compare our cells' specific parts, functions 

and locations, you will be able to picture it much 

more clearly. A relation to real life? Even better! 

First, we will start with their location in each cell, 

and if they are even present at all in certain cells.

Let us start with the location in the cell.

Prokaryotic                             Eukaryotic 

The cell wall is only present                   The cell wall is not present.

in prokaryotic cells, with the                The plasma membrane surrounds

exception of plant cells.                      the entire cell, protecting it.

The plasma membrane is                     The ribosomes are attached to 

located just beneath the                     rough endoplasmic reticulum, 

cell wall.                                         which resides just outside of the 

The ribosomes are flee-floating          nucleus. The nucleoleus resides

within the cytoplasm, where              within the nucleus. Vacuoles differ 

free-floating circular DNA is present.      in size from plant to animal, 

                                                        being that animal cell vacuoles

                                                  are typically much smaller. They are

                                                    located in various locations (But usually 

near the outer part) of the cell. Chloroplasts are only present in plant cells, but 

are located near the middle of the cell, near the mitochondrion. Mitochondria 

are near the outer part of the cell. 

Eukaryotic Cells Locations Con't.

The Golgi body is located near the rough endoplasmic reticulum, 

while the smooth endoplasmic reticulum is located right near the 

rough E.R., and next to common vacuoles. Lysosomes are located 

near the vacuoles as well, near the outermost part of the cell. 

Centrosomes, centrioles, and spindle fibers are located near the 

same place, near the nucleus. 

Let's start with functions next!

o     Plasma Membrane- Used to protect the cell, it regulates what 

enters and leaves the cell. It also maintains shape in animal cells. 

Present in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic, plant and animal alike.

o     Cell Wall- Like an extra outer coating, the cell wall provides 

stability, shape, and protection. Only found in plant cells, and 

prokaryotic cells.

o     Ribosomes- Used to synthesize proteins, think of them as the 

builders for the cells!

o     Chloroplast- Present only in plant cells, chloroplasts use light 

energy and convert it into chemical energy; i.e. glucose and oxygen.

o     Endoplasmic Reticulum- The surface of the rough endoplasmic 

reticulum is studded with protein-manufacturing ribosomes giving it 

a "rough" appearance (hence its name). It helps with transportation 

of proteins and other much-needed nutrients. The smooth E.R. 

carries out the metabolism of carbohydrates, drug detoxification, 

attachment of receptors on cell membrane proteins, and steroid 

metabolism.

o     Lysosome- Known as 'suicide sacks', these contain digestive 

enzymes to help aid with 'digestion' and waste disposal.

Functions con't.

Golgi Apparatus- Packages proteins into membrane-bound vesicles 

inside the cell before the vesicles are sent to their destination. 

Vacuoles- While quite smaller and more numerous in animal cells, 

vacuoles are in charge of storing wastes. While much larger in plant 

cells, they are still used to store water for the plant, while animal 

cells use it for storing wastes.

Nucleus- The 'control center' of the cell, it contains the DNA and the 

instructions to ensure proper function. Not present in prokaryotic 

cells.

Mitochondrion- The powerhouse for the cell,   because they generate 

most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a 

source of chemical energy.

Spindle fibers, centrosomes, and centrioles- Centrosomes produce 

microtubules, while centrioles are involved in the organization of the 

mitotic spindle and in the completion of the process cytokinesis. 

Spindle fibers are are involved in the organization of the mitotic 

spindle and in the completion of cytokinesis. All are found in 

eukaryotic animal cells.

Our Analogies

Think of a well-functioning cell with all of its parts. We 

chose to relate it to a hotel building, since products are 

constantly being synthesized, moved, and 'objects' move 

in and out constantly.

Let's go more in depth! 

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