Eukaryotes
Definition
Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.
Analogy
Think of eukaryotic cells as a modern, well-organized city. The nucleus is the city hall where all the important decisions are made (like DNA replication and transcription), while other buildings (organelles) have specific functions like power generation (mitochondria), waste management (lysosomes), or manufacturing goods (ribosomes).
Related terms
Nucleus: The central part of a cell that contains genetic material.
Mitochondria: Organelles that generate energy for the cell, often referred to as the 'powerhouse' of the cell.
Ribosomes: Tiny organelles that play a crucial role in protein synthesis.
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Practice Questions (2)
One of the key characteristics that sets eukaryotes apart from prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) is the presence of ____, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.
Prokaryotes do not have compartmentalized cell functions. How are they able to carry out many of the same enzymatic reactions as eukaryotes with less features?
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