Cells are the building blocks of many structures in biology. In their most basic classification, there are prokaryote and eukaryote cells. These two cell types differ in their structure. Prokaryotes typically consist of ribosomes, a cell membrane, and nucleic material. On the other hand, eukaryotes contain membrane-bound organelles, such as Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, a nucleus, and endoplasmic reticulum. Both types of cells also have nucleic acid as a form of genetic material. The prokaryote has circular DNA which is not associated with histone proteins; whereas the eukaryote has linear DNA with histone proteins present to help organize and protect the cell’s genetic material. Lastly, eukaryotes are capable of endo- and exocytosis, while this typically does not occur in prokaryotes. I believe that this difference occurs as a defense mechanism in eukaryotes. As a form of competition, prokaryotes can crowd out other bacteria, preventing them from acquiring nutrients, leading towards their death. Eukaryotes cannot replicate as fast as prokaryotes because of their increased complexity, so they had to develop a method to out-compete rival cells. As a result, these cells developed the ability to phagocytose other cells. Some researchers believe that this process is how eukaryotes acquired some organelles, like the mitochondria (van der Giezen, 594).
Regarding eukaryotes, the mitochondria are the most important organelle in the cell. Its function is to provide energy to the cell through the process of aerobic respiration. When compared to cells with anaerobic respiration, cells with mitochondria and using oxygen can make exponentially more energy. This increased output allows the cell to perform more complex tasks. For these reasons, this is why the mitochondria are the cell’s most important organelle.
Works Cited
Mark van der Giezen “Mitochondria and the Rise of Eukaryotes” BioScience 61.8. (2011): 594-601. Print.
