Eukaryotic cell

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Eukaryotic cell is a type of cell that contains a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes. Eukaryotes are organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, unlike Prokaryotes, which are unicellular organisms that do not contain a nucleus.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The defining feature of a eukaryotic cell is the nucleus, or nuclear envelope, where the DNA is stored. Other key organelles in eukaryotes include the mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus.

Nucleus[edit | edit source]

The nucleus is the largest organelle in the cell and contains most of the cell's genetic material. This material is organized as DNA molecules, along with a variety of proteins, to form chromosomes.

Mitochondria[edit | edit source]

Mitochondria are often described as the powerhouses of the cell because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy.

Endoplasmic Reticulum[edit | edit source]

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a type of organelle in the cells of eukaryotic organisms that forms an interconnected network of flattened, membrane-enclosed sacs or tubes known as cisternae.

Golgi Apparatus[edit | edit source]

The Golgi apparatus, also known as the Golgi complex, Golgi body, or simply Golgi, is an organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. It was identified in 1897 by the Italian scientist Camillo Golgi and named after him.

Function[edit | edit source]

Eukaryotic cells are typically much larger than those of prokaryotes. They have a variety of cellular functions, including protein synthesis, energy production, and cell division. They also have a structural function, as they provide the organism with shape and mechanical resistance to deformation, and through associations with extracellular components, they help to form and maintain tissues.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Eukaryotic cell Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD