Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells (Updated)

Scientific Concepts / Nature Phenomena Presented

Ringworm as a Fungal Infection (Not Caused by a Worm)

• Ringworm is a fungal infection—despite the name, it is not caused by a worm.
• Common names can be misleading, as highlighted by the anecdote.
• Causes & spread:
  • Caused by fungi
  • Can spread through pets or soil
• Treatment logic:
  • Antibiotics target bacteria, not fungi
  • Antifungal cream can treat and clear the fungal infection

Mechanisms of Antibiotic Action (Against Bacteria)

Antibiotics destroy bacteria by:

• Affecting bacterial reproduction
• Damaging bacterial cell walls
• Interfering with protein synthesis (protein production needed for survival)

Cell Theory Refresher

• Modern cell theory: all living things are made of one or more cells.

Three-Domain Classification (High-Level)

• Prokaryotes: Bacteria and Archaea
• Eukaryotes: organisms in Eukarya (including protists, plants, animals, fungi), which can be unicellular or multicellular

Similarities Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Both cell types have:

• DNA (genetic material)
• Ribosomes that make proteins
• Cytoplasm (jelly-like fluid)
• A plasma/cell membrane that controls what enters and leaves, supporting homeostasis

Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Eukaryotic cells:
  • Tend to be more complex and generally larger
  • Have a nucleus containing DNA
  • Have membrane-bound organelles, such as:
    • Mitochondria
    • Endoplasmic reticulum
    • Golgi apparatus
  • May include specialized organelles depending on the cell type:
    • Plant cells likely have chloroplasts
    • Animal cells do not (no chloroplasts)
• Prokaryotic cells:
  • Have no nucleus (DNA is not enclosed)
  • Have no membrane-bound organelles

Cell Walls

• Most prokaryotes have cell walls.
• Some eukaryotes also have cell walls, notably plants and fungi.
• Animal cells do not have cell walls (example of a eukaryote without a cell wall).

Lists / Methodology Outlined

How Antibiotics Destroy Bacteria (Examples Mentioned)

• Affect ability to reproduce
• Damage cell walls
• Interfere with protein making needed for survival

Researchers or Sources Featured

• Amoeba Sisters (video/educational source)