Contrast bacterial and eukaryotic cells by filling in the following table.

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Step 1: Compare the size of bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Bacteria are generally smaller, typically ranging from 1 to 10 micrometers, while eukaryotic cells are larger, usually 10 to 100 micrometers.

Step 2: Examine the presence of a nucleus. Bacteria lack a true nucleus; their genetic material is not enclosed within a membrane. Eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane.

Step 3: Look at the presence of membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria do not have membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria or the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas eukaryotic cells contain various membrane-bound organelles.

Step 4: Analyze the structure of flagella. Bacterial flagella are composed of the protein flagellin and rotate like a propeller, while eukaryotic flagella have a complex 9+2 arrangement of microtubules and move in a whip-like manner.

Step 5: Identify the chemicals in the cell walls. Bacterial cell walls typically contain peptidoglycan, a polymer unique to bacteria. Eukaryotic cells, if they have cell walls (like plants and fungi), contain cellulose or chitin instead.

Step 6: Compare the type of ribosomes. Bacteria have 70S ribosomes, which are smaller, while eukaryotes have larger 80S ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

Step 7: Consider the structure of chromosomes. Bacteria usually have a single, circular chromosome, whereas eukaryotes have multiple, linear chromosomes contained within the nucleus.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cellular Structure Differences

Bacterial cells are prokaryotic, lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and various membrane-bound organelles. This fundamental difference affects cell complexity and function.

Cell Wall Composition and Flagella Structure

Bacteria have cell walls made of peptidoglycan and flagella composed of the protein flagellin, while eukaryotic cells, if they have cell walls, use different chemicals like cellulose or chitin, and their flagella have a complex microtubule structure (9+2 arrangement).

Ribosomes and Chromosome Structure

Bacterial ribosomes are smaller (70S) compared to eukaryotic ribosomes (80S). Bacteria typically have a single circular chromosome, whereas eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes within the nucleus, influencing genetic organization and protein synthesis.

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