Bacterial cells are prokaryotic. Select two structures of bacterial cells and briefly describe them; what do they look like, what are they composed of? Then, explain how these two structures allow bacterial cells to survive as unicellular organisms.
There are many examples of eukaryotic cells. Algae, Fungi, Plants, and Animals are all composed of eukaryotic cells. Some algae and fungi are unicellular organisms, but other algae and fungi, and all plants and animals are multicellular organisms that are composed of specialized eukaryotic cells that interact to support the life of the multicellular organism.
Choose either a plant or an animal cell. Choose two structures or organelles of the cell (not used in part one above.) Describe these two structures or organelles – what do they look like, what are they composed of? Then explain how these plant or animal cell structures or organelles function. How do these functions support activities of the plant or animal cell and enable survival of the multicellular plant or animal organism?
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Bacterial cells are prokaryotic, which means they lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. However, they do possess certain structures that help them survive as unicellular organisms.
One important structure in bacterial cells is the cell wall. The cell wall is a rigid layer located outside the cell membrane. It provides structural support and protection to the cell. The cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan, a unique molecule consisting of long chains of sugar-like molecules linked by short peptide chains. The precise composition of the cell wall can vary among different species of bacteria.
The cell wall allows bacterial cells to maintain their shape and protect them from the external environment. It prevents the cell from bursting when it absorbs excess water, as well as from collapsing under osmotic pressure. The cell wall also provides defense against harmful substances and helps bacteria adhere to surfaces or other cells.
Another significant structure in bacterial cells is the plasmid. Plasmids are small, circular molecules of DNA that are separate from the bacterial chromosome. Plasmids can replicate independently, allowing for the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells. They can contain genes that provide advantages for survival, such as antibiotic resistance or the ability to produce various enzymes.
Plasmids contribute to the survival of bacterial cells by conferring adaptive traits. For example, plasmids providing antibiotic resistance enable bacteria to survive in the presence of antibiotics. Additionally, plasmids carrying genes for the production of specific enzymes allow bacteria to metabolize various nutrients in their environment, increasing their chances of survival.
Moving on to plant and animal cells, let's consider an animal cell and two of its structures: the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum.
Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in animal cells. They have an elongated shape with an outer membrane and an inner membrane that forms folds called cristae. The inner membrane contains enzymes involved in cellular respiration.
Mitochondria function as the powerhouses of animal cells by producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through cellular respiration. ATP is the cell's primary energy currency, and it fuels various cellular activities. The many folds of the inner membrane increase the surface area, maximizing ATP production.
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of interconnected membranes found throughout the animal cell. It consists of the rough ER, which has ribosomes on its surface, and the smooth ER, which lacks ribosomes.
The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis. Ribosomes on its surface synthesize proteins, which are then processed and folded within its lumen. The rough ER plays a role in quality control by ensuring proper folding and modification of proteins before they are transported to their destination.
The smooth ER has multiple functions, including lipid metabolism, detoxification of drugs and chemicals, and the storage and release of calcium ions, which are crucial for cell signaling and muscle contraction.
The functions of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are essential for the survival of the multicellular organism. Mitochondria generate energy in the form of ATP, which is required for various cellular processes. Without this energy production, animal cells would not be able to carry out their metabolic activities and the organism would not be viable.
The endoplasmic reticulum, with its protein synthesis and lipid metabolism functions, supports the growth and maintenance of animal cells. It ensures the production of functional proteins and contributes to the proper balance of lipids in the cell membrane. These activities are vital for cellular homeostasis and the overall functioning of the multicellular organism.