A prokaryotic cell is a major category of cell that lacks a nucleus surrounded by a complex nuclear membrane. Instead, its genetic material is generally a single, circular chromosome located in a nucleoid region. While prokaryotic cells generally lack complex membrane-bound organelles, they often contain inclusions that compartmentalize their cytoplasm. Microorganisms composed of these cells are classified within the domains Archaea and Bacteria.

Prokaryotic Cell

Eukaryotic cells are defined by the presence of a nucleus surrounded by a complex nuclear membrane and membrane-bound organelles in the cytoplasm, which are supported and held in place by an internal cytoskeleton. These cells, which can exist as independent, single-celled microorganisms or as part of multicellular organisms (comprising protozoans, algae, fungi, plants, and animals), feature plasma membranes structured as a bilayer consisting of ester-linked, straight-chain fatty acids and sterols, and they contain multiple, linear chromosomes associated with histones.

Eukaryotic cell

Although cells share certain fundamental characteristics, they exhibit remarkable variety in their structure, function, and metabolic activity. The two primary categories of cells are prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus, and eukaryotic cells, which possess a well-organized, membrane-bound nucleus.

Georgetown University

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The cell is the fundamental unit of life. While cells vary significantly in size, shape, structure, and function—categorized primarily into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells—they all share a few fundamental components at their simplest level of construction. The internal structures of a cell are analogous to the organs inside a human body, with unique components suited to specific functions.

Cell

Wikipedia

https://openstax.org/details/books/microbiology/

Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

Tissue

The molecular structures and processes of cellular life and their roles in the function, reproduction, and development of living organisms.

- The Central Dogma of Life
- Cell Organelles

Molecular and Cellular Biology

The (metabolic) center of a neuron. It is in charge of keeping the cell alive

Cell body

Cell-cell interactions describe the process in which one cell influences the differentiation of neighboring cells during the development of the nervous system. This process is a key reason why vertebrate brains are less hardwired and more susceptible to environmental cues and experience. In contrast, invertebrate development, such as in C. elegans, is more hardwired and relies less on cell-cell interactions, making their mitotic lineages strictly predictable and easier to trace.

Cell-Cell Interactions

Types of Cells

Developed in the 17th century following early observations of microscopic life, the cell theory is a foundational scientific principle. It posits three main claims: the cell is the fundamental unit of life, all living organisms contain at least one cell, and new cells can only arise from pre-existing cells.

Cell Theory

Animal cell organelles are specialized sub-cellular structures that perform specific functions necessary for the cell's survival, growth, and homeostasis. These include membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and peroxisomes, as well as non-membrane-bound structures like ribosomes.

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