Different Cell Types

Cells are the basic unit of life. Cell theory states that all living organisms are composed of cells, that cells are the tiniest unit of life, and that all cells must come from other cells.

Prokaryotes

Prokaryotic cells are bacteria and lack the complexity of eukaryotic cells because they have no internal membrane, and therefore no nucleus or organelles. They can be rod shaped, spherical or spiral.

Eukaryotes

Eukaryotic cells are more complex because they have a nucleus and other organelles, like vacuoles or mitochondria.

Five Kingdoms

Prokaryotes are found in the Kingdom Monera. Eukaryotes are found in the Kingdoms Protista, Plantae, Fungi and Animalia.

Plant Cells

Plant cells are responsible for making their own food through photosynthesis so they have chloroplasts; they also have a cell wall which helps them keep a rectangular shape.

Animal Cells

Animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts but do have lysosomes, or organelles containing digestive enzymes. Unlike plant cells that have one large vacuole that takes up most of the cell, animals cells are round and have multiple, smaller vacuoles.

References

• The Cell: Down to Basics
• Animal Cell vs Plant Cell
• Different Cell Types