The Cell and Its Components

Abstract

Cells which are the basic organized units of life can be divided into two different types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. The fundamental distinction between the two cell types involves the existence of cell membranes. The prokaryotic cell does not have a membrane enclosing its genetic material, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). On the other hand, in eukaryotic cells the DNA is contained within a membrane, and the structure referred to as the nucleus. The typical eukaryotic cell has a number of membrane-enclosed organelles, whereas prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.