These are some of the most important features of eukaryotic cells:
All eukaryotic cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus, which houses the cell’s genetic material in the form of linear DNA.
Both layers of the bi-layer nuclear membrane are permeable to ions, molecules, and RNA material.
Eukaryotic cells contain a number of membrane-bound organelles floating in the cytosol. Each of these organelles perform specialized functions.
The plasma membrane is the outermost layer of eukaryotic cells. It separates the cell from the external environment.
Proteins embedded in the eukaryotic cell’s plasma membrane facilitate the exchange of substances into and out of the cell.
Ribosomes are the main site for protein synthesis. They are produced inside the nucleus and composed of proteins and ribonucleic acids.
Eukaryotic cells contain a membrane-bound Endoplasmic Reticulum, which is an intricate network of tiny, tubular structures. The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is of two types – Rough ER, which contains ribosomes embedded into the surface, and Smooth ER, which does not contain ribosomes.
Mitochondria are another important feature of eukaryotic cells. They are responsible for energy production and regulation of cell metabolism. The inner layer of the bi-layer membrane is divided into folds known as cristae.
Eukaryotic cells also contain a Golgi apparatus, which is the primary site for formation of glycolipids and glycoproteins. It is composed of flat, disc-shaped structures known as cisternae.
Lysosomes, which are found in eukaryotic cells, possess hydrolytic enzymes. Lysosomes are referred to as suicidal bags because of their ability to digest carbohydrates, protein, nucleic acids, and lipids.
Eukaryotic cells reproduce by a fairly complex process known as mitosis.
A single cell can maintain several different environments, which helps them carry out diverse metabolic reactions.
Eukaryotic cells have two features that are distinctive to plant cells only:
The outermost layer of plant cells consists of a rigid cell wall that provides shape to the cell and facilitates cell-to-cell interaction. This cell wall is absent in animals.
Plant cells also contain double-membraned structures known as plastids. These are of three types – chloroplast, chromoplast, and leucoplast.