Summary
A complex cell with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in animals, plants, fungi and protists.
In depth
Eukaryotic cells are usually 10 to 100 micrometres across and are compartmentalised. Membrane-bound organelles let incompatible reactions run side by side, for example digestive enzymes in lysosomes stay apart from the cytoplasm. DNA is linear, wrapped on histones and held in a nucleus, and ribosomes are 80S.
Compartments need an endomembrane system and transport tags to deliver proteins to the right location. Complexity also comes from a cytoskeleton, which allows large cells to organise themselves and move.
Remember: plant cells add a wall, chloroplasts and a large vacuole; animal cells have centrioles and lysosomes more prominently. Fungi have walls of chitin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Eukaryotic Cell?
A complex cell with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in animals, plants, fungi and protists.
Which area of biology covers Eukaryotic Cell, and how advanced is it?
Eukaryotic Cell is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Prokaryotic Cell, Cytoplasm, Vacuole.
What should I learn before Eukaryotic Cell?
Eukaryotic Cell is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Cell Biology that pair well with it include Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Plasma Membrane.
What topics are related to Eukaryotic Cell?
The closest topics to Eukaryotic Cell are Prokaryotic Cell, Cytoplasm, Vacuole, Nucleus. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Eukaryotic Cell?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Eukaryotic Cell. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
How is Eukaryotic Cell different from Prokaryotic Cell?
Eukaryotic Cell: A complex cell with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in animals, plants, fungi and protists. Prokaryotic Cell: A simple cell with no membrane-bound nucleus; its DNA lies in a nucleoid region, as in bacteria and archaea. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Eukaryotic Cell step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Prokaryotic Cell and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.