GCSE Biology (AQA)

331 videos | 14 hours

Cell Biology Cell Structure

Eukaryotes

2:02 Animal and Plant Cells
Spec 4.1.1.1
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  • Eukaryotes are organisms composed of eukaryotic cells.
  • Both animal and plant cells are examples of eukaryotic cells.
  • Eukaryotes can be complex organisms like humans, animals, and plants, or they can be unicellular.
  • Eukaryotic cells are characterized by having a nucleus.
  • A simple diagram of a eukaryotic cell includes a nucleus (big blue blob), cytoplasm (pale pink color), and a cell membrane (dark line around the edge).
  • The term "eukaryotic" derives from two Greek words: "U" meaning true or good, and "car out" meaning nucleus; "car out" comes from "carry on" which means nut.
  • The nucleus of a eukaryotic cell contains the cell's genetic material, which is DNA packaged as chromosomes.
  • The nucleus functions to store and protect the genetic material, keeping it separate from the rest of the cell.
  • Key components of eukaryotic cells to remember for exams include the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and genetic material enclosed in a nucleus.

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