Parts of a Cell

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A series of free High School Biology Video Lessons.

Cell Overview
A cell is the basic unit of life and all organisms are made up of cells. With regard to an overall cell overview, there are several types of cells. One important distinction is between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Another is between animal cells and plant cells.
An introduction to cell. Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells are much simpler than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotes don't have many membrane bound internal structures such as organelles or nuclei. Their genetic information floats freely within the cell in circular loops called plasmids. Cellular processes within prokaryotes are much simpler because of the lack of organelles.
The description of prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells are more complex than prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are found in most of the more complex kingdoms of life including fungi, animals, plants and protists. Eukaryotic cells have internal membranes around their nuclei and organelles and cytoskeletons. Plant cells also have cell walls, but these are not present in other types of eukaryotic cells.
The description of eukaryotic cells. Nucleus
A cell nucleus is a membrane bound organelle which contains all the genetic information for a eukaryotic cell. This genetic information, or DNA, is stored in different forms depending upon the cell's stage in mitosis, but is often found tightly wound into chromosomes
The structure of the nucleus.