How does eukaryotic cells reproduce

Regina Bailey is a board-certified registered nurse, science writer and educator. Updated August 21, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Bailey, Regina. The Cell. What Are Prokaryotic Cells?

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Regardless of their roles, however, all eukaryotic cells have certain features in common. Eukaryotic membranes are highly modified. In addition to the protein and phospholipid layer that acts as a selective barrier, single celled animals, for example, have special proteins embedded in their plasma cell membrane that interact with molecules outside and allow the cell to react to changing external circumstances. The plasma membrane also serves as a 'sensing organ'.

Membranes enclosing organelles often have additional roles, such as anchoring vital proteins in precise relationships to one another, and acting as internal barriers. Stretching thoughout the cytoplasm, extensive internal membrane systems process metabolic products and act as sites of protein synthesis.

Unlike prokaryotes, eukaryotic cells compartmentalize various metabolic processes inside membrane-bound organelles. For example, the breakdown of certain food molecules to provide energy takes place in the mitochondrion , and photosynthesis takes place in a chloroplast.