Types of Cells
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 1.1.1
Cells
All living organisms are made up of cells. Cells are the basic unit of living organisms. They provide structure and carry out certain functions. There are two different types of cells:
Eukaryotic cells
- Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus.
- Eukaryotic cells are found in plants, animals, fungi and protists (single-celled organisms that don’t fit other categories).
- They are 10 - 100 micrometres in size.
- A eukaryote is an organism made up of eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic cells
- Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus.
- Prokaryotic cells are 0.1 - 5.0 micrometres in size. This is much smaller than eukaryotic cells.
- A prokaryote is an organism made up of prokaryotic cells.
- Bacteria are prokaryotes.
Test yourself on Types of Cells
A cell measures 3 micrometres across and has no nucleus. What type of cell is this?
General Sherman is a giant sequoia tree, one of the largest organisms in the world. What type of cell is General Sherman made up of?
E. coli is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning. What size would you expect an E. coli cell to be?
A single-celled organism has a nucleus but does not fit into the animal, plant or fungi groups. What type of organism is this?