Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells must uphold an internal environment different than the outside in order to survive. The plasma membrane helps the cell achieve this. It is describe as a thin, flexible, oily sheet that puts a boundary between the cell and its environment. An important feature is that the membrane regulates movement of material in and out of the cell. While some cells can come and go as they want; others can only pass under certain conditions. A membrane is called fluid mosaic because the membrane is called fluid because molecules are allowed to move freely past each other and mosaic because of the diversified atmosphere that allows proteins to float in the phospholipid liquid (Simon, 2015, pg.48). There are different parts to the cell that provide structure, support and movement (Simon, 2015, pg.58):

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Flagella have a single long extension that that helps the cell move by whipping back and forth. Cilia, which are shorter than flagella, work together in numbers with coordinated movement to move the cell.

• The cell wall surrounds the plasma membrane. Plant cells are made from cellulose and other cell walls are made from molecules. The cell walls function is to protect and maintain the shape of the cell.

• The cytoskeleton provides support and assist with movement in eukaryotic cells. It is a network of protein fibers that assist with support, anchorage and reinforcements. Vesicles move along the tracks that the cytoskeleton provide. Due its ability to dismantle and reassemble, it provides flexibility to the cells