Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

City of Ilagan, Isabela

MICROBIOLOGY AND PARASITOLOGY

RYAN MANGUNAY AMIGO, RN. RM. MSN. MAN. DIPHM. CHA. DPCHA. FRIN.
Assistant Professor

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:

1. differentiate prokaryotes from eukaryotes; and
2. characterize the different medically important microorganisms.

Living Cells can be classified into two general categories-prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Prokaryotes are organisms that do not possess a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
(e.g., bacteria). Eukaryotic organisms are those that possess a true nucleus and membrane-
bound organelles. They are usually multicellular organisms and include plants, animals, fungi,
parasites, and algae. Viruses are acellular organisms that possess only DNA or RNA. They are
dependent on host cells for their replication and are considered as obligate intracellular
parasites.

Comparison between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Fig. 2.1 Diagrammatic representation showing the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a
eukaryotic cell.
Table 2.1 Comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell.

Medically Important Microorganisms

Organisms that are considered medically important are those that have the potential or the
ability to produce significant clinical disease in humans. They may be part of the normal flora of
the body or are true pathogenic organisms. These may be categorized into bacteria, viruses,
fungi, algae, and parasites (protozoa and helminths).

Viruses are acellular organisms. Their outer surface is called capsid, which is composed of
repeating sub-units called capsomeres. Viruses possess only a single nucleic acid, either DNA or
RNA, but never both. In addition, viruses lack the necessary cellular parts that can allow them
to replicate independent of the host cell. They also lack the genes and enzymes that are
necessary for energy production. They rely on the cellular machinery of the host cell for protein
and energy production. Hence, viruses are considered obligate intracellular parasites.

Viruses are classified based on the following: (1) type of nucleic acid they possess; (2) shape of
the capsid (icosahedral, helical, polyhedral, or complex); (3) number of capsomeres; (4) size of
the capsid; (5) presence or absence of an envelope; (6) type of host they infect (humans, plants,
or animals); (7) type of disease they produce; (8) target cell or tropism (e.g., T helper cells for
HIV); and (9) immunologic or antigenic properties.

Bacteriophages are a special type of viruses that primarily infect bacteria. They are similar to
other viruses in that: (1) they are obligate intracellular parasites; (2) they are similarly shaped
like other viruses; and (3) they may also be classified based on the type of nucleic acid they
possess. They play a role in the acquisition of virulence factors of certain bacteria (e.g.,
diphtheria toxin of Corynebacterium diphtheriae), as well as in the transfer of genetic material
from one bacterium to another (as in transduction).

Bacteria are prokaryotic cells with the majority having an outer covering called the cell wall that
is composed mainly of peptidoglycan. Unlike viruses, they possess both DNA and RNA. Unlike
eukaryotic organisms, bacteria possess a nucleoid instead of a true nucleus, smaller ribosomes,
and lack mitochondria. Based on their physical characteristics, bacteria may be broadly
categorized into (1) gram-negative bacteria with cell wall (e.g., Escherichia coli); (2) gram-
positive bacteria with cell wall (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus); (3) acid-fast bacteria with lipid-rich
cell wall (e.g., Mycobacterium tuberculosis); and, (4) bacteria without cell wall (e.g.,
Mycoplasma).

Fungi are eukaryotic cells with an outer surface composed mainly of chitin. Their cell
membrane is made up mostly of ergosterol. Like bacteria, fungi possess both DNA and RNA.
Unlike bacteria, they possess a true nucleus that is enclosed by a nuclear membrane and
mitochondria that function for ATP production. Fungal ribosomes are also larger than bacterial
ribosomes (80 Svedberg units). Table 2.2 summarizes the major differences between fungi and
bacteria.

Protozoa are the representatives for parasites. Like bacteria and fungi, these are also
eukaryotic cells that have an outer surface called a pellicle. These are unicellular organisms that
usually divide through binary fission, similar to bacteria. Majority exist in two morphologic
forms-cysts and trophozoites. The infective stage is the cyst while the pathogenic stage is the
trophozoite. Protozoa possess both DNA and RNA as well as other cellular features seen in
typical eukaryotic cells.

Algae are eukaryotic organisms whose outer surface consists primarily of cellulose. They are
described as plant-like organisms because most of them have chlorophyll and are thus capable
of photosynthesis. Unlike plants, they do not possess true roots, stems, and leaves. Table 2.3
summarizes the major differences between algae and plants. Algae vary in size from the single
celled phytoplanktons to the large seaweeds found in the ocean floor. 

Algae do not produce significant disease in humans. Most algae are beneficial in that they are
important sources of food, iodine, and other minerals. They may also be used as fertilizers,
emulsifiers for puddings, and stabilizers for ice cream and salad dressings.
Diatoms are unicellular algae that inhabit both fresh- and saltwater. Their cell wall contains
silicone dioxide that may be utilized in filtration systems, insulation, and as abrasives.
Dinoflagellates are also unicellular algae that are important members of the phytoplankton
group. They contribute greatly to the oxygen in the atmosphere and serve as important links in
the food chain. On the other hand, they are also responsible for what is known as "red tide."
These small organisms produce a powerful neurotoxin which, when ingested in significant
amounts, is responsible for the potentially fatal disease called paralytic shellfish poisoning.

CHAPTER SUMMARY

 Living cells can be classified as either prokaryotic or eukaryotic. 

 Prokaryotic cells, as exemplified by bacteria, are usually unicellular, do not possess a
true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and multiply by means of binary fission. 
 Eukaryotic cells vary from unicellular (e.g., protozoa) to multicellular (e.g., fungi). They
possess a true nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane as well as membrane-bound
organelles. 
 Viruses are not classified as cells since they only possess an outer covering called capsid
and a nucleic acid (either DNA or RNA). As such, they are dependent on the host cell
machinery for their replication and are thus considered as obligate intracellular
parasites.
  Medically important organisms are those which produce significant disease in humans.
These may take the form of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae.
o Viruses are acellular, obligate intracellular parasites possessing only DNA or RNA
and may be classified based on: (1) type of nucleic acid they possess; (2) shape of
the capsid (icosahedral, helical, polyhedral, or complex); (3) number of
capsomeres; (4) size of the capsid; (5) presence or absence of an envelope; (6)
type of host they infect (humans, plants, or animals); (7) type of disease they
produce; (8) target cell or tropism (e.g., T helper cells for HIV); and (9)
immunologic or antigenic properties.
o Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that possess both DNA and RNA. Most
possess a cell wall composed predominantly of peptidoglycan.
Fungi are eukaryotic organisms with a cell wall composed mainly of chitin and
cell membrane that contains ergosterol. 
o Protozoa are mostly unicellular parasites that are eukaryotic. Most divide by
binary fission similar to bacteria. 
o Algae are eukaryotic, aquatic, plant-like organisms. Similar to plants, they are
photosynthetic but unlike plants, they do not have true roots, stems, or leaves.

Laboratory Activity

I. Draw and Label the different parts of a Prokaryotic Cell and Eukaryotic Cell and give a
description and function of each part.

Prokaryotic Cell
Drawing:

Cellular Part Description Function

*You may add more columns as needed.

Eukaryotic Cell
Drawing:

Cellular Part Description Function

 *You may add more columns as needed.

II. What is the clinical relevance of identifying prokaryotic microorganisms to eukaryotic

microorganism in the field of microbiology and parasitology?

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