Eukaryotes

Eukaryotes

General Characteristics:

• Eukaryotes are often multicellular, meaning they are composed of more than one cell, although some, like yeast, are unicellular.
• They show complex cellular organisation, featuring a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles within their cells.
• The DNA of eukaryotes is linear and is housed within the nucleus.
• Eukaryotic cells are larger in size compared to prokaryotic cells.

Classification of Eukaryotes:

• Eukaryotes are mainly divided into four groups: Protists, Fungi, Plants, and Animals.
• Protists are a varied group that includes organisms like algae and amoeba.
• Fungi are a group that includes organisms like mushrooms and yeasts.
• Plants and animals are the most complex eukaryotes and can be multicellular or unicellular.

Reproduction in Eukaryotes:

• Eukaryotes reproduce both sexually and asexually. They have complex reproductive processes that involve mitosis and meiosis.
• During sexual reproduction, offspring are genetically different from parents due to the mixing of genes through genetic recombination.
• During asexual reproduction, such as budding in yeast, offspring are genetically identical to the parent organism.

Metabolism and Growth:

• Eukaryotes have diverse metabolic abilities, often using cellular respiration to produce energy, though some, like plants, also perform photosynthesis.
• Growth occurs at different rates in eukaryotes, usually slower compared to prokaryotes, due to more complex organisation.

Role in the Ecosystem:

• Eukaryotes are highly important in ecological balance, contributing to food chains and cycles of matter.
• They play roles as producers (plants), consumers (animals), and decomposers (fungi) in ecosystems.
• Some eukaryotes, such as pathogenic fungi or parasitic protists, can cause diseases in humans, animals and plants.
• Various eukaryotes are exploited in industries, such as yeast in alcohol and bread production, and molds in cheese aging processes.