Eukaryotic Cells - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Eukaryotic cells are a type of cell that are found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists. They are more complex than prokaryotic cells, which are found in bacteria. The main feature of eukaryotic cells is that they have a distinct nucleus, which holds the cell's genetic material (DNA) enclosed in a membrane. They also contain other structures called organelles, like mitochondria for energy production and ribosomes for protein synthesis, each with specific jobs to help the cell function properly. Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells and their complex structure allows them to perform many specialised functions.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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