Prokaryotes As seen in Figure 7–5, prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells, although there are many exceptions to this rule. 
Prokaryotic cells do not separate their genetic material within a nucleus. Despite their simplicity, prokaryotes carry out every activity associated with living things. They grow, reproduce, respond to the environment, and, in some cases, glide along surfaces or swim through liquids. The organisms we call bacteria are prokaryotes.
Eukaryotes Eukaryotic cells are generally larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells. Most eukaryotic cells contain dozens of structures and internal membranes, and many are highly specialized. In eukaryotic cells, the nucleus separates the genetic material from the rest of the cell. Eukaryotes display great variety: some, like the ones commonly called “protists,” live solitary lives as unicellular organisms; others form large, multicellular organisms—plants, animals, and fungi.
BUILD Vocabulary
WORD ORIGINS The noun prokaryote comes from the Greek word karyon, meaning “kernel,” or nucleus. The prefix pro- means “before.” Prokaryotic cells first evolved before nuclei developed.
FIGURE 7–5 Cell Types In general, eukaryotic cells (including plant and animal cells) are more complex than prokaryotic cells.
7.1 Assessment
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Review What is a cell?
Explain What three statements make up the cell theory?
Infer How did the invention of the microscope help the development of the cell theory?
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Review How do microscopes work?
Apply Concepts What does it mean if a micrograph is “false-colored?”
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Review What features do all cells have?
Summarize What is the main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?
PRACTICE PROBLEMS 
A light microscope can magnify images up to 1000 times. To calculate the total magnification of a specimen, multiply the magnification of the eyepiece lens by the magnification of the objective lens used. (For more information on microscopes, see Appendix B.)
Calculate What is the total magnification of a microscope that has an eyepiece magnification of 10× and an objective lens magnification of 50×.
Calculate A 10 micrometer cell is viewed through a 10× objective and a 10× eyepiece. How large will the cell appear to the microscope user?
Table of Contents
- Formulas and Equations
- Applying Formulas and Equations
- Mean, Median, and Mode
- Estimation
- Using Measurements in Calculations
- Effects of Measurement Errors
- Accuracy
- Precision
- Comparing Accuracy and Precision
- Significant Figures
- Calculating With Significant Figures
- Scientific Notation
- Calculating With Scientific Notation
- Dimensional Analysis
- Applying Dimensional Analysis