Prokaryotes and lack of compartmentalization

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SUMMARY

Prokaryotes lack the complex subcellular compartmentalization found in eukaryotic cells, which includes structures like lysosomes and peroxisomes. Instead, prokaryotes utilize a simpler form of compartmentalization, often referred to as self-compartmentalizing, where they excrete enzymes to digest nutrients externally and then absorb the resulting products. Some prokaryotes exhibit eukaryote-like compartmentalization, allowing for more efficient metabolic processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for comprehending prokaryotic biology and their metabolic capabilities.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures
  • Knowledge of metabolic processes such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis
  • Familiarity with enzyme functions and their roles in digestion
  • Awareness of cellular compartmentalization concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of self-compartmentalization in prokaryotes
  • Explore the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic metabolic pathways
  • Investigate the role of extracellular enzymes in prokaryotic nutrient absorption
  • Study specific examples of prokaryotes exhibiting eukaryote-like compartmentalization
USEFUL FOR

Biologists, microbiologists, and anyone interested in cellular biology and the metabolic processes of prokaryotes will benefit from this discussion.

Monique
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Eukaryotic cells have lots of subcellular compartments with all different functions.

Lysosomes to compartmentalize all the degradative enzymes, so that things can be digested and renewed.

Peroxisomes to separate glyconeogenesis from glycolysis for instance to prevent futile cycles.

Prokaryotes lack these compartments. I wonder: how does it degrade and thus digest things without digesting itself? It excretes all its enzymes and then resorbs the broken down nutrients?
 
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Prokaryotes have compartmentalization but it is not a define or complex as eukaryotes. Some are called self-compartmentalizing. Some reaction also happen outside the cell. The degraded product is pump back in. Some prokaryotes also appear to have some eukaryote-like compartmentalization.

These article could answer some questions
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6TD0-3Y868B2-J&_coverDate=02%2F01%2F1999&_alid=133051968&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_qd=1&_cdi=5184&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=9d1ecbcb24ab3a8322f6e77414a28ad3

http://matilde.ingentaselect.com/vl=559674/cl=14/nw=1/rpsv/cgi-bin/cgi?body=linker&ini=nlm&reqidx=issn=0962-8436vl=355is=1394yr=2000mn=Febpg=179

http://gessler.ingentaselect.com/vl=2066724/cl=47/nw=1/rpsv/cgi-bin/cgi?body=linker&ini=nlm&reqidx=issn=0962-8452vl=266is=1428yr=1999mn=Augpg=1571
 
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