The cell is the basic unit of life. Based on their structure and composition, cells can be classified in two major groups, the prokaryotes (bacteria, Arcaea) and the eukaryotes. A major mophological difference between the two is that eukaryotic cells harbour membrane-bound compartments (organelles) such as mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, peroxisomes etc., while these compartments are absent in prokarytes. Each organelle is specialized to perform distinct tasks. For example, in the nucleus the genetic information (the DNA) is stored, mitochondria are responsible for energy generation from food and vacuoles act as sites of degradation and recycling. ... Zie: Summar