Eukaryotic Cells: Inception of Complex Life

DNA length and Complexity

Eukaryotic cells also have more DNA on average. This makes sense since there are many more functional proteins that can be synthesized by their complex machinery. The added complexity also results in increased energy demands. This means eukaryotes consume more energy than their prokaryotic counterparts. In order to generate enough energy, these cells use oxygen in their energy extraction process. This process will be covered in detail in a future post addressing aerobic respiration.

Because so many complex functions are occurring inside these cells, homeostasis becomes very important. Without a system of control, it would be impossible to benefit from all the “stuff” floating around inside of the organism. All things in a cell are only useful if maintained in a certain proportion. This is because so many variables (from cell division to ion concentration) need to balanced to ensure survival. Be sure to check out the posts linked above if you would like to know the details.

Eukaryotes: Masters of Diversity

Until the evolution toward eukaryotic cells began, there was a relatively small potential for variations between life forms. At the single-cell prokaryotic level, there were not as many genes that could be targeted for variation. This is why many research labs use bacteria as model systems for experiments. There are very few variables to compensate for when performing a study.

The rise of the first eukaryotes completely changed the game. Nature could work on modifying new genes in order to specialize the cell’s function because of this massive expansion in complexity. Within your body there are countless different types of cells, each of which are responsible for a unique task. The variables introduced as life grew complicated is why specialization was possible.

Take this example: your liver cells are very good at detoxifying substances. This property was not present in bacteria and simple organisms (in any great degree) before complex cells came to exist. In fact, liver cells can only do their job because they produce more organelles capable of breaking down toxins. Similarly, pancreatic cells are special because they have more organelles capable of processing proteins such as insulin.

Conclusion

This is a brief introduction to the initial steps life, in the form of eukaryotic cells, has traversed for expansion across the globe. As I have explained earlier, nature  selected for complexity as life grew more and more competitive. This added complexity is why different life forms can dominate specific regions of the world; they have simply evolved the best traits to survive in that specific environment. This competition between life forms is the driving force of biological diversity and innovation.