Cells posses a genetic program and the means to use it. The two fundamentally different classes of cells are the prokaryotic cells and the eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have complex chromosomes composed of DNA and associated proteins that are capable of compacting into mitotic structures. Eukaryotic cells contain membranous cytoplasmic organelles. Eukaryotic cells have a complex cytoskeletal system.
Eukaryotic cells are capable of phagocytosis and endocytosis.
Eukaryotic cells have two copies of genes per cell. Eukaryotic cells are capable of sexual reproduction requiring meiosis and fertilization. It is a selectively permeable bilipid layer membrane. It allows passive diffusion, active transport and vesicular transport of compounds in and out of the cell as needed. The plasma membrane is also instrumental in cell to cell communication.