differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Hi Elizabeth,

The main differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are:

- eukaryotic cells are usually 10 time bigger.

- eukaryotic cells are more complex.

- eukaryotic cells have a nucleus whereas prokaryotic cells don't.

- prokaryotic cells have a single strand of DNA floating in the cytoplasm whereas eukaryotic cells have their DNA in their nucleus.

- prokaryotic cells have plasmids (small rings of extra DNA that float in the cytoplasm).

I hope this helps.

Hi Elizebeth,

Thanks for your question.

So cells come in two main types:

prokaryotic

eukaryotic.

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller. They do not have a nucleus or other specialised structures called organelles that are enclosed by membranes. This means their genetic material, DNA, is not stored in a nucleus but is instead found in a region of the cell called the nucleoid. Bacteria are a common example of organisms with prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, are more complex and larger. They have a defined nucleus, where the DNA is kept separate from the rest of the cell. Eukaryotic cells also contain various membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria (power generators of the cell), endoplasmic reticulum (where proteins and lipids are made), and Golgi apparatus (sorts and packages proteins). Plants, animals, fungi, and protists are all made up of eukaryotic cells.

In summary, the key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is in their complexity: prokaryotic cells are basic with no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles, making them more complex and capable of performing a wider range of functions.

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus, containing their DNA in a nucleoid region, while eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane. Eukaryotic cells are larger and contain membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts, unlike prokaryotic cells, which lack such organelles and have a simpler structure.

Key differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells are:

The cells are much smaller.

No membrane bound-organelles

Smaller ribosomes

No nucleus

A cell wall made of murein

The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, meaning that their sub cellular components such as the mitochondria, and most importantly the nucleus (where the DNA is kept) are surrounded by an extra layer of protection known as a membrane.

In prokaryotic cells, all sub cellular structures are floating around in the cytoplasm, even the DNA; though the DNA is coiled up and mostly floats in an area of the cell known as the nucleoid.

There are some other major differences, such as prokaryotic are really small in comparison to eukaryotes, their chromosomes are circular and short, where as eukaryotes have linear and longer chromosomes and the type of ribosomes that they have are also different.

Eukaryotic cells are multicellular organism. Their DNA is stored in a nucleus. Whereas prokaryotic DNA consist of a single loop of DNA not stored in a nucleus.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in a few key ways:

1. Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells don't have a nucleus; their DNA just floats around in the cell. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus that houses their DNA.

2. Size: Prokaryotic cells are usually smaller and simpler, like bacteria. Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex, found in plants, animals, and humans.

3. Organelles: Eukaryotic cells have specialized structures called organelles (like mitochondria and chloroplasts) that perform different functions. Prokaryotic cells lack these organelles.

In short, prokaryotic cells are simpler and don't have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells are more complex with a nucleus and organelles.

There are many differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells! For example, prokaryotic cells have no membrane bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells do. Hope this helps.

Eukaryotic cells (plants & animals)

• These contain a nucleus
• They have membrane bound organelles (e.g. mitochondria, chloroplasts)

Prokaryotic cells (bacteria)

• Smaller
• No nucleus
• Contain plasmids
• Contains flagellum
• DNA is circular & smaller
• No membrane bound organelles

Prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane and are always a part of unicellular organisms , whereas eukaryotic cells are membrane-bound organisms and are mutlicelluar.

Nucleus:

Prokaryotic: Lacks a true nucleus; genetic material is in the nucleoid region.

Eukaryotic: Contains a well-defined nucleus where genetic material is enclosed in a membrane.

Membrane-Bound Organelles:

Prokaryotic: Lacks membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic: Contains various membrane-bound organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, and more.

Cell Size:

Prokaryotic: Generally smaller in size (1-5 micrometers).

Eukaryotic: Typically larger and more complex (10-100 micrometers).

Cell Division:

Prokaryotic: Reproduces through binary fission.

Eukaryotic: Undergoes mitosis or meiosis for cell division.

Genetic Material:

Prokaryotic: Usually a single, circular DNA molecule.

Eukaryotic: Multiple linear DNA molecules associated with histone proteins.

Ribosomes:

Prokaryotic: Smaller ribosomes (70S).

Eukaryotic: Larger ribosomes (80S).

Cell Wall:

Prokaryotic: May have a rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan.

Eukaryotic: Plant cells have a cellulose cell wall; animal cells lack a cell wall.

Flagella:

Prokaryotic: Simpler flagella.

Eukaryotic: More complex flagella composed of microtubules.

Reproduction:

Prokaryotic: Asexual reproduction is common.

Eukaryotic: Reproduction can be both asexual and sexual.

Hi Elizabeth!

The main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is how they store their DNA. Whilst eukaryotes contain this within a nucleus, prokaryotes contain a free-floating loop of DNA with plasmids. Prokaryotes are also usually single-celled (bacteria etc.), whilst eukaryotes make up multicellular organisms.

Eukaryotic cells contain their DNA in a nucleus and have membrane bound organelles such as the smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, and lysosome. However, prokaryotic cells contain their DNA in the form of circular DNA free in the cytoplasm and also have DNA in plasmids, which are circular.

Prokaryotes are always unicellular where and eukaryotes and often multicellular organisms. Eukaryotes have a membrane bound nucleus where and prokaryotes don’t, their DNA floats around in the cytoplasm. They also have plasmid that float in the cytoplasm and they plasmid tend to code for things such as antibiotic resistance. The nucleus is only one of many membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotes. Prokaryotes, on the other hand, have no membrane-bound organelles. Another important difference is the DNA structure. Eukaryote DNA consists of multiple molecules of double- stranded linear DNA, while that of prokaryotes is double stranded and circular.

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles (such as the nucleus and mitochondria), while prokaryotic cells do not. DNA in eukaryotic cells is found inside the nucleus, while DNA in prokaryotic cells is located in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells are generally larger (Most are 5 μm – 100 μm)

and more complex than prokaryotic cells (Most are 0.2 μm – 2.0 μm). Most prokaryotic cells divide by the process of binary fission, whereas in eukaryotes, cell division occurs by mitosis.