differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller compared to eukaryotic cells. They lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. On the other hand, eukaryotic cells are more complex and larger. They have a true nucleus that houses the genetic material and various membrane-bound organelles that perform specific functions. Another difference is that prokaryotic cells have circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells have linear DNA. Prokaryotes are typically single-celled organisms, like bacteria, while eukaryotes can be single-celled or multicellular, like plants, animals, and fungi.

Prokaryotic cell is a single -celled organism which lacks a nucleus and other cell organelles

while Eukaryotic cells are which are bounded with cell membrane and contains a nucleus

Prokaryotic cell:

1. Cells that lack a well-defined nucleus are called prokaryotic cells.
2. Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound nuclei or organelles.
3. They are unicellular organisms.

Eukaryotic cell:

1. Cells having a well-defined nucleus are called eukaryotic cells.
2. They contain a nucleus and organelles which are bound by plasma membranes.
3. They are usually multicellular organisms.

the prokaryotic cells do not contain any nucleus yet the eukaryotic cells contain nucleus.

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is circular. Eukaryotic cells, found in plants and animals, have a true nucleus enclosed in a nuclear membrane, with linear DNA forming chromosomes. They also contain membrane-bound organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum. Prokaryotic cells are smaller, around 0.5 to 5 micrometres, and divide by binary fission. Eukaryotic cells are larger, with a diameter of 10 to 100 micrometres, and divide by mitosis or meiosis.

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:

• don't have a nucleus.
• contain circular DNA.
• contain Plasmids.
• the DNA is associated with no proteins called Histones.
• they lack membrane-bound organelles (like mitochondria, nucleus, golgi bodies, etc)
• very small (0.5-5um in diameter)
• contain 70s ribosomes.

Eukaryotic cells:

• have a nucleus.
• contain linear DNA.
• the DNA is wrapped around proteins called Histones, to form chromosomes.
• contain membrane-bound organelles.
• small, but bigger than prokaryotes (up to 100um in diameter)
• contain 80s ribosomes.

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.

Prokaryotic cell is a single organism things such as bacteria and archaea. This was one of the earliest living organisms in earth before humans where established. The evolved form of a prokaryotic cell is a eukaryotic cell which is a multi-organism. Between prokaryotic and eukaryotic, eukaryotic cell stores it's own genetic make up inside the cell. There are also differences between the organelles. A eukaryotic cell has many organelles in it which all has a job and helps to achieve balance in the human body. Going more detail eukaryotic cells is an exciting and fun adventure!! I can also connect it to the Harry Potter world!!

Prokaryotic cells are simple single celled organisms that DONT have a nucleus or any other membrane bound organelle inside (e.g. mitochondria, chloroplast, vacuole)

Eukaryotic are complex cells such as plant or animal cells.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are two fundamental types of cells that display significant differences in both structure and function.

Cell Structure:

Prokaryotic Cells: These cells lack a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material, usually a single circular DNA molecule, is freely floating within the cytoplasm. Prokaryotic cells are smaller and less complex compared to eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Cells: Eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus housing their DNA and various membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and more. These cells are generally larger and more intricate than prokaryotic cells.

Nucleus:

Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a true nucleus; their DNA is concentrated in a region called the nucleoid, not enclosed by a membrane.

Eukaryotic Cells: Have a distinct nucleus enclosed within a nuclear membrane. The DNA is organised into multiple linear chromosomes.

Organelles:

Prokaryotic Cells: Do not have membrane-bound organelles. They may contain ribosomes (the site of protein synthesis), but these organelles are not enclosed by membranes.

Eukaryotic Cells: Contain membrane-bound organelles performing specific functions, helping compartmentalise cellular processes for efficient functioning.

Size and Complexity:

Prokaryotic Cells: Generally smaller and simpler in structure, ranging from about 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers in diameter.

Eukaryotic Cells: Larger and more complex, with sizes ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers in diameter.

Reproduction:

Prokaryotic Cells: Reproduce asexually through binary fission, where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Eukaryotic Cells: Reproduce through mitosis (asexual) or meiosis (sexual), involving complex processes of cell division and genetic recombination.

Examples:



Prokaryotic Cells: Bacteria and archaea exemplify organisms with prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Cells: Protists, fungi, plants, and animals are composed of eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are the two fundamental types of cells that make up all living organisms on Earth. Here are some key differences between them:

• Cell Size: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller, ranging from 0.1 to 5 μm, while eukaryotic cells are larger, typically between 10 to 100 μm1.
• Nucleus: Eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus containing the cell’s genetic material, whereas prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, and their DNA is free-floating in the cytoplasm1.
• Membrane-bound Organelles: Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, while prokaryotic cells do not have these structures1.
• Cell Structure: Most eukaryotic cells are part of multicellular organisms, although some eukaryotic organisms are unicellular. Prokaryotic cells are typically unicellular1.
• Cell Division: Eukaryotic cells divide by mitosis, whereas prokaryotic cells divide by binary fission1.
• Genetic Material: In eukaryotic cells, DNA is organized into chromosomes within the nucleus. In contrast, prokaryotic cells have a single circular DNA molecule and may also contain plasmids—small rings of DNA1.

These differences reflect the complexity and diversity of cell types that have evolved to fulfill various roles in the living world. Eukaryotic cells’ complexity allows for the development of more specialized functions and multicellular organisms, while prokaryotic cells’ simplicity is well-suited to their roles as single-celled organisms.

The difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, suitable for GCSE level:

1. Nucleus

Prokaryotic cells: No nucleus. Their DNA is free in the cell (in a region called the nucleoid).

Eukaryotic cells: Have a nucleus where the DNA is stored.

2. Size

Prokaryotic cells: Smaller (1-10 micrometers).

Eukaryotic cells: Larger (10-100 micrometers).

3. Complexity

Prokaryotic cells: Simple structure, with no organelles (special compartments) surrounded by membranes.

Eukaryotic cells: More complex, with many organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts (in plants).

4. Cell Division

Prokaryotic cells: Divide by a simple process called binary fission.

Eukaryotic cells: Divide by mitosis (for growth) or meiosis (for making gametes).

5. DNA Structure

Prokaryotic cells: DNA is circular and not in a nucleus.

Eukaryotic cells: DNA is linear and kept inside the nucleus.

6. Ribosomes

Prokaryotic cells: Smaller ribosomes (used to make proteins).

Eukaryotic cells: Larger ribosomes.

7. Examples

Prokaryotic cells: Bacteria.

Eukaryotic cells: Animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

In short, prokaryotic cells are small and simple, while eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex.

Eukaryotic cells are Animal, Plant and Fungal cells. They usually make up multicellular organisms . Prokaryotic cells is the name given to single called bacterial cells.

Eukaryotic Cells:

-Have DNA contained inside of a nucleus

-May have a Cellulose cell wall (Plant Cells)

-Contain organelles such as Mitochondria/Ribosomes/Chloroplasts

Prokaryotic Cells:

-DNA is not stored in a nucleus, often found as plasmid rings

-May have a flagella for movement

-Cell wall usually present as a Capsule.

Eukaryotic cells have a membrane around the nucleus whereas prokaryotic cells dont