differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

There are few aspects between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that differ, some of which are:

• Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus - the loop of DNA is free in the cytoplasm, whilst in eukaryotic cells the DNA is enclosed in a nucleus
• Prokaryotic cells have additional loops of DNA called plasmids, however eukaryotic cells don't have any plasmids
• Prokaryotic cells are encased by a cell wall, however eukaryotic cells don't have a cell wall around them
• Prokaryotic cells don't have any membrane-bound organelles such as a nucleus or mitochondria, however eukaryotic cells do have membrane-bound organelles within them
• Prokaryotic cells tend to be unicellular whilst eukaryotic cells tend to be multicellular

eukaryotic cells have a double-envelope bound nucleus which contains all of the cell’s DNA but prokaryotic cells have no nucleus but rather a loop of DNA with extra pieces of DNA in plasmids

eukaryotic cells do not have slime capsules but some prokaryotic cells do

eukaryotic cells do not have flagella but some prokaryotic cells do

eukaryotic cells contain mitochondria but prokaryotic cells do not

there are many more differences

There are several differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Firstly, eukaryotic cells have membrane bound organelles while prokaryotic cells do not. Therefore, prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus and their DNA is circular while eukaryotic DNA is linear. The ribosomes within prokaryotic cells are smaller and prokaryotic cells are always unicellular while eukaryotic cells can be either unicellular or multicellular.

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.

A prokaryotic cell doesn't contain a nucleus whereas a eukaryotic cell does contain a nucleus.

I have a silly way of remembering this - a prokaryotic cell is a PRO therefore doesn't need a nucleus because it's just that cool!

The eukaryotic cells have a membrane bound nucleus and the prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane around the nucleus.

Eukaryotic cells are cells like animal or plant cells.

prokaryotic cells are cells like bacteria.

The key difference between the two is that Eukaryotic cells contain membrane bound organelles whereas prokaryotic cells do not. They also have variable (different) organelles, for example eukaryotic cells have a nucleus whereas prokaryotic cells do not!

Eukaryotic cells are generally larger.

Eukaryotes have cell membranes surrounded by cell walls in plants and fungi.

Prokaryotes have cell walls.

Prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria or ribosomes and their genetic material is found free in the cytoplasm - there is no nucleus. There may also be plasmids.

Cell division in eukaryotic cells is via mitosis whilst prokaryotic cells undergo binary fission.

Prokaryotic cells are usually:

Size: Generally much smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is located in a single circular DNA molecule that floats freely in the cytoplasm.

Organelles: They lack membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria or chloroplasts. However, they do contain ribosomes, which are smaller than those found in eukaryotic cells.

Cell Structure: The cell is usually enclosed by a cell wall, which is different in composition from that of eukaryotic plant cells. Some also have a capsule or slime layer for protection.

Reproduction: Prokaryotic cells reproduce asexually through binary fission, a simple division process where the DNA is replicated and the cell splits into two identical daughter cells.

Prokaryotic cells have which eukaryotic cells do not have

• 70S Ribosomes
• Plasmid
• Flagella
• No nucleus whilst eukaryotic cells do
• No Mitochondria whilst eukaryotic cells do
• Prokaryotic cells are a lot smaller

eukaryotic have a nucleus

eukaryotic have a membrane bound orangells

eukaryotic cells are larger

Prokaryotic cells:

• contain no nucleus
• DNA is not associated with proteins (e.g histones)
• DNA is circular
• plasmids are present
• no membrane bound organelles
• no chloroplasts
• ribosomes are smaller (70s)
• cell walls are made of murein
• capsule may be present

Eukaryotic cells:

• have a distinct nucleus and nuclear envelope
• DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones
• DNA is linear
• no plasmids present
• membrane bound organelles
• plant cells contain chloroplasts
• ribosomes are larger (80s)
• cell walls made of chitin or cellulose
• no capsules

1. Nucleus:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a true nucleus. Their genetic material is not enclosed in a membrane; instead, it is located in a region called the nucleoid.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Have a true nucleus, where the cell’s DNA is enclosed within a nuclear membrane.

2. Size:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Generally smaller (0.1 to 5.0 micrometers).

• Eukaryotic Cells: Larger (10 to 100 micrometers).

3. Organelles:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Lack membrane-bound organelles. Ribosomes are smaller (70S).

• Eukaryotic Cells: Contain membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus). Ribosomes are larger (80S).

4. Cell Structure:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Often have a rigid cell wall composed of peptidoglycan (in bacteria). They may also possess a capsule and flagella.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Cell walls (if present) are typically made of cellulose (in plants) or chitin (in fungi). Animal cells do not have cell walls.

5. Reproduction:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Reproduce asexually through binary fission.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Can reproduce asexually (mitosis) or sexually (meiosis).

6. Genetic Material:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Typically have a single, circular DNA molecule.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Have multiple linear chromosomes.

7. Examples:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Bacteria and archaea.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

These differences highlight the fundamental distinctions between the two cell types, impacting their structure, function, and evolutionary history.

The main difference is that eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus which tells the cell what to do but prokaryotic cells don't have one, though they have free floating genetic material in the cytoplasm of the cell.

Prokaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells

No nucleus. Nucleus.

Genetic information Genetic information contained in nucleus.

contained in plasmids

or free in cell.

Usually unicellular. Multicellular.

Bacteria. Plants and animals.