differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Following are the some of the differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells.

1. Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells lack a distinct nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus that houses their genetic material (DNA).

2. Size and Complexity: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and simpler in structure compared to eukaryotic cells, which are typically larger and more complex.

3. Genetic Material: In prokaryotic cells, the genetic material is usually a single circular DNA molecule located in the cytoplasm, whereas eukaryotic cells have multiple linear DNA molecules enclosed within the nucleus.

4. Membrane-bound Organelles: Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes, which perform specific functions. Prokaryotic cells lack these membrane-bound organelles.

5. Cell Division: Prokaryotic cells reproduce through binary fission, a process where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells. Eukaryotic cells undergo mitosis or meiosis, which involves complex stages of nuclear division and cytoplasmic division.

6. Ribosomes: Both types of cells have ribosomes, but in prokaryotic cells, ribosomes are smaller and free-floating in the cytoplasm, while in eukaryotic cells, they are larger and can be found both free-floating and attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

7. Cell Wall: Many prokaryotic cells have a cell wall outside the plasma membrane, providing structural support and protection. Some eukaryotic cells, such as plant cells and fungi, also have a cell wall, but it is chemically different from that of prokaryotes.

The primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles are only present in eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotes are always unicellular, while eukaryotes are often multi-celled organisms. Additionally, eukaryotic cells are more than 100 to 10,000 times larger than prokaryotic cells and are much more complex.

The DNA in eukaryotes is stored within the nucleus, while DNA is stored in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes. Additionally, DNA in eukaryotic cells is stored in double-stranded chromosomes that are condensed by histones. In contrast, prokaryotic cells have one primary circular chromosome and various plasmids, which are small rings of DNA. The DNA of eukaryotic cells has proportionally less coding DNA and high amount of non-coding DNA compared to prokaryotic cells.

Hi Elizabeth, please find my answer below which will help your understanding of the difference:

The key difference is that prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus whereas eukaryotic cells do have a nucleus. An example of a prokaryotic cell is a bacterial cell. An example of a eukaryotic cell would an animal or plant cell, as these both have nuclei!