differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Hey Elizabeth, The prokaryotic cells are mainly bacterial cells and the eukaryotic cells are the human cells. Now the main difference between them can is that the prokaryotic cells have a cell wall whereas the eukaryotic cells do not. Another difference can be that the genetic material in the prokaryotic cells is not membrane-bound whereas in the eukaryotic cells they can be membrane-bound( nucleus). The eukaryotes have 80s ribosomes whereas the prokaryotes contain 70s ribosomes. The prokaryotes contain plasmids whereas the eukaryotes do not. There are also other differences but I hope this helps :)

Eukaryotic cells e.g. plant and animal cells have a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells e.g. bacterial cells do not have a nucleus (genetic material is found free in the cytoplasm) and do not have membrane bound organelles.

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.

A prokaryotic cell is a lot smaller, no nucleus, no membrane-bound organelles, example: bacteria and a eukaryotic cell is larger and has membrane bound organelles, example: plant and animal cells

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.

Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Prokaryotes are typically unicellular, simpler organisms, while eukaryotes can be unicellular or multicellular, forming more complex life forms, including plants, animals, and fungi.

Prokaryotes:

• unicellular
• cell wall
• no membrane bound organelles
• DNA is short, circular and not associated with histones
• no introns
• 70s ribosomes
• no nucleus

Eukaryotes:

• multicellular
• plant cells contain cell wall
• membrane bound organelles
• DNA is long, linear and associated with histones
• contains introns
• 80s ribosomes
• nucleus

Prokaryotic cells are bascially bacteria. They are characterised by, among other things, the lack of a nucleus containing genetic material - instead the genetic material is distributed freely in the cell. Eukaryotic cells have the genetic material confined to a nucleus which is clearly visible under the microscope...

Prokaryotic cells are single celled organisms such as bacteria and viruses. They do not have a nucleus but they contain DNA. Eukaryotic cells are present in multi-cellular organisms such as plants and animals and do contain a nucleus.

Prokaryotic cells have no membrane-bound organelles including a nucleus. The DNA of many prokaryotes can be found in a chromosomal loop of DNA or in plasmids.

Eukraryotic cells have a membrane bound nucleus and organelles whilst prokaryotic cells have free floating DNA with no nucleus

Eukaryotic have nuclues and membrane bound organelles. While prokaryotic do not have any of these.

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, prokaryotic cells do not.

Eukaryotic examples are animal and plant cells

Prokaryotic example would be bacterial cell

Similarities:

1. Cell Membrane: Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a cell membrane.

2. Genetic Material: They both contain genetic material (DNA)

Differences:

1. Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.

2. Membrane-bound Organelles: Eukaryotic cells possess membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, which are absent in prokaryotic cells.

3. Cell Size: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller, while eukaryotic cells can be larger and more complex.

4. DNA Structure: Prokaryotic cells have a single circular DNA molecule, while eukaryotic cells have multiple linear DNA molecules forming chromosomes.

Prokaryotic are always unicellular, while eukaryotic are usually multi-celled organisms.