differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Eukaryotes are larger and more complex than prokaryotes. They contain a nucleus surrounded by a membrane that holds the cell’s chromosomes. Eukaryotes also have other organelles such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, and the endoplasmic reticulum. Prokaryotic cells, on the other hand, do not have a nucleus or other membrane-bound organelles. Instead, their genetic material is located in a single circular chromosome that is not surrounded by a membrane.

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or ribosomes, whereas Eukaryotic cells do. Instead Prokaryotic cells have a circular strand of DNA known as a plasmid.

There are a number of differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are single celled organisms whereas eukaryotes make up multicellular organisms. Prokaryotes have no membrane bound nucleus or organelles and are smaller than eukaryotes (from 0.5um to 100um). On the other hand, eukaryotes have a membrane bound nucleus and organelles and tend to be larger (10-150um).

Prokaryotic cells have no membrane bound genetic material while eukaryotic cells have a nuclear membrane surrounding their genetic material.

The primary difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles are only present in eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells make up prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. 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. The ribosomes in eukaryotic cells are 80S, with 40S and 60S subunits, and in prokaryotic cells: 70S with 30 and 50S subunits. 

The makeup of the locomotive structures (i.e., flagellum) also varies between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In eukaryotic cells, flagella are microtubule bundles composed of dynein and a plasma membrane that is powered by ATP to make a blending motion. Prokaryotic locomotive structures are instead composed of repeated flagellin, a hook, and a motor complex attached to the cellular membrane that is powered by protons to make a rotator motion.

The cell types also vary in their mechanisms of cell division. Prokaryotes can undergo binary fission where one cell multiplies its contents, the cytoplasmic membrane elongates in cytokinesis separating the DNA molecules, and two identical cells emerge. All eukaryotes undergo a similar but more complicated process called mitosis. In both binary fission and mitosis, the parent cells have the exact same number of chromosomes as their daughter cells. However, in sexually reproducing eukaryotic organisms, they can also undergo meiosis during which re-assortment creates genetically unique reproductive cells called gametes or sex cells, which have half the number of chromosomes as the parent cells, so they are known as haploids.

Just like a eukaryotic cell, individual prokaryotic cells have their own cytoplasm, cell membrane and ribosomes, but the prokaryotic cell always misses a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. A eukaryotic cell is also typically much bigger than the whole prokaryotic cell.

However, the most important difference is that the eukaryotic cell has a TRUE nucleus, meaning that this nucleus that contains the DNA in the form of chromosomes is surrounded by a double-layered membrane. We should recognize that the DNA in prokaryotic cells is not really in the form of chromosomes.

eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and are the basis for unicellular and multicellular organisms (e.g. animals, fungi). however, prokaryotic cells don’t have membrane bound nucleus or membranes (e.g. bacteria cells)

Prokaryotic cell have no nucleus but Eukaryotic cells have nucleus.

well there are many differences. let’s discuss with few of them.

prokaryotes are unicellular. while eukaryotes are often multi cellular organisms

eukaryotic cells are complex cells that contain a nucleus and other membrane bound organelles

Prokaryotic: unicellular, contain a cell wall, have no mitochondria or chloroplasts, no nucleus so DNA is free in the cytoplasm (plasmids in bacteria) cell division is binary fission

examples : fungi and bacteria

eukaryotic: multicellular, no cell wall only cell membrane, contain mitochondria and chloroplasts in plant cells, DNA enclosed in a nucleus, cell division is mitosis

examples: plant cells, animal cells

Cellular Organization:

• Prokaryotic cells: These are simpler in structure and lack membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material is found in a region called the nucleoid, which is not enclosed by a membrane. They also lack other membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
• Eukaryotic cells: These are more complex and have membrane-bound organelles including a well-defined nucleus where the genetic material (DNA) is contained within a membrane-bound nucleus. They possess various organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and chloroplasts (in plants).

Size:

• Prokaryotic cells: Generally smaller, typically ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers in diameter.
• Eukaryotic cells: Generally larger, ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers in diameter.

Genetic Material:

• Prokaryotic cells: Have a single, circular chromosome composed of DNA, found in the nucleoid region. They may also contain plasmids, small circular DNA molecules.
• Eukaryotic cells: Have multiple linear chromosomes composed of DNA, contained within the nucleus. They do not typically contain plasmids.

Ribosomes:

• Prokaryotic cells: Have smaller ribosomes (70S) consisting of a 50S and a 30S subunit.
• Eukaryotic cells: Have larger ribosomes (80S) consisting of a 60S and a 40S subunit.

Cell Division:

• Prokaryotic cells: Reproduce through binary fission, a simpler form of cell division where the cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
• Eukaryotic cells: Reproduce through mitosis (for somatic cells) or meiosis (for reproductive cells), involving complex processes of cell division with multiple stages.

Cytoplasmic Structures:

• Prokaryotic cells: Lack membrane-bound organelles. They may contain ribosomes, a cell wall (in bacteria), flagella, and pili.
• Eukaryotic cells: Contain various membrane-bound organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes, and chloroplasts (in plants).

Examples:

• Prokaryotic cells: Bacteria and archaea.
• Eukaryotic cells: Protists, fungi, plants, and animals.

The biggest difference is that a eukaryotic cell (plant/animal/fungus) cell has a nucleus, whereas a prokaryotic (bacterial) cell does not. Prokaryotic genetic material floats freely in the cell cytoplasm.

Aside from that, here are some other key differences:

• Edivide by mitosis (meiosis in gametes), prokaryotes divide by binary fission
• Eukaryotes are 5μm - 100μm, prokaryotes are much smaller (0.2-2μm)
• Prokaryotes don't contain mitochondria or chloroplasts
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Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are the two primary types of cells, differing fundamentally in their structure and complexity. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Nucleus:

• Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus. Their genetic material is not enclosed within a nuclear membrane; instead, it is located in a region called the nucleoid.
• Eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus, where the cell’s DNA is enclosed within a nuclear envelope.

1. Cell Size:

• Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller, typically between 0.1 to 5 micrometers in diameter.
• Eukaryotic cells are larger, usually between 10 to 100 micrometers in diameter.

1. Cell Complexity:

• Prokaryotic cells are simpler in structure, with fewer types of organelles.
• Eukaryotic cells are more complex, containing a variety of organelles such as mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus.

1. Cell Wall:

• Many prokaryotes have a rigid cell wall composed of peptidoglycan (in bacteria) or other substances.
• Eukaryotic cells may or may not have a cell wall. If present, the cell wall is usually made of cellulose (in plants) or chitin (in fungi).

1. Ribosomes:

• Prokaryotic cells contain 70S ribosomes, which are smaller.
• Eukaryotic cells contain 80S ribosomes, which are larger.

1. DNA Structure:

• Prokaryotic DNA is typically circular and not associated with histone proteins.
• Eukaryotic DNA is linear and closely associated with histones to form chromatin and chromosomes.

1. Reproduction:

• Prokaryotes reproduce asexually through processes such as binary fission.
• Eukaryotes can reproduce both sexually and asexually, with mechanisms including mitosis and meiosis.

1. Organelles:

• Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles.
• Eukaryotic cells have multiple membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, chloroplasts (in plants), the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus.

1. Cytoplasmic Division:

• Prokaryotic cells often divide by binary fission, where the cell simply splits into two.
• Eukaryotic cells divide by mitosis or meiosis, involving complex processes of chromosomal alignment and separation.

1. Genetic Recombination:

• Prokaryotic genetic recombination occurs through processes such as transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
• Eukaryotic genetic recombination primarily occurs during meiosis.

These differences reflect the evolutionary distance between prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, with eukaryotic cells representing a more complex and compartmentalized cellular organization.

Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus whilst eukaryotic cells do! An easy way to remember this is by telling yourself 'eu' is 'yes' due to the similarly in wording so in essence- eukaryotic yes nucleus!

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