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.

eukaryotic have a nucleus

eukaryotic have a membrane bound orangells

eukaryotic cells are larger

The main difference between the Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes is that Prokaryotes does not contain nuclear envelope and the DNA swims in the cytoplasm also they do not contain double membrane organelles

prokaryotic cells are simple and mostly unicellular and they don't have clear nucleus in their bodies on the other hand the eukaryotic cells which are complex and multicellular and they have clear nucleus in their bodies

Prokaryotic cell have no nucleus but Eukaryotic cells have nucleus.

For GCSE's you need to remember that Eukaryotic cells have membrane bound organelles such as a nucleus whereas, Prokaryotic cells are do not. Secondly, remember some examples, Eukaryotic cells are plant and animal cells whereas Prokaryotic cells are bacteria cells.

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 have a membrane around the nucleus whereas prokaryotic cells dont

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!

Nucleus(DNA):

• Prokaryotic Cells: No nucleus; their genetic material is free-floating in the cell.
• Eukaryotic Cells: Have a nucleus that holds their genetic material.

Size:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Generally smaller and simpler (usually 0.1 to 5.0 micrometers).
• Eukaryotic Cells: Typically larger and more complex (usually 10 to 100 micrometers).

Organelles:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Lack membrane-bound organelles; they have basic structures like ribosomes.
• Eukaryotic Cells: Contain membrane-bound organelles, like mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, which perform specific functions.

Cell Wall:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Most have a rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria).
• Eukaryotic Cells: Some (like plants and fungi) have cell walls made of cellulose or chitin, but animal cells do not have cell walls.

Reproduction:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Reproduce asexually, mainly through binary fission (splitting in half).
• Eukaryotic Cells: Can reproduce asexually (mitosis) or sexually (meiosis).