differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in a few key ways:

1. Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells don't have a nucleus; their DNA just floats around in the cell. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus that houses their DNA.

2. Size: Prokaryotic cells are usually smaller and simpler, like bacteria. Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex, found in plants, animals, and humans.

3. Organelles: Eukaryotic cells have specialized structures called organelles (like mitochondria and chloroplasts) that perform different functions. Prokaryotic cells lack these organelles.

In short, prokaryotic cells are simpler and don't have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells are more complex with a nucleus and organelles.

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

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!

Prokaryotic cell have no nucleus but Eukaryotic cells have nucleus.

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:

• don't have a nucleus.
• contain circular DNA.
• contain Plasmids.
• the DNA is associated with no proteins called Histones.
• they lack membrane-bound organelles (like mitochondria, nucleus, golgi bodies, etc)
• very small (0.5-5um in diameter)
• contain 70s ribosomes.

Eukaryotic cells:

• have a nucleus.
• contain linear DNA.
• the DNA is wrapped around proteins called Histones, to form chromosomes.
• contain membrane-bound organelles.
• small, but bigger than prokaryotes (up to 100um in diameter)
• contain 80s ribosomes.

the prokaryotic cells do not contain any nucleus yet the eukaryotic cells contain nucleus.

Prokaryotic cell:

1. Cells that lack a well-defined nucleus are called prokaryotic cells.
2. Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound nuclei or organelles.
3. They are unicellular organisms.

Eukaryotic cell:

1. Cells having a well-defined nucleus are called eukaryotic cells.
2. They contain a nucleus and organelles which are bound by plasma membranes.
3. They are usually multicellular organisms.

Prokaryotic cell is a single -celled organism which lacks a nucleus and other cell organelles

while Eukaryotic cells are which are bounded with cell membrane and contains a nucleus

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles (such as the nucleus and mitochondria), while prokaryotic cells do not. DNA in eukaryotic cells is found inside the nucleus, while DNA in prokaryotic cells is located in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells are generally larger (Most are 5 μm – 100 μm)

and more complex than prokaryotic cells (Most are 0.2 μm – 2.0 μm). Most prokaryotic cells divide by the process of binary fission, whereas in eukaryotes, cell division occurs by mitosis.

Prokaryotic cells have:

• no nucleus
• no membrane-bound organelles

Whereas eukaryotic cells have:

• A nucleus
• membrane-bound organelles

When we look at cells, we can divide them into two main types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. These two types of cells are quite different in several key ways, but both are essential to life in different forms.

Examples of prokaryotic cells include bacteria and archaea, organisms that are often much smaller and simpler than eukaryotes. Despite this, prokaryotic cells (such as bacteria) are incredibly efficient and can live in extreme environments like boiling hot springs or deep-sea vents. Some can even survive in space! Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, make up all plants, animals, fungi, and protists—organisms that are typically much more complex.

One of the biggest differences is the nucleus. Prokaryotic cells don’t have a true nucleus. Instead, their genetic material floats freely in a region called the nucleoid, which isn't enclosed by a membrane. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have a clearly defined, membrane-bound nucleus where the genetic material (DNA) is safely stored and protected.

When it comes to their DNA, prokaryotic cells have circular DNA that just floats around in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic cells have long, linear DNA organized into chromosomes inside the nucleus. This organization makes it easier for eukaryotic cells to manage their genetic information.

Another major difference is the presence of organelles. Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria or chloroplasts. Everything they need to carry out their life processes is contained within the cell membrane or the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells, however, have a variety of membrane-bound organelles that carry out specialized tasks—like mitochondria for energy production and, in plant cells, chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

There are many more ways that prokaryotic and eukaryotic diverge but I hope this gives you a flavour.

Prokaryotic cells can be distinguished from eukaryotic cells as they lack a nucleus (and also lack any other membrane-bound organelles). Therefore prokaryotic DNA is free in the cytoplasm, whereas the DNA of eukaryotic cells is enclosed in a nucleus.

Prokaryotic cells also have different types of DNA to eukaryotic cells: while both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain DNA arranged in chromosomes, prokaryotic cells may additionally contain plasmid DNA (a circular loop of DNA which is separate from chromosomal DNA).

It is important to note that forming single-celled organisms is NOT specific to prokaryotic cells - eukaryotic cells can also form single celled organisms (e.g. amoeba). This is something I didn't initially realise at GCSE!

Eukaryotic Cells have their DNA contained in a nucleus, Prokaryotic Cells do not have an organised nucleus.

A Prokaryotic cell does not have a true, membrane-bound nucleus, unlike a Eukaryotic cell.