differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Prokaryotes are unicellular in comparison to eukaryotes that are most multicellular, though some are unicellular. In prokaryotes the nucleus and membrane-bound organelles are absent, but in eukaryotes they are present. The complexity of a prokaryotes is much simpler and they are much smaller (0.1-5 micrometres), but eukaryotes are more complex and large (10-100 micrometres). The DNA form of a prokaryote is circular, whilst for eukaryotes it’s linear.

Hi Elizabeth,

The main differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are:

- eukaryotic cells are usually 10 time bigger.

- eukaryotic cells are more complex.

- eukaryotic cells have a nucleus whereas prokaryotic cells don't.

- prokaryotic cells have a single strand of DNA floating in the cytoplasm whereas eukaryotic cells have their DNA in their nucleus.

- prokaryotic cells have plasmids (small rings of extra DNA that float in the cytoplasm).

I hope this helps.

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

PROKARYOTES

DNA in a ring w/o protein

DNA free in cytoplasm

Mitochondria absent

70s ribosomes

Internal compartmentalization absent to form organelles

Less than 10 um

EUKARYOTES

DNA with proteins as chromatin

DNA enclosed in nuclear envelope

Mitochondria present

80s ribosomes

Internal compartmentalization present to form organelles

More than 10 um

Both

DNA present

Plasma membrane

Carry out all functions of life

Eukaryotic cells are multicellular organism. Their DNA is stored in a nucleus. Whereas prokaryotic DNA consist of a single loop of DNA not stored in a nucleus.

Prokaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells

No nucleus. Nucleus.

Genetic information Genetic information contained in nucleus.

contained in plasmids

or free in cell.

Usually unicellular. Multicellular.

Bacteria. Plants and animals.

Prokaryotic cells(e.g. in a bacterium) are cells without a true nucleus. Their DNA is floating freely in the cytoplasm. They do not have any membrane bound organelles, only ribosomes. Because of these they tend to be much smaller than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells(e.g. human cells) are much larger than prokaryotic cells. This is because their DNA is enclosed in a nucleus and they have membrane bound organelles(e.g. mitochondria). Their ribosomes are also bigger than those of prokaryotic cells.

The main difference is that eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus which tells the cell what to do but prokaryotic cells don't have one, though they have free floating genetic material in the cytoplasm of the cell.

prokaryotic cells lack membrane bound organelles and a well defined nucleus, reproduce mainly through binary fission while eukaryotic cells have a well defined nucleus and membrane bound organelles, reproduce through mitosis.

There are many differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells

• Have a defined nucleus
• Have mitochondria
• Animal and plant cells are examples of these

Prokaryotic cells

• Do not have a defined nucleus
• Have circular DNA (stored in something called a plasmid)
• Examples include bacteria
• They contain an outer structure called a capsid
• They sometimes have tail-like structures called flagella

Prokaryotic cells are smaller, simpler cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, and they typically reproduce through binary fission. Eukaryotic cells are larger, more complex, contain a nucleus, and have membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and the Golgi apparatus. Examples of prokaryotes include bacteria, while eukaryotes include plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller, lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells are more complex, with a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles. Eukaryotes are found in a wide range of organisms, while prokaryotes are primarily unicellular organisms like bacteria.

Eukaryotic cells contain membrane bound organelles eg: nucleus, chloroplasts and mitochondria. Prokaryotic cells contain no membrane bound organelles.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have some key differences:

1. Structure:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Smaller and simpler, with no nucleus. The DNA floats freely in the cell.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Larger and more complex, with a nucleus that holds the cell’s DNA.

2. Organelles:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Have fewer parts inside, mostly ribosomes.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Have many parts like mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum that each do different jobs.

3. DNA:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Have one circular piece of DNA.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Have multiple pieces of DNA stored in the nucleus.

4. Cell Division:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Divide by a process called binary fission.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Divide by mitosis (or meiosis for reproduction).

5. Size:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Smaller (about 0.1–5 micrometers).

• Eukaryotic Cells: Larger (about 10–100 micrometers).

6. Examples:

• Prokaryotic Cells: Bacteria and archaea.

• Eukaryotic Cells: Animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

The main difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is the lack of nucleus (or a nuclear membrane membrane surrounding the nuclear material) in prokaryotes. Aside this, prokaryotes lack most of the organelles founds in eukaryotes. These include mitochondria, vacuole, chloroplast etc.