differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

One of the biggest differences between these two cell types is how the DNA is stored. In a prokaryotic cell, the DNA is not bound (contained). In a eukaryotic cell, the DNA is stored in a nucleus.

Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms, with only ribosomes, cell walls and membranes and the nucleoid.

Eukaryotic cells contain ribosomes, cell walls and membranes, nucleus, nucleolus, nuclear membrane, mitochondria, golgi, cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, and peroxisomes.

Generally, eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cells and more complex . The main difference is that prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. This means that their genetic material (DNA) just floats in the cytoplasm, whereas in eukaryotes, the DNA is in a membrane-bound nucleus. They also have organelles, like mitochondria, which are surrounded by a membrane.

Hey Elizabeth,

First we want to understand what the question is asking us and if there any key words in the question that can help us out For Example: Differences . This helps us understand we need to contrast between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Using our knowledge of cells we can gain that in animal cells there is always a nucleus hence a eukaryotic cell which is a cell with a nucleus/nuclear envelope. However in plant cells we know that they lack a nucleus/nuclear envelope hence being a prokaryotic cell. There are more differences between the two structurally as Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles whereas prokaryotic cells don't contain membrane-bound organelles and are always part of unicellular organisms. I hope this helps you understand more clearly.

Hi Elizabeth,

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, are generally smaller and simpler, and have smaller ribosomes.

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, are generally larger and more complex, divide by mitosis, and have larger ribosomes.

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

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.

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, prokaryotic cells do not.

Eukaryotic examples are animal and plant cells

Prokaryotic example would be bacterial cell

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

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 has nucleus but prokaryotic doesn’t,eukaryotic has membrane bound organelle,eukaryotic is larger ,eukaryotic is multicellular and prokaryotic is unicellular

Eukaryotic cells are complex cells that contain a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They are found in multicellular organisms such as animals, plants, and fungi. Prokaryotic cells are simple cells that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They are found in single-celled organisms such as bacteria.

Hi Elizebeth,

Thanks for your question.

So cells come in two main types:

prokaryotic

eukaryotic.

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller. They do not have a nucleus or other specialised structures called organelles that are enclosed by membranes. This means their genetic material, DNA, is not stored in a nucleus but is instead found in a region of the cell called the nucleoid. Bacteria are a common example of organisms with prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, are more complex and larger. They have a defined nucleus, where the DNA is kept separate from the rest of the cell. Eukaryotic cells also contain various membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria (power generators of the cell), endoplasmic reticulum (where proteins and lipids are made), and Golgi apparatus (sorts and packages proteins). Plants, animals, fungi, and protists are all made up of eukaryotic cells.

In summary, the key difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is in their complexity: prokaryotic cells are basic with no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles, making them more complex and capable of performing a wider range of functions.

Prokaryotes are unicellular (single celled) organisms, such as bacteria. Prokaryotic cells lack complex features such as organelles and also lack nuclei, which are central features of eukaryotic cells; instead, their DNA is free in the cytoplasm. Additional plasmids (small loops of DNA) can also be found in prokaryotes. Prokaryotes typically have a cell wall in addition to a cell membrane.

Eukaryotic cells are found in multicellular organisms such as plants and animals. These may contain many organelles, such as chloroplasts and mitochondria. A key feature is the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus, in which their DNA can be found.

Prokaryotic cells are also much smaller than eukaryotic cells, ranging from 0.2 micrometers to 2.0 micrometers, in contrast to eukaryotic cells which can range from 5 micrometers to 100 micrometers.

Prokaryotic cells have no true nucleus, they contain free genetic material and plasmids (rings of DNA). Eukaryotic cells do contain a whole true nucleus which contains all genetic material inside. Prokaryotic cells do not contain any mitochondria where as Eukaryotic cells do contain mitochondria. An example of a Prokaryote would be a bacteria cell, and an example of a Eukaryote would be a plant cell.

Prokaryotic cells, found in bacteria and archaea, are more simple. These cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, and their genetic material is in the form of circular DNA. However, in eukaryotic cells, prevalent in plants, animals, fungi, and protists, possess a distinct nucleus, surrounded by a membrane, and house various membrane-bound organelles that compartmentalize cellular functions.