Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are the two primary types of cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes are smaller and simpler, found in bacteria and archaea, while eukaryotes are larger and more complex, found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Both cell types are fundamental to life and have key differences in structure and function.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
- Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cell Diagram
- What is Prokaryote Cell?
- What is Eukaryotic Cell?
- FAQs on Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cell
Difference Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
The difference between prokaryotes vs eukaryotes are as follows:
Characteristics |
Prokaryotes Cell |
Eukaryotes Cell |
---|---|---|
Cell Organelles |
Lack membrane-bound organelles, though they may have simpler structures like ribosomes. |
Contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and more. |
Nucleus |
Lack a true nucleus. Genetic material is present in the nucleoid, not enclosed by a membrane. |
Have a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane, containing genetic material (DNA). |
Size |
The size of the cell is smaller (0.1–5 μm). |
In comparison, the cell size is bigger (10-100 μm). |
DNA Arrangement |
Single, circular chromosome (DNA). May also contain plasmids. |
Multiple linear chromosomes (DNA) found in the nucleus. |
Type of Cell |
This cell has a unicellular structure |
Multicellular eukaryotic cells predominate. Nevertheless, some are monocellular. |
Lysosome and Peroxisome |
Lysosomes and Peroxisomes absent |
Lysosomes and Peroxisomes present |
Microtubules |
Microtubules are absent |
Microtubules are present |
Endoplasmic Reticulum |
The endoplasmic reticulum is absent |
The endoplasmic reticulum is present |
Mitochondria |
Mitochondria is absent |
Mitochondria is present |
Cytoskeleton |
Cytoskeleton is absent |
Cytoskeleton is present |
Ribosomes |
Ribosomes are smaller |
Ribosomes are larger |
Vesicles |
Vesicles are present |
Vesicles are present |
Cell Wall |
The cell wall is present |
Cell wall not present |
Cell Division |
Pk cell divide by binary fission |
Ek cell divide by a process known as mitosis. |
Reproduction |
Reproduce primarily through binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction. |
Reproduce through mitosis (asexual) and meiosis (sexual) processes. |
Flagella |
Present but smaller in size. |
Large-size flagella. |
Complexity |
Generally simpler in structure and function. |
More complex structurally and functionally due to organelles and cellular compartmentalization. |
Example |
Archea, Bacteria |
Plant, Fungi, Animal Cell |
Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cell Diagram
The labeled diagram of prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cell is shown below:
What is Prokaryote Cell?
Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms and are among the simplest and most ancient forms of life on Earth. It is characterized by the absence of a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. There are two main groups of prokaryotes: bacteria and archaea.
Characteristics of Prokaryote Cell
Different characteristics distinguish prokaryotic cells. The properties of prokaryotic cells are discussed below:
- Prokaryotic cells have a nucleoid where the genetic material is located. It is not separated by a membrane.
- They lack histone proteins, which are essential components of eukaryotic chromosomes.
- Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum,etc. They have simpler structures that serve similar functions.
- They have a cell membrane, in some cases cell wall, and ribosomes.
- They may have flagella or pili for attachment and movement.
- Reproduction is through binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction.
What is Eukaryotic Cell?
Organisms belonging to the domain Eukaryota, contains eukaryotic cells which includes animals, plants, fungi, and protists. It is characterized by a true nucleus present within a nuclear membrane, and contain membrane-bound organelles.
Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cell
The characteristics of eukaryotic cell are as follows:
- Eukaryotic cells are larger in size compared to prokaryotic cells.
- It have a well-defined nucleus that contain the DNA and the nucleus is separated from the cytoplasm by a nuclear membrane.
- In a eukaryotic cell, flagella and cilia are the locomotory organs.
- It contain membrane-bound organelles like Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lysosomes, and cell wall is the outermost layer.
- Cell divide through both asexual and sexual processes.
FAQs on Prokaryotic Cell and Eukaryotic Cells
1. What is the Difference between Prokaryotic Cell and Eukaryotic Cells?
Answer:
Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles while in the eukaryotic cells there is a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
2. What are Examples of Prokaryotic Organisms?
Answer:
Prokaryotic organisms include bacteria and archaea. Common examples include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus, etc.
3. What are Examples of Eukaryotic Organisms?
Answer:
Eukaryotic organisms includes animals (e.g., cats, dogs), plants (e.g., trees, flowers), fungi (e.g., mushrooms, yeast), and protists (e.g., amoebas, algae)
4. What is the Function of the Nucleus in Eukaryotic Cells?
Answer:
The nucleus in eukaryotic cells contains DNA and is responsible for regulating gene expression, DNA replication.
5. How do Prokaryotic Cells Reproduce?
Answer:
Prokaryotic cells reproduce through binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction in which one cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
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