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.

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.