Prokaryotic Cell vs. Eukaryotic Cell: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 26, 2023
Prokaryotic cells are simple, lacking a nucleus and organelles, found in bacteria and archaea; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and organelles, found in plants, animals, and fungi.
Key Differences
Prokaryotic cells are characterized by their simplicity, lacking a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. In contrast, eukaryotic cells possess a true nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane, along with various specialized organelles.
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The DNA in prokaryotic cells is typically a single, circular chromosome located in a region called the nucleoid. Eukaryotic cells, however, have multiple linear chromosomes contained within the nucleus, offering more complex genetic regulation.
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Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller in size and have a simpler structure, making them efficient in rapid growth and replication. Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex, allowing for greater specialization and multicellular organization.
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Cell division in prokaryotic cells occurs through binary fission, a simpler and quicker process. In eukaryotic cells, cell division is more complex, involving either mitosis or meiosis, processes that ensure genetic diversity and fidelity.
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In terms of energy production, prokaryotic cells often have cell membranes adapted for this purpose, while eukaryotic cells use membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria (and chloroplasts in plants) for energy production, indicating a higher level of complexity and efficiency.
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Comparison Chart
Nucleus
No true nucleus; DNA in nucleoid
Defined nucleus with nuclear membrane
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Organelles
No membrane-bound organelles
Membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria)
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Multicellularity
Usually single-celled
Often multi-celled (can be single-celled)
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Metabolic Processes
Varied, often in cell membrane
In specialized organelles (e.g., chloroplasts)
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Prokaryotic Cell and Eukaryotic Cell Definitions
Prokaryotic Cell
Simple, single-celled organism without a nucleus.
Bacteria in the human gut are prokaryotic cells aiding in digestion.
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Eukaryotic Cell
Advanced cell with organelles for specific functions.
Neurons in the brain are eukaryotic cells specialized in signal transmission.
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Prokaryotic Cell
Single-celled life form with a simple cellular structure.
Prokaryotic cells in E. coli bacteria can cause food poisoning.
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Eukaryotic Cell
Cell type found in animals, plants, and fungi with a nucleus.
The eukaryotic cells of an oak tree perform photosynthesis.
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Prokaryotic Cell
Cell type characterized by absence of membrane-bound organelles.
The prokaryotic cells of cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis.
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Eukaryotic Cell
Larger cell with multiple chromosomes in a nuclear membrane.
Eukaryotic cells in muscle tissue contract to enable movement.
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Prokaryotic Cell
Smaller, more primitive cell with DNA in a nucleoid.
Prokaryotic cells in yogurt are responsible for fermentation.
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Eukaryotic Cell
Complex cell with a true nucleus and organelles.
Human skin cells are eukaryotic cells with specialized functions.
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Prokaryotic Cell
Microbial cell lacking a defined nucleus.
Soil bacteria consist of prokaryotic cells that help in nutrient cycling.
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Eukaryotic Cell
Cellular structure capable of forming multi-cellular organisms.
Eukaryotic cells in algae form complex, multicellular structures.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can eukaryotic cells be multicellular?
Yes, they can form complex multicellular organisms.
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How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells reproduce?
Prokaryotic cells reproduce by binary fission; eukaryotic cells use mitosis or meiosis.
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Do prokaryotic cells have mitochondria?
No, they lack membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria.
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What is the genetic material in prokaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells contain a single, circular DNA molecule as their genetic material.
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Are prokaryotic cells single-celled?
Yes, they are typically single-celled organisms.
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What organisms have prokaryotic cells?
Bacteria and archaea are composed of prokaryotic cells.
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What defines a prokaryotic cell?
A simple cell without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
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What is a key feature of eukaryotic cells?
The presence of a true nucleus and specialized organelles.
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How does DNA differ in these cell types?
Prokaryotic cells have a single, circular chromosome, while eukaryotic cells have multiple, linear chromosomes.
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What is the size range of eukaryotic cells?
Eukaryotic cells are generally larger, ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers in size.
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What is the size difference between these cells?
Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells.
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Can eukaryotic cells be single-celled?
Yes, some eukaryotes like certain algae and protists are single-celled.
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Do eukaryotic cells have ribosomes?
Yes, eukaryotic cells have ribosomes for protein synthesis.
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How do eukaryotic cells reproduce?
Eukaryotic cells reproduce through mitosis for growth and asexual reproduction and meiosis for sexual reproduction.
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Do prokaryotic cells have a plasma membrane?
Yes, prokaryotic cells have a plasma membrane that separates the cell from its environment.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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