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 |
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