Difference between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes Cells
Prokaryotic Cells
These organisms have primitive and incomplete cells. Thus, they contain prokaryotic cells in their body structure. Prokaryotic cells have all three basic structures of a typical cell but lack nuclear membranes around their genetic substances (DNA). Nuclear material of a prokaryotic cell consists of a single chromosome which is in direct contact with cytoplasm.
Here, the undefined nuclear region in the cytoplasm is called nucleoid, i.e., there is no nuclear membrane. In a prokaryotic cell other membrane bound organelles, such as mitochondria, are also absent. Ribosomes, however, are present in prokaryotic cells. The prokaryotes include archaebacteria, bacteria and cyanobacteria (which earlier called blue-green algae).
Eukaryotic cells
These have advanced and complete cells. These cells contain membrane bound nuclei and other cellular organelles and are called eukaryotic cells. Such cells found in unicellular and multicellular plants and animals and contain plasma membrane, nucleus, DNA and cytoplasm with ribosomes and cellular organelles such as mitochondria. Membrane bound cell organelles such as plastids, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, etc., are present. Cell division occurs by mitotic or meiotic cell mitochondria, division.
Difference between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes Cells
| Prokaryotic cell | Eukaryotic cell |
| Size of a cell is generally small (1-10 mm). | Size of a cell is generally large (5- 100 mm). |
| Nucleus is absent (Nuclear region or nucleoid is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane). | Nucleus is present (Nuclear material is surrounded by a nuclear membrane). |
| It contains single chromosome. | It contains more than one chromosome. |
| Nucleolus is absent. | Membrane bound cell organelles such as plastids, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, peroxisomes, etc., are present. |
| Membrane bound cell organelles are absent. | Nucleolus is present in eukaryotes. |
| Cell division takes place by fission or budding (no mitosis). | Cell division occurs by mitotic or meiotic cell mitochondria, division. |