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Differences and Similarities
Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells |
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The differences between
prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are mostly due to the size and complexity
difference between the two cell types. However, the cell types still share
similarities. Scientists have suggested that the cells are similar because
eukaryotes may have evolved from prokaryotes. |
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| Differences: |
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| 1)
Size: Eukaryotic cells are much larger and more complex. |
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2)
Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells
do.
This makes sense, because eukaryotic cells are large enough that they need a
nucleus to keep genetic activities close together and increase efficiency.
Prokaryotic cells are small enough so that a nucleus is not necessary to
maintain efficiency. Instead, prokaryotic cells have something called a
nucleoid. The nucleoid is essentially imaginary, and is the region in which
genetic activity occurs within the prokaryotic cell. |
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| 3)
Structure of DNA: Eukaryotic DNA is linear while prokaryotic DNA is
circular. Also, Eukaryotic DNA is organized into chromosomes and is
complexed with specialized proteins called histones. In Contrast,
prokaryotic DNA does not have histones associated with it and prokaryotic
DNA does not form chromosomes. |
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| 4)
Ribosome Structure: Eukaryotic ribosomes are much larger than prokaryotic
ribosomes. |
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| 5)
Organelles: The cytoplasm of prokaryotes does not contain any organelles.
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Similarities: |
| 1)
Enclosed by plasma membranes. |
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| 2)
Contain ribosomes. |
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| 3)
Have DNA. |
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| 4)
Filled with cytoplasm. |
