Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes Comparison

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structural, genetic, and functional differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells based on the lecture notes.

Prokaryotes

Simple cells lacking a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, such as Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotes

Complex cells containing a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, including Animals, Plants, Fungi, and Protists.

Cell Size (Prokaryotes)

Small, ranging from $0.1-5\,μm$.

Cell Size (Eukaryotes)

Larger, ranging from $10-100\,μm$.

Nucleoid region

The area in a prokaryotic cell where DNA is located because a nucleus is absent.

DNA Structure (Prokaryotes)

Consists of a single circular chromosome.

DNA Structure (Eukaryotes)

Consists of multiple linear chromosomes enclosed within a nucleus.

Histone Proteins

Present in eukaryotes and archaea, but generally absent in bacteria.

70S Ribosomes

Smaller ribosomes found in prokaryotes, composed of $30S$ and $50S$ subunits.

80S Ribosomes

Larger ribosomes found in eukaryotes, composed of $40S$ and $60S$ subunits.

Peptidoglycan

The substance that usually composes the cell wall in bacteria.

Cell Wall (Eukaryotes)

Present in plants as cellulose and fungi as chitin; absent in animals.

Binary fission

The process of cell division used by prokaryotes.

Mitosis and meiosis

The processes of cell division used by eukaryotes.

Coupled Transcription and Translation

The simultaneous occurrence of transcription and translation in the cytoplasm of prokaryotes.

Transcription and Translation (Eukaryotes)

Processes occur separately; transcription happens in the nucleus and translation in the cytoplasm after mRNA leaves the nucleus.

Introns

Non-coding sequences of DNA that are common in eukaryotes but rare or absent in prokaryotes.

mRNA Processing

Extensive in eukaryotes (including 5' cap, poly-A tail, and splicing) but minimal or absent in prokaryotes.

Operons

The gene organization structure often used by prokaryotes; eukaryotes usually have one gene per promoter.

Plasmids

Small, circular DNA molecules that are common in prokaryotes but rare in eukaryotes.

Flagella (Prokaryotes)

Simple structure made of flagellin that uses rotary movement.

Flagella (Eukaryotes)

Complex microtubule structure with a $9+2$ arrangement that uses whip-like movement.

Energy Production (Prokaryotes)

Occurs at the plasma membrane.

Energy Production (Eukaryotes)

Occurs within the mitochondria.

Photosynthesis (Eukaryotes)

Occurs in chloroplasts in plants and algae.

Memory Trick: Pro = Primitive, Eu = True

Prokaryote means "before nucleus" (no true nucleus) and Eukaryote means "true nucleus" (contains a nucleus).