Eukaryotic v. Prokaryotic Cells

What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells: no nucleus + membrane-bound organelles

eukaryotic cells: a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles

Do prokaryotic cells have a nucleus?

No — their DNA is free in the cytoplasm (nucleoid region)

Do eukaryotic cells have a nucleus?

Yes — DNA is enclosed in a nuclear membrane

Do prokaryotes have membrane-bound organelles?

No

Do eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles?

Yes — like mitochondria, ER, Golgi, lysosomes

What is the shape of DNA in prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes: Circular DNA

Eukaryotes: Linear DNA (within chromosomes)

Which is generally larger: prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells (10–100 µm) are larger than prokaryotic cells (1–10 µm)

What organisms are prokaryotic?

Bacteria and Archaea

What organisms are eukaryotic?

Animals, plants, fungi, and protists

Do both types have ribosomes?

Yes — but prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller (70S) than eukaryotic ones (80S)

Do prokaryotes have a cell wall?

Yes — made of peptidoglycan (in bacteria)

Do eukaryotes have cell walls?

Only in plants (cellulose) and fungi (chitin), not in animals