Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental differences and similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including size, age, structural components, and organism types.

Prokaryotic Cell Size

The size range of a prokaryotic cell, which is typically between $0.1-10\,\mu\text{m}$.

Eukaryotic Cell Size

The size range of a eukaryotic cell, which is typically between $10-100\,\mu\text{m}$.

Two major classifications of cells

All cells fall into one of these two categories: prokaryotic or eukaryotic.

Prokaryotes

The simplest and oldest type of cell that appeared about four billion years ago, always unicellular, and found in all environments.

Eukaryotes

More advanced cells that appeared approximately one billion years ago, which can be either unicellular or multicellular.

Vibrio fischeri

A glow in the dark bacteria that lives in fish and other marine life to help it survive in the ocean.

Prokaryotic Genetic Material

Circular shaped DNA and RNA that is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm without a nuclear membrane.

Eukaryotic Genetic Material

Linear DNA that is surrounded and protected by a nuclear membrane.

Cocci

A classification of prokaryote shape that is spherical or round.

Bacillus

A classification of prokaryote shape that is rod shaped.

Spirilla

A classification of prokaryote shape that is helical or spiral.

Organelle Membranes

A key difference where prokaryotes lack membrane-covered organelles, while eukaryotes have organelles covered by membranes.

Nucleoid region

A specific area in prokaryotic cells where genetic material is located, since they lack a nucleus.

Similarities between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Both cell types possess cell membranes, ribosomes, DNA, and a liquid environment known as cytoplasm.

Prokaryotic Cell Structures

Includes the cell wall, capsule, plasma membrane, nucleoid region, ribosomes, pilus, and flagellum.

Eukaryotic Cell Structures

Includes the nucleus, mitochondria, golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasm, and cell membrane.