Prokaryote vs Eukaryote

What is the main difference in the genetic material between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes: Have a single, circular DNA molecule located in the nucleoid

Eukaryotes: Have linear DNA enclosed in a membrane-bound nucleus.

Do prokaryotes or eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles?

Eukaryotes. Prokaryotes: Do not have membrane-bound organelles (e.g., no mitochondria, chloroplasts).

How do prokaryotes and eukaryotes reproduce?

Prokaryotes: Reproduce through binary fission (asexual).

Eukaryotes: Reproduce through mitosis (asexual) or meiosis (sexual).

What is the difference in the cell surface between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes: Have a rigid, often tough cell wall

Eukaryotes: Have a flexible cell surface, allowing for more shape flexibility and the formation of specialized structures

What role does the cytoskeleton play in eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells?

Prokaryotes: Have a simple cytoskeleton

Eukaryotes: Have a complex cytoskeleton that provides structure, support, and aids in movement and cell division.

What is the difference in the nuclear envelope between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes: Lack a nuclear envelope, and their DNA is found in the nucleoid.

Eukaryotes: Have a nuclear envelope that surrounds and protects the nucleus, where DNA is stored.

How do vacuoles differ between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes: Typically do not have vacuoles

Eukaryotes: Have vacuoles, especially in plant cells, for storage, waste disposal, and maintaining turgor pressure.

What is the concept of endosymbiosis, and how does it relate to eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes: Do not have endosymbiosis.

Eukaryotes: Mitochondria and chloroplasts in eukaryotic cells are believed to have originated from endosymbiosis, where early eukaryotic cells engulfed prokaryotic cells that later became symbiotic.