Similarities between Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes

• Both originate from a common ancestor.

• Share common features like cytoplasm, cell membrane, and ribosomes.

  • Cytoplasm acts as a medium for reactions.

  • Cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.

  • Ribosomes aid in protein translation.

Differences between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

• Eukaryotes can have a cell wall made of cellulose or chitin, while prokaryotes have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan.

• Prokaryotes are smaller in size (0.1 to 5 micrometers) compared to eukaryotes (10 to 100 micrometers).

• Prokaryotic ribosomes are 70s, while eukaryotic ribosomes are 80s.

• Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and nucleus, which prokaryotes lack.

• Prokaryotes may have a waxy capsule outside the cell wall.

• Prokaryotes have flagella for movement, while eukaryotes do not have flagella.

Cytoskeleton and Pili Structures

• Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have a cytoskeleton used in cell division.

• Prokaryotic cytoskeleton is simpler compared to eukaryotic cytoskeleton.

• Cytoskeleton provides structure and strength to the cell.

• Prokaryotes also have pili structures for various functions.

Organelles and Structures in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic Cell Features

  • Organelles have simpler functions

  • Division of the cell during cell division is a primary function

  • Presence of pili, different from cilia in eukaryotes

• Eukaryotic Cell Features

  • Epithelial cells have cilia for various functions

  • Cilia increase surface area for absorption or secretion

  • Eukaryotic DNA packaged in the nucleus with histone proteins

  • DNA arranged in linear chromosomes with a start and end

• DNA Packaging Differences

  • Eukaryotic DNA associated with histone proteins in the nucleus

  • Prokaryotic DNA is naked, not associated with any other molecule

  • Eukaryotic DNA packaged tightly due to more DNA content

  • Prokaryotic DNA is circular and free in the cytoplasm

• Circular vs. Linear DNA

  • Eukaryotic DNA is linear, arranged in discrete units as chromosomes

  • Prokaryotic DNA is circular, forming a loop without a distinct beginning or end

  • Prokaryotic cells have plasmids, extra loops of DNA, which eukaryotic cells lack

Conclusion