Similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

• Share • Pin Every living organism consists of cells. No matter they are unicellular or multicellular, “cells” are the fundamental units of life. All living organisms fall into one of two categories: Eukaryotes or Prokaryotes. Cellular structure determines which type an organism belongs to. In this article, we will show you what prokaryotes and eukaryotes are and outline the similarities and differences between the two. [In this figure] Tree of living organisms showing the origins of eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Photo source: This article covers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Definition: What is prokaryote? Prokaryotes (pro-KAR-ee-ot-es) are unicellular organisms that don’t have a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles. Prokaryotic cells tend to be small, simple cells, measuring around 0.1-5 μm in diameter. Bacteria and archaea are two major branches of prokaryotes. The name, prokaryote, came from Old Greek: pro- = before; karyon = nut or kernel, referring to the cell nucleus; suffix -otos, pl. -otes). [In this figure] Diagram of a bacterium. The key structures in a prokaryote cell are shown. Prokaryotic cell structure While prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles, they do have distinct cellular structures. Below is a breakdown of what you might find in a prokaryotic bacterial cell. Cell feature Function Nucleoid A central region of the cell contains its DNA. Plasmid A small circular piece of DNA that is physically separated from chromosom...

Paul Mazzola • • • • • Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and organelles bound by plasma membranes. Fungi, plants, and animals are made of eukaryotic cells (eukaryotes). Prokaryotic cells do not have a membrane-bound nucleus or organelles. All bacteria and members of Archaea are made of prokaryotic cells (prokaryotes). Difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells The most obvious difference between them is that prokaryotes have no nuclei, but there are four major differences between a eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell: • No prokaryotic cell has a nucleus; every eukaryotic cell has a nucleus. • Prokaryotic cells have no mitochondria; nearly every eukaryotic cell has mitochondria. • Prokaryotic cells have no organelles enclosed in plasma membranes; every eukaryotic cell has a nucleus and organelles, each enclosed in plasma membranes. • Prokaryotic cells have circular strands of DNA; eukaryotic cells have multiple molecules of double-stranded, linear DNA. Difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells Eukaryotic Cell Prokaryotic Cell Cell Size Larger (10-100 μm) Smaller (0.1-5 μm) DNA Circular Linear Nucleus Yes No Mitochondria Yes No Membrane-bound Organelles Yes No Example Organisms Plants, Fungi, Protists, Animals Bacteria, Archaea Similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells For all their differences, prokaryotes and eukaryotes have a few similarities share some common structures (due to ...