What is the Difference Between Eukaryotic Cells and Prokaryotic Cells?

The main difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells lies in their structure and organization. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Nucleus: Eukaryotic cells contain a distinct nucleus containing the cell's DNA, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and have free-floating genetic material instead.
2. Membrane-bound organelles: Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus and mitochondria, while prokaryotic cells do not.
3. DNA structure: Eukaryotic DNA consists of multiple molecules of double-stranded linear DNA, whereas prokaryotic DNA is double-stranded and circular.
4. Cell size: Eukaryotic cells are generally larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells, with sizes ranging from 10 μm to 100 μm in diameter, while prokaryotic cells range from 0.2 μm to 2.0 μm in diameter.
5. Cell structure: Prokaryotic cells are always unicellular, while eukaryotic cells can be either unicellular or multicellular.
6. Cell division: Eukaryotic cells have many chromosomes which undergo meiosis and mitosis during cell division, while most prokaryotic cells consist of just one chromosome and Undergo a simpler division process.

In summary, eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, linear DNA, larger size, and greater complexity than prokaryotic cells, which lack a nucleus, have circular DNA, and are generally smaller and simpler in structure.

Comparative Table: Eukaryotic Cells vs Prokaryotic Cells

Here is a table comparing the differences between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells:

Eukaryotic cells are more complex and larger than prokaryotic cells. They contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria and chloroplasts (in plant cells). In contrast, prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller, lacking a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. The primary distinction between these two types of organisms is the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus in eukaryotic cells and its absence in prokaryotic cells.