An Introduction to Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Cells are the main unit of life. So, it’s essential to know and distinguish between the two big types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. And then just having that knowledge is not enough. Do you have concepts strong enough to differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell? You don’t? Then by the end of this article, you will have a good idea about both- their similarities and differences!
What is Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell?
Well, before you get all excited about- the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell, let’s understand them. Not together but individually. The next section does that for you. So keep reading and learn about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotic Cell
The most simple kinds of cells are- prokaryotic cells. They occur in organisms like archaebacteria and bacteria. A notable feature that distinguishes them is- the occurrence of no membrane-bound organelles and nuclei. Also, if they contain a circular genetic material other than DNA. The organisms that come under prokaryotes are vital for finishing processes like- decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Eukaryotic Cell
Eukaryotic cells, in comparison to prokaryotic cells, are much more complex. The Eukaryotic cells are found in a wide range of organisms including- plants, animals, fungi, and protists. They can differ from prokaryotes mainly due to the presence of membrane-bound organelles in them like- the Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, etc. Cellular specialisation that eukaryotes show is greater than prokaryotes and are capable of being multi cellular.
Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells form the basis of an organism’s life. Thus, it is very important to understand what is the difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell. These differences are discussed in the table below:
| S.No. |
Category |
Prokaryotic Cell |
Eukaryotic Cell |
| 1 | Genetic Material | Circular DNA molecules not contained within a nucleus | Linear DNA molecules contained within a nucleus |
| 2 | Nucleus | Absent | Present |
| 3 | Membrane-bound Organelles | Absent | Present |
| 4 | Cell Size | Generally smaller in size | Generally larger in size |
| 5 | Cell Division | Binary Fission | Mitosis and Meiosis |
| 6 | Chromosomes | Single circular chromosomes | Multiple chromosomes |
| 7 | Introns | Usually absent | Present |
| 8 | Ribosomes | Smaller (70S) ribosomes | Larger (80S) and smaller (70S) ribosomes |
| 9 | Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) | Absent | Present |
| 10 | Golgi Apparatus | Absent | Present |
| 11 | Lysosomes | Rarely Present | Present |
| 12 | Mitochondria | Absent | Present |
| 13 | Cell Wall | Present (made of peptidoglycan in bacteria, absent in archaea) | Present (in some eukaryotes, e.g., plants and fungi) |
| 14 | Flagella | Simple, non-membrane-bound protein filaments | Complex, membrane-bound organelles |
| 15 | Cytoskeleton | Absent | Well-developed, consisting of microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments |
| 16 | Nuclear Envelope | Absent | Present |
| 17 | Histones | Absent | Present |
| 18 | Replication Origin | Single-origin | Multiple origins |
| 19 | Energy Production | Primarily through cellular respiration or fermentation | Primarily through oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria |
| 20 | Extracellular Matrix | Absent | Present in some organisms, providing structural support and cell communication |
Exceptions/Variations: Characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cell
Biology is a science. What’s certain about science? It’s never certain. This is the reason behind exceptions, challenging the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. Some of them are discussed below:
- Genetic Material: Apart from linear nuclear DNA, some eukaryotes may have circular mitochondrial DNA, like in some species of yeast.
- Introns In addition, some introns have recently been discovered within certain prokaryotes, some archaea.
- Mitochondria: In some prokaryotes, such as Rickettsia (a bacteria) mitochondria appear to occur. One might declare that they are structures rather similar to mitochondria.
- Cell Wall: Most eukaryotes contain a cell wall, but animal cells do not.
- Flagella: Many eukaryotes, like algae and protozoa, possess flagella. These are quite similar to the prokaryotic flagella and in addition, very much similar in their structure and function as well.
Similar Characteristics of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell
Yes, there is a fundamental difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell. But, if one tries to explain the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell- fundamental similarities come to the front. What are they? Learn some of these key similarities in the below write-up:
- Plasma Membrane: Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a plasma membrane. It mainly protects the cells from all the extrinsic elements. In addition to this, any substance entering or leaving the cells is also controlled through this plasma membrane.
- Genetic Material: It is another characteristic where both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells share this attribute. Though the genetic material lies in different structures and at different places, it is indeed present.
- Ribosomes: In order to carry on protein synthesis, the function is fulfilled by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells by- ribosomes. Though of size and structure, in both it does the same work.
- Cytoplasm: Both the cells- prokaryotic and eukaryotic contain a common gel-like substance called cytoplasm. It acts as the cell process medium and contains cell organelles within the cytoplasm of eukaryotes.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, cells can be divided into two types- eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells. Don’t you worry, you can easily differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. How? Check the table in the article above. There are other parts to this article like exceptions and similarities in the cells and their differences.
After reading the entire article, all your doubts about what the differences are between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell, will be cleared!
