Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell (Prokaryotic Cell vs Eukaryotic Cell)

Eukaryotic cell differ in several ways from prokaryotic cell, some of the major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell are discussed below:

Key Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell

• Eukaryotic cells possess a true nucleus, encased in a double membrane, while prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and represent the most primitive and earliest forms of life.

• Eukaryotic DNA is linear, whereas prokaryotic DNA is circular and does not have ends.

• Eukaryotic DNA is complex and associated with proteins known as histones, organized into chromosomes, while prokaryotic DNA is simpler, “naked,” lacking histones, and is not arranged into chromosomes.

• Eukaryotic cells contain multiple chromosomes, whereas prokaryotic cells have a single circular DNA molecule along with smaller circles of DNA called plasmids. The simpler prokaryotic cells require fewer genes to function compared to eukaryotic cells.

• Eukaryotic cells contain many ribosomes (80S), which are more complex than those found in prokaryotic cells (70S, based on sedimentation constants).

• Eukaryotic ribosomes consist of five types of rRNA and about eighty different proteins, while prokaryotic ribosomes are made up of only three types of rRNA and around fifty proteins.

• Eukaryotic cells may have a plasma membrane and, in some cases, a cell wall in addition to the plasma membrane, while prokaryotic cells possess a plasma membrane and a bacterial cell wall.

• Eukaryotic cells are generally larger, while prokaryotic cells are smaller and lack membrane-bound organelles, whereas eukaryotic cells contain various organelles enclosed by membranes.

• Eukaryotic cells reproduce sexually through meiosis, while prokaryotic cells do not undergo meiosis and reproduce asexually through the transfer of DNA fragments via conjugation, often using plasmids. Eukaryotic cells possess a sophisticated cytoskeletal structure, while prokaryotic cells have a rudimentary cytoskeleton or may not have one at all.

Prokaryotic Cell

Prokaryotic cells are very minute primitive type of cells, lacking true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

• Prokaryotic cells are the simplest and typically small in size (1-10 µm).
• They have a single envelope system and, as suggested by their name, possess a primitive form of the nucleus.
• Cells contain a central nuclear region, often called the nucleoid, which houses essential biomolecules like nuclear proteins and DNA.
• Neither the nuclear material nor respiratory enzymes are enclosed within membranes.
• Instead, enzymes may attach to the inner surface of the plasma membrane.
• These types of cells lack distinct cytoplasmic organelles such as the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, centrioles, and Golgi bodies.
• Reproduction typically occurs vegetatively, with binary fission and budding being common methods in prokaryotes.
• Sexual reproduction is generally absent, but when present, it involves one-way gene transfer from a donor to a recipient.
• Nutrition is primarily through absorption, although some blue-green algae can produce their own food due to the presence of photosynthetic pigments.

Eukaryotic Cell

Eukaryotic cells are those cells which contain well-defined nucleus (true nucleus) and membrane-bound organelles.

• Eukaryotic cell is consist of true nucleus and is surrounded by a double membrane layer.
• Nuclear DNA is linear and is associated with proteins, while extra nuclear DNA is present without proteins.
• Cytoplasm consist of organelles like centrosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules and micro bodies.
• Eukaryotic cells exist in protists, fungi, plants, and animals.
• In multicellular organisms, cell numbers generally scale with body size.
• Cells can take on various shapes, including spherical, cuboidal, oval, disc-like, polygonal, columnar, spindle-shaped, or irregular.
• Most eukaryotic cells are microscopic, generally ranging from 10 to 100 µm in size.
• In eukaryotic cell, the process of meiosis, gamete formation and true fertilization occur in most cases of sexual reproduction.

Prokaryotic Cell vs Eukaryotic Cell – Difference Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell