Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus, but a nucleoid region is still present.
• Prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, two of the three domains of life.
• Prokaryotic cells were the first form of life on Earth, characterized by having vital biological processes including cell signaling.
• Plants, animals, fungi, slime moulds, protozoa, and algae are all eukaryotic.
• Eukaryotic cells are about fifteen times wider than a typical prokaryote and can be as much as a thousand times greater in volume.
• The main distinguishing feature of eukaryotes as compared to prokaryotes is compartmentalization: the presence of membrane-bound organelles (compartments) in which specific activities take place.

Test your knowledge about the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their characteristics and biological significance.