Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells Comparison

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

• Cells are categorized into two types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
• Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus.
• Prokaryotic organisms are single-celled, whereas eukaryotes can be single-celled or multicellular.
• The presence or absence of a nucleus is the primary distinction between these cell types.
• Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles like the nucleus.

Comparison of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells - Similarities

• Both use DNA as their genetic material.
• Both have cell membranes.
• Both contain ribosomes.
• Both have similar basic metabolic processes.

Comparison of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells - Differences

• Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not.
• Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotic cells do not.
• Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells (approximately ten times larger).
• Eukaryotic DNA is more complex and extensive than prokaryotic DNA.
• Prokaryotic cell walls are composed of peptidoglycan (a polymer of amino acids and sugar), whereas some eukaryotic cells may have cell walls but not of the same makeup.
• Prokaryotic DNA floats freely within the cell, whereas eukaryotic DNA is located within the nucleus and associated with proteins called histones.
• Eukaryotic cells divide by mitosis, while prokaryotes divide via binary fission.

Cell Size

• Prokaryotic cells are smaller, typically 1-10 µm.
• Eukaryotic cells are larger, typically 10-100 µm.
• Human cells are diverse, ranging from 10-15 µm in size.
• Egg cells are an example of exceptionally large cells, up to 100 µm, whilst some nerve cells can span a meter in length.

Cell Shapes (Animal Cells)

• Squamous (flat and thin) like in Bowman's capsule.
• Cuboidal (square-shaped) found in glands.
• Columnar (tall and wide) like in the stomach and intestine.
• Polygonal (irregularly angular) such as liver cells.
• Stellate (star-shaped) like nerve cells.
• Spheroidal (spherical) like egg cells.
• Discoid (disc-shaped) like red blood cells.
• Fusiform (thick in the middle, tapered at the ends) like smooth muscle cells.
• Fibrous (thread-like) like skeletal muscle cells.

Cell Shapes (Bacteria)

• Spherical (coccus).
• Rod-shaped (bacillus).
• Spiral-shaped (spirillum/spirochete/vibrio).

Cell Reproduction

• Prokaryotic cells reproduce by binary fission.
• Eukaryotic cells reproduce by mitosis (somatic cells) and meiosis (gamete production).

Cell Types

• Unicellular organisms carry out all functions within a single cell.
• Multicellular organisms have specialized cells that work together to perform various functions.

Explore the key differences and similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells through this quiz. Understand the fundamental characteristics that distinguish these two cell types, including the presence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Test your knowledge on cellular structures and functions!