Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes

The key difference between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is the presence or absence of a distinct nucleus and membrane-bound organelles within their cells.

Difference Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Here are the main differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes:

1. Presence of Nucleus

Prokaryote	Eukaryote
Nucleus is Absent.	Nucleus is Present in Eukaryotic cell.

2. Presence of Membrane-bound organelles

Prokaryote	Eukaryote
Membrane-bound organelles are Absent.	Membrane-bound organelles are Present.

3. Cell Structure

Prokaryote	Eukaryote
They are Unicellular.	Mostly eukaryotes are  multicellular. Some are unicellular.

4. Complexity Of Cell

Prokaryote	Eukaryote
Their body organization is Simpler.	Their body organization is more complex.

5. Cell Size

Prokaryote	Eukaryote
Cell size of prokaryotes is Smaller. It ranges from 0.1-5 μm.	Cell size of eukaryotes is larger. It ranges from 10-100 μm.

6. DNA Type

Prokaryote	Eukaryote
Their DNA is in Circular.	Their DNA is linear.

Detailed Overview of Difference Between Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes and eukaryotes differ in several key features that reflect their distinct evolutionary paths.

• Cell Type – Prokaryotes have simple, single-celled organisms without a nucleus, while Eukaryotes have complex, multi-cellular organisms with a nucleus enclosed within a membrane.
• Size – Prokaryotes are typically smaller, ranging from 0.1 – 5.0 μm in diameter, while Eukaryotes are typically larger, ranging from 10 – 100 μm in diameter.
• Genetic Material – Prokaryotes have a single, circular chromosome located in the cytoplasm, while Eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes contained within a nucleus.
• Organelles – Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts, while Eukaryotes contain membrane-bound organelles that perform specialized cellular functions.
• Cell Wall – Prokaryotes have a cell wall composed of peptidoglycan, while Eukaryotes lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls.
• Ribosomes – Prokaryotes have 70S ribosomes, while Eukaryotes have 80S ribosomes.
• Reproduction – Prokaryotes reproduce asexually by binary fission, while Eukaryotes can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
• Evolution – Prokaryotes are thought to be the early ancestors of eukaryotic cells, while Eukaryotes are believed to have evolved from early prokaryotic organisms.