Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
All living organisms can be grouped into two types based on their fundamental cell structure. They are
prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and the cells they possess are called prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.
Prokaryotes are primitive organisms lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The term ‘prokaryote’
is derived from the Greek words ‘pro’, meaning ‘before’ and ‘karyon’, meaning ‘kernel’. Together it means
‘before nuclei’. In contrast, eukaryotes are advanced organisms with a well-defined nucleus and membranebound organelles. The term ‘eukaryotes’ is derived from the Greek words ‘eu’, meaning ‘good’ and ‘karyon’,
meaning ‘kernel’, meaning ‘true nuclei’. The eukaryotes are thought to have originated from the prokaryotes
about 2.7 billion years ago.
Although they share some common characteristics, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in most aspects, such
as cell size, shape, organization, and life cycle, including reproduction. The main differences are given below.
What is the Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Basis
Prokaryotic Cell
1. Examples
Cells
of bacteria,
archaea
or Cells of plants, animals, fungi, algae,
archaebacteria, and cyanobacteria or and protozoa (protists)
blue-green algae
2. Type
Unicellular
3.
Size
diameter)
4.
Type
Organization
(in 0.1 to 5.0 μm
of Simple
Eukaryotic Cell
Unicellular or multicellular
10 to 100 µm
Complex
5. Cell Wall
Usually presentMade of peptidoglycan
or mucopeptide
Usually absentIf present (in plants
and fungi) made of cellulose
6. Nucleus
Absent. Instead, have a nucleoid that is
devoid of the membrane
Present and membrane-bound
7. DNA
Circular, double-strandedFound freely
in the cytoplasmNaked (not bound to
proteins)Little repetitive DNA and no
introns
Linear,
double-strandedFound
within the nucleusBound to histone
proteinsA large amount of repetitive
DNA and introns
8. Chromosome Single haploid (n) chromosome
Number
Paired diploid (2n) chromosome
9. Plasmid
Present.
Absent.
10.
type
type, with 50S and 30S
subunitsSmaller in size compared to the
eukaryotic cell
80S type, with 60S and 40S
subunitsLarger in size compared to
the prokaryotic cell
Absent
Present
Ribosome 70S
11. Mitochondria