Difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Though these two classes of cells are quite different, they do possess some common
characteristics. For instance, both possess cell membranes and ribosomes, but the similarities end
there. The complete list of differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is summarized
as follows:

Prokaryotes Eukaryotes

Type of Cell  Always unicellular Unicellular and multi-cellular

Cell size Ranges in size from 0.2 μm – 2.0 μm in Size ranges from 10 μm – 100 μm in
diameter diameter

Cell wall Usually present; chemically complex in nature When present, chemically simple in nature

Nucleus Absent. Instead, they have a nucleoid region in Present

the cell

Ribosomes Present. Smaller in size and spherical in shape Present. Comparatively larger in size and
linear in shape

DNA arrangement Circular Linear

Mitochondria Absent Present

Cytoplasm Present, but cell organelles absent Present, cell organelles present

Endoplasmic Absent Present

reticulum

Plasmids Present Very rarely found in eukaryotes

Ribosome Small ribosomes Large ribosomes

Lysosome Lysosomes and centrosomes are absent Lysosomes and centrosomes are present

Cell division Through binary fission Through mitosis

Flagella The flagella are smaller in size The flagella are larger in size

Reproduction Asexual Both asexual and sexual

Example Bacteria and Archaea Plant and Animal cell

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1
What is a Prokaryotic cell?
A prokaryotic cell is a primitive type of cell that is characterized by the absence of a nucleus.
Furthermore, prokaryotes do not possess membrane-bound cellular organelles. Prokaryotes are
exclusively unicellular.
Q2
What is a Eukaryotic cell?
Eukaryotic cells are cells that possess a true nucleus along with membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotes can either be unicellular or multicellular.
Q3
What is the difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells?
The defining characteristic feature that distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell is
the nucleus. In prokaryotic cells, the true nucleus is absent, moreover, membrane-bound
organelles are present only in eukaryotic cells.
Another major difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that prokaryotic cells are
exclusively unicellular, while the same does not apply to eukaryotic cells.
Q4
Define Cell?
The cell is the basic functional and structural unit of life. Cell plays a vital role in all biological
activities and include membrane-bound organelles, which perform several individual functions to
keep the cell alive and active.
Q5
What is Ribosome?
The ribosome is a multi-component cell organelle consisting of RNA and protein. Therefore, it is
called the site of protein synthesis. Ribosomes are present both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells. Compared to prokaryotes, eukaryotes have larger ribosomes in their cells.
Q6
List out the unique features of Animal and Plant Cells.
Both animal and plant cells have several unique features. Listed below are some important
features:

 In structure, both animal and plant cells are quite similar.

 Both possess nucleus and plasma membrane, a selectively permeable membrane of the cell.
 Both animal and plant cells include membrane-bound organelles with their specialized functions.
  Animal and plant cells have vacuoles, which serve as the storage unit and maintain the shape of the
cell.
 Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. It stores and provide energy for different cellular activities
and is found both in both animal and plant cells.

Q7
List out the functions of Chloroplasts.
Chloroplasts are the plastids found in all plant cells. These cell organelles comprise the
photosynthetic pigment called chlorophyll and are involved in synthesizing food by the process
of photosynthesis.
Q8
Who discovered Cell and Cell Theory?
The cell was first discovered in the year 1665 by an English natural philosopher Robert Hooke.
The Cell Theory was explained by Theodor Schwann and Matthias Jakob Schleiden in the year
1830.