Pharmaceutical Microbiology FAIZUL HASAN

M. Pharm, SCFHS, DHA, OMSB

Asst. Professor
Guru Kashi University

Introduction to Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes

Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms that lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound
organelles. They are typically smaller than eukaryotes and have a simpler structure. The

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 Pharmaceutical Microbiology FAIZUL HASAN
M. Pharm, SCFHS, DHA, OMSB
Asst. Professor
Guru Kashi University

genetic material in prokaryotes is located in a nucleoid region and is not enclosed by a

nuclear membrane. Examples of prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea.

Structure of Prokaryotes:

1. Size: Generally 1-2 μm in diameter.

2. Nucleus: No true nucleus; DNA is in a nucleoid region.
3. Organelles: Lack membrane-bound organelles.
4. Cell Wall: Contains peptidoglycan (in bacteria).
5. Ribosomes: 70S ribosomes.
6. Reproduction: Primarily asexual through binary fission.
7. Genetic Material: Single circular DNA molecule without histones.
8. Locomotion: Often have flagella or pili.

Eukaryotes

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 Pharmaceutical Microbiology FAIZUL HASAN
M. Pharm, SCFHS, DHA, OMSB
Asst. Professor
Guru Kashi University

Eukaryotes are more complex organisms that can be unicellular or multicellular. They have a
defined nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane and various membrane-bound organelles.
Examples include animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Structure of Eukaryotes:

1. Size: Generally larger than 5 μm in diameter.

2. Nucleus: True nucleus with a nuclear membrane.
3. Organelles: Contain membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic
reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
4. Cell Wall: Present in plants and fungi (contains cellulose in plants, chitin in fungi).
5. Ribosomes: 80S ribosomes (70S in mitochondria and chloroplasts).
6. Reproduction: Can be asexual (mitosis) or sexual (meiosis).
7. Genetic Material: Multiple linear DNA molecules with histones.
8. Locomotion: Complex structures like cilia and flagella.

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 Pharmaceutical Microbiology FAIZUL HASAN
M. Pharm, SCFHS, DHA, OMSB
Asst. Professor
Guru Kashi University

Differences Between Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

Feature Prokaryotes Eukaryotes

Size 1-2 μm More than 5 μm

Nucleus No true nucleus (nucleoid region) True nucleus with nuclear membrane

Genetic Material Single circular DNA Multiple linear DNA molecules

Organelles No membrane-bound organelles Membrane-bound organelles present

Cell Wall Contains peptidoglycan Cellulose in plants, chitin in fungi

Ribosomes 70S 80S (70S in mitochondria/chloroplasts)

Reproduction Asexual (binary fission) Asexual (mitosis) and sexual (meiosis)

Locomotion Simple structures (flagella/pili) Complex structures (cilia/flagella)

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