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How is a prokaryotic cell different from a eukaryotic cell?
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
The lack of a nucleus distinguishes prokaryotic cells as a primitive type of cell. Eukaryotic cells are those that have a real nucleus and organelles that are bound to membranes. Difference between Prokaryotic cells and Eukaryotic cells:
Prokaryotic cell |
Eukaryotic cell |
These organisms have only one cell. |
These could have one cell or many. |
There is no nucleus |
Nucleus is present |
Binary fission is the method of cell division. |
Mitosis is a process of cell division. |
DNA is arranged in a circular pattern. |
DNA is linearly organized. |
Examples include microorganisms and blue-green algae. |
Examples include plant and animal cells. |
Table of content
Prokaryotic cell
- The Greek words “pro,” which means before, and “karyon,” which means kernel, are combined to form the word “prokaryote.”
- They are the earliest known group of creatures, with fossil records dating back roughly 3.5 billion years.
- Prokaryotic cells are those that do not contain a nucleus.
- In prokaryotic cells, DNA is located in the cytoplasm rather than being encased in a nuclear membrane.
- Bacteria and other single-celled organisms have prokaryotic cells.
- Prokaryotic cells are found in living things called prokaryotes.
Eukaryotic cell
- The word “eukaryotic” comes from the Greek words “eu” for “good” and “karyon” for “kernel,” which indicates that these organisms contain real nuclei.
- Prokaryotes are less sophisticated and less developed than eukaryotes.
- Eukaryotic cells contain the nucleus.
- Only multicellular organisms have eukaryotic cells, which are bigger than prokaryotic cells.
- Eukaryotes are organisms with eukaryotic cells, which include fungi, mammals, protists, and plants.
- Eukaryotic cells feature extra organelles in addition to the nucleus.
- A cytoplasmic structure known as an organelle performs a particular task for the cell.
Summary:
How is a prokaryotic cell different from a eukaryotic cell?
Prokaryotic cells have only one cell, whereas eukaryotic cells might have one or more cells. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus, whereas eukaryotic cells have one. Prokaryotic cells divide through binary fission, while eukaryotic cells do.