What is the difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells?

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells: The cell is the basic unit of life and forms the building blocks of all living organisms. It was discovered by Robert Hooke In 1665.

 Some cells have membrane-bound organelles and some do not. Depending upon the internal structure of the cell, two types of cells are found in an organism namely Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic.

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller in size, while eukaryotic cells are more complex and larger. Understanding the differences between these two types of cells is crucial to understanding the biology of living organisms.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. We will examine their structures, functions, and the organisms in which they are found. By the end of this article, we hope that  you will gain a better understanding of the fundamental differences between these two types of cells, and how they contribute to the diversity of life on our planet.

More about Cells

Cells are also known as 'a small room'. It is the functional and structural unit of life. It is a small united area where all kinds of actions and reactions collectively take place.

Organisms that are made up of single cells are known as single-celled organisms or unicellular and many cells are known as multi-cellular organisms. In 1665, the cell was first discovered by Robert Hook.

When scientists studied cells of various living organisms from an electron microscope, it was found that many organisms have no distinct nucleus surrounded by a cell membrane.

Thus, two types of cells are found in the organisms: eukaryotic and prokaryotic depending on whether cells contain membrane-bound organelles or not.

Their genetic materials are enclosed by a nuclear envelope or not. Let us study through this article the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

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What are Prokaryotes?

According to the morphological point of view, prokaryotic cells are the most primitive cells. They do not have a definite nucleus which includes bacteria and cyanobacteria (blue-green algae).

The chromatin bodies remain scattered inside the cytoplasm. In prokaryotes, asexual division occurs basically in binary fission. Prokaryotes are smaller than eukaryotes.

Do you know :

A nucleus which does not have a nuclear membrane is known as a nucleoid.

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What are Eukaryotes?

It is believed that eukaryotes have evolved from prokaryotes. They have been characterised by their membrane nucleus.

They contain organelles like mitochondria bounded by membranes and are located in the cytoplasm.

They have a definite nucleus. The chromatin bodies are enclosed by a nuclear membrane.

Both asexual and sexual division occurs in eukaryotes. They are larger than prokaryotes and show better structural organisation and increased functional efficiency than prokaryotes.

Now let us study the difference between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Therefore, we can say that on the basis of genetic materials enclosed by a nuclear envelope, cells are divided into prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Prokaryotes don’t have membrane-bound organelles whereas eukaryotes have.

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