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AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes?

Posted February 3, 2021


Answer

Based on the structure and functions, cells are broadly classified as prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic cell Prokaryotes are small, single-cellular organisms while eukaryotes are large, complex organisms. There are several differences between these two types of cells.  

 

Basic for comparisonProkaryotesEukaryotes
Cell type & complexityUnicellular, simpleMulticellular, complex
Size & Structure0.5-3um, cell wall present2-100um, cell wall absent except in few plant cells and fungus
Presence & Structure of NucleusDoes not have a well-defined nucleus. DNA is contained in an open region called a nucleoidHas a well-defined nucleus enclosed in a nuclear membrane
Shape & Structure of DNACircular, double-stranded DNALinear, double-stranded DNA
Presence of organellesMitochondria, Golgi Apparatus, and Endoplasmic Reticulum are absentMitochondria, Golgi Apparatus, and Endoplasmic Reticulum are present
Lysosomes & peroxisomesAbsentPresent
MesosomesPresentAbsent
ChloroplastsAbsent – chlorophyll is dispersed in cytoplasmPresent in plants
Number of chromosomesOne, not true chromosome called plasmidMore than one
Origin of replicationSingle originMultiple origins
RibosomesMay be free in cytoplasm or bound to cell membraneAttached to rough endoplasmic reticulum
Cell DivisionBinary fissionMitosis
Transcription & translationBoth occur simultaneouslyTranscription occurs in nucleus followed by translation in cytoplasm
Site of DNA replicationCytoplasmNucleus
Genetic recombinationPartial, unidirectional transferMeiosis and fusion of gametes
DNA wrapping on proteinsMultiple proteins simultaneously fold and condense DNA, which is then organized in various conformationsDNA is wrapped around proteins known as histones
Mode of reproductionAsexual (binary fission)Mostly sexual
Mode of respirationVia cytoplasmic membraneVia mitochondria
Major groupsArchaea, Bacteria, Bluegreen AlgaeAlgae, Plants, Animals, Fungi
Additional resources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10797488/

https://www.aatbio.com/products/mycolight-red-jj94?unit=24006