Basis of differentiation | Nucleus | Nucleiod |
Definition | Is a membrane-bound organelle found in the eukaryotic cell that contains most of the cell’s genetic material | Is a region within a prokaryotic cell that contains most or all of the genetic material |
Organization | Is well-organized, large, and takes up a large portion of the cell | Is poorly organized, small, and takes up a small portion of the cell |
Shape | Is spherical in shape | Is an irregularly shaped area |
Membrane | Is enclosed in a double-layer membrane - nuclear membrane - that separates the nucleus from other organelles | Lacks a protective membrane |
Chromosomal content | Contains several chromosomes | Typically contains only one chromosome |
Organelle & fluid content | Houses a nucleolus and a fluid known as nucleoplasm | Nucleolus and nucleoplasm are absent |
Function |
| Synthesize rRNA and ribosomes |
Importance | Mainly responsible for housing the genetic material and regulating gene expression | Mainly responsible for producing rRNA |