Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

All cells are categorized between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Your common E.coli and other bacteria are prokaryotes — these organisms lack
nucleus in their cells.

Eukaryotes, on the other hand, are organisms with true nucleus like plants and
animals.

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, DNA,
ribosomes, and cytoskeletons

Prokaryotic Cells

Houses its genetic material in an

irregularly shaped region called
nucleoid.

Its ribosome (70S) is composed of

two subunits (50S and 30S) and 60%
RNA.

Found to have cytoskeletons

structural filaments that aids in cell
division and other cellular functions.

Reproduction occurs through binary

fission.

External Structures:

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 Protection

Cell Wall: extra layer of protection usually made of peptidoglycan; also provides
shape and rigidity to prokaryotes.

Capsule: sticky layer composed of carbohydrates that aids the cell attach to
surfaces.

Locomotion

Flagella: whip-like structures responsible for bacterial motility by responding to

chemical gradients (protons) in the environment (chemotaxis).

Fimbriae: filamentous structures that are shorter than Pili helps the cell adhere
to surfaces.

Pili: fibrous proteins commonly found in bacteria; also used to transfer genetic
material during conjugation.

Eukaryotic Cells

Has true nucleus and membrane-

bounded organelles allowing
compartmentalization in the cell.

Its ribosome is larger than

prokaryotes and mostly made of
proteins (60%).

Cell division occurs in two major

steps: mitosis and cytokinesis.

Eukaryotic Cell Organelles (Common)

Mitochondria/Mitochondrion Lysosomes

Golgi Body/Apparatus/Complex Endoplasmic Reticulum

Vesicles

Eukaryotic Cell Structures

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 Plants, Algae, and Fungi

Cell Wall: provides cell structure and prevents it from bursting due to pressure

plants: cellulose

algae: carrageenan

fungi: chitin

Vacuole: a membrane-bound sac present in most plant cells that maintains the
water pressure in the cell wall.

Chloroplast: the organelle responsible for photosynthesis.

granum

thylakoid

stroma

Animals

Centrioles: cylindrical paired organelles in the cytoplasm that aids the cell
during cell division by producing spindle fibres.

Flagella: whip-like extensions of the cell membrane that is primarily responsible

for cell movement and is driven by ATP

Cilia: numerous hair-like structures around the cell that helps in cell movement
(motile cilia) and acts as sensory organelles (nonmotile cilia).

Summary

Features Prokaryotic Cell Eukaryotic Cell

Nucleus No nuclear membrane True nucleus

Membrane-bound Present: mitochondria, golgi body,

Absent
organelles lysosomes, vesicles, RER, SER
Flagella Simple; proton driven Complex; ATP driven

Complex; made of Simple; made of cellulose, chitin, or

Cell wall
peptidoglycan carrageenan

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells 3

 Features Prokaryotic Cell Eukaryotic Cell

Ribosomes Smaller; mostly made of RNA Larger; mostly made of proteins

Cell division Binary fission Mitosis and Cytokinesis

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