Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are two primary types of cells with distinct

differences in their structures and characteristics. Here's a comparison of the

main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells:

1. Nucleus:

Prokaryotic: No true nucleus; the genetic material is present in the nucleoid region.

Eukaryotic: True nucleus enclosed in a nuclear membrane, containing linear chromosomes.

2. Genetic Material:

Prokaryotic: Single, circular DNA molecule.

Eukaryotic: Multiple linear DNA molecules organized into chromosomes.

3. Membrane-bound Organelles:

Prokaryotic: Lack membrane-bound organelles.

Eukaryotic: Contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi

apparatus, and more.

4. Size:

Prokaryotic: Generally smaller, ranging from 0.5 to 5 micrometers.

Eukaryotic: Larger, ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers.

5. Cell Division:

Prokaryotic: Division by binary fission.

Eukaryotic: Division by mitosis (in somatic cells) and meiosis (in reproductive cells).

6. Ribosomes:

Prokaryotic: Smaller ribosomes (70S).

Eukaryotic: Larger ribosomes (80S).

7. Cytoplasmic Structure:

Prokaryotic: Simple cytoplasm without membrane-bound compartments.

Eukaryotic: Complex cytoplasm with various membrane-bound compartments.

8. Examples:

Prokaryotic: Bacteria and Archaea.

Eukaryotic: Animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

9. Cell Wall:

Prokaryotic: Present in many prokaryotes, composed of peptidoglycan.

Eukaryotic: Present in plant cells, fungi, and some protists, but composition varies (cellulose in plants,
chitin in fungi).

10. Movement:

Prokaryotic: Flagella and pili for movement.

Eukaryotic: Flagella and cilia (in some cells) for movement.