What are the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells are simpler and smaller than eukaryotic cells, which are complex and contain membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are the two main types of cells that make up all living organisms. The key difference between the two lies in their structure and complexity. Prokaryotic cells, found in bacteria and archaea, are generally smaller and simpler. They lack a true nucleus and instead have a nucleoid, a region where the DNA is concentrated. Prokaryotic cells do not contain any membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria or chloroplasts. Their genetic material is not enclosed in a nuclear envelope, and they reproduce through a process called binary fission.

On the other hand, eukaryotic cells, found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists, are larger and more complex. They have a true nucleus, where the cell's DNA is stored, enclosed by a nuclear envelope. Eukaryotic cells contain a variety of membrane-bound organelles, such as the mitochondria, which produce energy, and the endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein and lipid synthesis. Other organelles include the Golgi apparatus, which modifies and packages proteins, and lysosomes, which break down waste materials. Eukaryotic cells reproduce through a process called mitosis.

Another key difference is in their genetic material. Prokaryotic cells have a single circular chromosome, while eukaryotic cells have multiple linear chromosomes. Additionally, eukaryotic cells have a cytoskeleton, a network of protein filaments that maintain cell shape and are involved in cell movement and division. Prokaryotic cells lack a cytoskeleton.

In terms of metabolism, prokaryotic cells carry out cellular respiration in the cytoplasm or on the inner surfaces of their cell membranes, while eukaryotic cells perform this process in their mitochondria. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of eukaryotic plant cells, while in prokaryotic cells, it happens in the cytoplasm or on the cell membrane.

In summary, while both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share some basic features, such as the presence of DNA, a cell membrane, and cytoplasm, they differ significantly in terms of complexity, structure, and function.