According to the characteristics of an organism's cell, it is possible to classify it into prokaryote or eukaryote. In general, prokaryotic organisms have simpler cells than those present in eukaryotes. But, after all, what is the difference between these two cells?
→ Prokaryote cell
The most striking feature of a prokaryote cell is the absence of a core defined.This means that the genetic material is not surrounded by a nuclear membrane and, therefore, is dispersed in the cytoplasm.
In prokaryotes, the bacterial chromosome and plasmids (small molecules of DNA circulate free in the cytoplasm). The bacterial chromosome has genes that encode the proteins necessary for the cell to function. In plasmids, the genes that encode proteins are related to some adaptive functions, such as antibiotic resistance.
It is noteworthy, however, that the prokaryote cell is not differentiated only by the absence of a nucleus. In these cells, too there is no presence of membranous organelles. This means that no structures like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi complex and vacuoles.
In prokaryote cells, as in eukaryotes, there are small particles called ribosomes, that are related to protein synthesis. Overall, the shape of ribosomes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is very similar, however, in eukaryotes they are larger and more complex.
Furthermore, in prokaryotes, there is no presence of cytoskeleton, a set of protein filaments that form a kind of network in the cell. The absence of these filaments prevents the realization of endocytosis and of the exocytosis by the cell. As representatives of prokaryotic organisms, it is possible to mention the blue bacteria and algae.
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Mind Map: Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
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→ Eukaryote cell
Eukaryotic cells are more complex compared to prokaryotic cells. As the main differentiation criterion between them, there is the presence of a true nucleus in the eukaryote, in which the genetic material is surrounded by a nuclear membrane. In these cells, there are no plasmids.
In addition to the presence of a nucleus, the eukaryotic cell stands out for having several distinct compartments separated by membranes. These compartments are the membranous organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, the golgiense complex, the mitochondria and the chloroplasts. These cells also have cytoskeleton, therefore, perform endocytosis and exocytosis. As representatives of eukaryotic organisms, it is possible to mention protozoa, algae, fungi, plants and animals.
→ Summary
In summary, then, it is possible to say that prokaryotic cells are simpler than eukaryotic ones. This first group does not have a nucleus, membranous organelles and cytoskeleton. In contrast, eukaryotes have all these structures.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/biologia/diferencas-entre-celulas-procariontes-eucariontes.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
