Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Cells are basically classified into eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The main difference between these two types is in cell structure.

The prokaryotic cell is characterized by the absence of a nucleus and simple structure. The eukaryotic cell, on the other hand, has a defined nucleus and a more complex structure.

More than 3.5 billion years ago it is believed that the first prokaryotic cell appeared. For a long time, existing organisms were formed by this cell type until evolution gave rise to the eukaryotic cell 1.7 billion years ago.

The main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

When comparing the cells of prokaryotic and eukaryotic beings, we noticed some similarities, such as the presence of the basic components: genetic material, cytoplasm and cell membrane.

However, these cell types differ in many ways. See comparison table with summary of differences.

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prokaryote cell	eukaryotic cell
Smallest structure, whose maximum diameter is 5 μm.	Largest structure, whose maximum diameter is 100 μm.
Simple operation.	Complex operation.
There are no membranous organelles.	It has membranous organelles.
Genetic material is in the cytoplasm.	Genetic material is inside the nucleus.
Circular DNA molecule.	Long, filamentous DNA molecule.
They reproduce by asexual binary fission.	They reproduce by mitosis and meiosis.
They constitute unicellular beings.	They form uni or multicellular beings.
Kingdom of Monera.	Kingdoms Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia.
Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotic beings.	Fungi, plants and animals are eukaryotic beings.

You may also be interested in Cytology and Cell Types.

prokaryote cell

THE prokaryotic cell it is the primitive cell. The meaning of the name comes from the Greek pro (before, first) and karyon (core). Therefore, definition is "before the core".

Characteristics of the prokaryote cell

Prokaryotic cells are made up of cytoplasm, ribosomes and genetic material. The nucleoid is the cell region in the cytoplasm where genetic material is dispersed. Prokaryotic cells have circular DNA molecules, the plasmids.

Cellular respiration is carried out in the cytoplasm with the aid of enzymes located in the plasma membrane.

Reproduction occurs through a process called bipartition, where the division of the DNA circulates, followed by an increase. of the cell and a process of folding the cell membrane into the cell causes the fission and formation of two cells.

Prokaryote cell structure

The organelles that make up the prokaryotic cell have specific functions. Check what they are and how they work on cell activity.

Capsule	Cell outer coating.
Cytoplasm	Gelatinous substance that maintains the shape of the cell.
DNA	Stores genetic material.
Scourge	Responsible for cell locomotion.
Plasma membrane	Controls the flow of substances in the cell.
cell wall	External coverage that gives shape to the cell.
pilus	Microfibrils to fix the bacteria in the medium.
ribosome	Responsible for protein production.

Examples of prokaryotic beings

Prokaryotic beings are unicellular, that is, they have a single cell. The Archaea and Bacteria domains are made up of prokaryotic organisms.

Thus, bacteria and cyanobacteria are formed by prokaryotic cells.

To gain more knowledge, read about the cell and difference between animal and plant cell.

eukaryotic cell

THE eukaryotic cell it is a more complex cell than the prokaryotic cell. The meaning of the name comes from the Greek me (true) and karyon (core). As such, its definition is "true core".

It is a membranous structure, called a caryotheca, involving a nucleus that stores the genetic material.

Characteristics of the eukaryotic cell

As it has a more complex structure, the eukaryotic cell has many membranous organelles that, in addition to being part of the cellular constitution, have different functions.

The size of a eukaryotic cell can be up to 10 times larger than a prokaryotic cell.

This cell type is capable of originating organs and tissues. Its structure allows the production of several products necessary for cellular activities.

Learn more about cell organelles.

eukaryotic cell structure

centriole	Assist in cell division.
Cytoskeleton	It acts on the support and resistance of the cell.
Cytoplasm	Gelatinous substance that structures the cell and maintains its shape.
Golgi Complex	Modifies and transports synthesized proteins.
Lysosome	Digests substances into the cell.
mitochondria	Produces most of the energy in cells.
Core	Region where the cell's genetic material is found.
nucleolus	Assists in the production of RNA.
Smooth endoplasmic reticulum	Performs lipid synthesis.
Rough endoplasmic reticulum	Performs protein synthesis.
Ribosomes	Helps in protein synthesis.
Vesicle	Stores and transports substances.