What’s the difference between a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic cell?

This is a topic which is common across all A-Level specifications, the questions surrounding this topic may vary from labelling diagrams, matching features in a table, or longer written styles of question (like the example here).
Step 1:
Look at the key words, in this particular question the examiner is asking us about the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Step 2:
Think about features in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, e.g. which organelles are found in each... 
A great way of learning this is to draw out diagrams, or learn a mnemonic for both types of cell
Step 3:
List your differences…
-Eukaryotic cells have membrane bound organelles (e.g. mitochondria)
-Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane bound organelles.

-Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus containing their genetic material/DNA.
-Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, the DNA is free-floating.
-Eukaryotic DNA is linear and is associated with histone proteins.
-Prokaryotic DNA is circular (in a loop), and is not associated with histone proteins.
-Eukaryotes have larger ribosomes (80S).Prokaryotes have smaller ribosomes (70S).Prokaryotes have a cell wall made of murein.
-Prokaryotes may have additional features that eukaryotic cells do not have, e.g. flagella, pili, or a capsule.

A great answer will look at and compare both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, not just give features of one cell type. 
A great answer will look at how many marks the question is worth, and give one difference for each mark, this means each of the above pairs is worth one mark

Answered by Zachary M. Biology tutor

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