How can I differentiate prokatyotic and eukaryotic cells?

The main difference between these two cell types is that eukaryotic cells have their DNA collected inside the nucleus, while prokaryotic cells lack nuclei. Instead, they have a circular piece of DNA called the nucleoid anywhere in the cytoplasm, and other smaller, ring-shaped DNA pieces called plasmids.There are, of course, many other ways to tell them apart. For example, the organelles they contain (prokaryotes lack many organelles that are normal in eukaryotes, like the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria or the Golgi apparatus), or their level of organisation (prokaryotes are unicellular organisms, like bacteria; whereas eukaryotes can organise into multicellular living beings, like plants, fungi or us!).

OA
Answered by Omar A. Biology tutor

3843 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is diffusion?


Describe and explain how the alveoli are adapted to perform efficient gaseous exchange


How and why does an increase in temperature effect the rate of an enzyme substrate reaction?


Describe the factors which affect the rate of diffusion.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning