What are the differences and similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

There are two types of cell called Eukaryotic cells and Prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotes are organisms made up of eukaryotic cells which include animals, plants and fungi (you can remember this as YOU are a EU-karyote).Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms made up a prokaryotic cell, for example bacteria and archaea. Differences: 1) Eukaryotic cells are much larger (5 - 100 µm) than prokaryotic cells (0.2 - 2 µm). 2) Eukaryotic cells have a 'true' nucleus, meaning their DNA is enclosed in a membrane bound organelle called a nucleus. Prokaryotes have a single molecule of 'free' DNA which is not enclosed and is found loose in the cytoplasm. 3) In prokaryotes additional DNA is found in rings called plasmids. 4) Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles which includes a nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts in plant cells whereas prokaryotes do not have any membrane-bound organelles. 5) Eukaryotic cells divide by mitosis whilst prokaryotic cells divide by binary fission. Similarities: 1) Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have ribosomes. 2) Prokaryotic cells always have a cell wall and SOME eukaryotic cells (plants and fungi) have cell walls.

Answered by Alice F. Biology tutor

17495 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how cell division by meiosis is different from cell division by mitosis.


List 3 similarities and differences between the structure of a plant cell and an animal cell


What is the function of muscle cells found in the stomach wall


Can you please describe 3 cell structures that a plant cell has that an animal cell does not have.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences