Compare a eukaryotic cell with a prokaryotic cell

Both the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have a cell surface membrane and contain cytoplasm and ribosomes. However, eukaryotic cells contain membrane bound organelles, such as mitochondria, nuclei, endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplasts. While both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells can have a cell wall, in eukaryotic cells the cell wall is made out of cellulose (plants) or chitin (fungi) whilst in prokaryotic cells the cell wall is made out of peptidoglycan. Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells, possibly being up to 10 times smaller, also prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus, they have free DNA in the cytoplasm that forms circular loops called plasmids.

RO
Answered by Rebecca O. Biology tutor

3736 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the mechanism of inspiration in human?


How is blood glucose concentration controlled by hormones?


Describe how you would use a biochemical test to show that a solution contained a protein (2 marks)


What is the basic biochemistry of carbohydrates?


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