Prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells are two types of cells that make up living organisms, according to the book Agriculture and Health Group Biology (2008) by Deden Abdurahman. Prokaryotic cells are cells that do not have a nuclear envelope or membrane. This means that the core material is directly adjacent to the cytoplasm and is spread out in the cytoplasm, resulting in the absence of a nucleus. Prokaryotic cells also lack membrane organelles, making their structure relatively simpler compared to eukaryotic cells. Examples of prokaryotic cells include bacteria, Mycoplasma (which are very small and without cell walls), and Cyanobacteria. Prokaryotic cells have genetic material in the form of circular DNA, which is not covered by a nuclear membrane and is called a nucleoid. They also have other circular DNA called plasmids. Most prokaryotic cells have a cell wall.
On the other hand, eukaryotic cells are cells that have a nuclear envelope or membrane. This creates a separation of space between the cell nucleus and the cytoplasm where genetic material (DNA) is located. Eukaryotic cells are located in the nucleus and are covered by the nuclear membrane. They have a number of organelles with specific functions, including the cell nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi bodies, lysosomes, microbodies, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Examples of eukaryotic cells include yeast cells, protozoa cells (such as Amoeba, Paramecium, Flagellata, and Ciliata), epidermal cells (plant cells), and muscle cells (animal cells).
There are several differences between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells. According to the book Radiation Biology (2023) by Cicilia Aritin, the following differences are presented in the table:
Prokaryotic cell | Eukaryotic cell
—————–|—————–
Has no nuclear envelope | Has a nuclear envelope
Contains naked DNA located in the nucleoid region | Contains protein-bound DNA in the nucleus
Has a single chromosome | Has double chromosomes
Does not have a nucleolus | Has a nucleolus
Undergoes amitotic division | Undergoes mitotic division/meiosis
Has 70S ribosomes (50S+30S) | Has 80S ribosomes (60S+40S)
Lacks membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum | Has membrane organelles such as mitochondria, golgi bodies, and endoplasmic reticulum
Does not have mitochondria | Has mitochondria
Undergoes anaerobic or aerobic metabolism | Undergoes aerobic metabolism
Does not have a cytoskeleton, resulting in no cytoplasmic movement | Has a cytoskeleton, allowing for
What are the structural differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and how do these differences affect cellular processes?
The form of circular DNA molecules known as plasmids, which are located in the cytoplasm.
On the other hand, eukaryotic cells have a distinct nucleus enclosed within a nuclear envelope. This separation of genetic material enables better regulation of cellular processes. Eukaryotic cells also have membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which perform specific functions within the cell. Examples of eukaryotic cells are found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
The differentiation between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is crucial in understanding the characteristics and functions of living organisms. Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and simpler in structure compared to eukaryotic cells. They lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles but possess plasmids for genetic material.
In contrast, eukaryotic cells are more structurally complex, with a distinct nucleus enclosed within a nuclear envelope. They contain various membrane-bound organelles responsible for specific cellular functions. These differences in structure contribute to the diverse range of biological processes that occur within living organisms.
Understanding the distinction between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is essential in various fields, including agriculture and health. It aids in the study of disease-causing microorganisms, genetic engineering, and the development of new medical treatments. By recognizing and comprehending the characteristics and functions of these two cell types, scientists can gain valuable insights into the processes that occur within living organisms and develop innovative strategies to enhance agricultural productivity and human health.
This article provides a concise overview of the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Understanding their unique characteristics and structures is crucial to comprehend the complexity of life forms. Great examples are incorporated, making the comparison even more insightful.