Eukaryotic & Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes are organisms made up of cells that lack a cell nucleus or any membrane-encased organelles. This means the genetic material DNA in Prokaryotes is not bound within a nucleus. Additionally, the DNA is less structured in Prokaryotes than in Eukaryotes. In Prokaryotes, DNA is a single loops. In Eukaryotes, DNA is organized into chromosomes. Most Prokaryotes are mad up of just a single cell (unicellular) but there are a few that are made of collections of cells (multicellular). Scientist have divided the prokaryotes into two groups, the Bacteria and the Archaea.

• Ex. Bacteria or any single cellular organism

Eukaryotes are organisms made up of cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus (that holds genetic material) as well as membrane-bound organelles. Genetic material in Eukaryotes is contained within a nucleus within the cell and DNA is organized into chromosomes. Eukaryotic organisms may be multicellular or single-celled organisms. All animals are Eukaryotes. Other Eukaryotes include plants, fungi, and protista.

• Ex. Any multicellular organism

Prokaryiotic                                                            

1. Very small in size                                                      

2. Nuclear region (nucleoid) not                                  

surrounded by a nuclear membrane                           

3. Single chromosome present                                  

4. Nucleolus absent                                                      

5. Membrane bound cell organelles are                    

absent                                                            

6. Cell division by fission or budding                         

(no mitosis)

Eukaryotic

1. Fairly large in size

2. Nuclear material surrounded by a

nuclear membrane

3. More than one chromosome present

4. Nucleolus present

5. Membrane bound cell organelles are

present

6. Cell division by mitosis or meiosis