Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
- Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus and their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm. Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus that separates the DNA from the cytoplasm.
- Organelles: Prokaryotic cells have very few membrane-bound organelles. Eukaryotic cells have many membrane-bound organelles that perform specialized functions.
- Size: Prokaryotic cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells.
| Characteristic | Prokaryotic Cells | Eukaryotic Cells |
|---|---|---|
| Nucleus | No true nucleus | True nucleus present |
| DNA | Circular DNA (in nucleoid) | Linear DNA (in nucleus) |
| Membrane-bound organelles | Absent | Present |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Examples | Bacteria, Archaea | Animals, plants, fungi |
