Prokaryotic cells are different from eukaryotic cells in many different ways. These bases of differences are clearly mentioned in the following table.
|
Basis of Difference |
Prokaryotic Cells |
Eukaryotic Cells |
|---|---|---|
|
Origin |
They are the primitive form of lives which evolved nearly 3.5 billion years ago. |
They evolved much later than the prokaryotic cells; nearly 2 billion years ago. |
|
Size of the cell |
They are much smaller than the eukaryotic cells. The cell diameter ranges from 0.1 to 10µm. |
The cell diameter ranges from 10-100µm. |
|
Cellular organization |
Most prokaryotic cells are unicellular. |
Most eukaryotic cells are multicellular. |
|
Nucleus |
All prokaryotic cells lack true or membrane-bound nucleus. |
All eukaryotic cells have defined nucleus along with nuclear membrane and nucleolus. |
|
DNA wrapping |
DNA is not enclosed within the nucleus but is supercoiled by the HU protein. |
DNA is enclosed within the nucleus and is surrounded by the protein called histone. |
|
No. of chromosomes |
There is only one, yet pseudo chromosome is present. It is called plasmid. |
Multiple numbers of chromosomes are present. |
|
Cytoskeleton |
It is rarely present. |
It is present in all eukaryotic cells. |
|
Ribosomes |
Only small ribosomes (70s) are present in prokaryotic cells. |
Small and large (70s & 80s) ribosomes are present in eukaryotic cells. |
|
Cell organelles |
Organelles such as lysosome, peroxisome, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria. Golgi bodies, etc. are absent in these cells. |
Lysosome, peroxisome, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria. Golgi bodies, etc. are present. |
|
Chloroplast |
They lack chloroplast but chlorophyll can be found scattered in the cytoplasm. |
Chloroplast is present in all eukaryotic plant cells and in some unicellular organisms. |
|
Flagella |
It is composed of single fiber. |
It is composed of multiple fibers. |
|
Plasma membrane |
Plasma membrane of prokaryotic cells lack carbohydrate and sterols. |
Both carbohydrate and sterols are present in plasma membrane of eukaryotic cells. |
|
Cell wall |
Despite the alteration in composition, cell wall is present in all prokaryotic cells. |
Cell wall is present in only eukaryotic plant cells. |
|
Glycocalyx |
It is present in all prokaryotic cells. It serves as a capsule or slime layer. |
It is present in some of such cells which lack cell wall. |
|
Cell division |
Cell division occurs through binary fission. |
Cell division occurs through mitosis. |
|
Transfer of genetic material |
Genetic material can be partially transferred through processes like transformation, transduction and conjugation. |
Genetic material is transferred through meiosis. |
|
Organisms (examples) |
Archaea and Bacteria |
Fungi, Protista, Plant and Animal |