Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: The Key Difference

What is the defining feature that distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells lies in the presence or absence of membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do.

What are the other key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

In addition to the presence of membrane-bound organelles, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ in a number of other ways, including:

• Size: Prokaryotic cells are typically much smaller than eukaryotic cells.
• Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells do.
• Ribosomes: Prokaryotic cells have smaller ribosomes than eukaryotic cells.
• Mitochondria: Prokaryotic cells do not have mitochondria, while eukaryotic cells do.
• Chloroplasts: Prokaryotic cells do not have chloroplasts, while eukaryotic cells do.

What are the functions of membrane-bound organelles?

Membrane-bound organelles are responsible for a variety of important functions in eukaryotic cells, including:

• Protein synthesis: ribosomes
• Energy production: mitochondria
• Photosynthesis: chloroplasts
• Transport of materials: endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus
• Storage of materials: vacuoles and lysosomes

What are some examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells include bacteria and archaea. Eukaryotic cells include animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Conclusion

The presence or absence of membrane-bound organelles is the defining feature that distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do. This difference in cell structure leads to a number of other differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including differences in size, nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.