Compare the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms have some similar structures: cells membranes (selectively permeable membranes surrounding cells and controlling the entry and exit of materials), cytoplasm (the living substance inside a cell), ribosomes (the site of protein synthesis and differen sizes in the different types of organisms) and, in some eukaryotes, cell walls (support providing structure on the outside of a cell). 

They do also have some differences, these include the fact that the genetic material of prokaryotic cells is a single loop of DNA that lies in the cytoplasm but in eukaryotic organisms, it is in the nucleus. Also, prokaryotes are smaller and have additional DNA in the form of plasmids. Plasmids are small, ringed DNA molecules and are very rarely found in eukaryotes.

PT
Answered by Paige T. Biology tutor

4211 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What changes occur in the body when you are too hot? (5 marks)


How is enzymatic activity affected by temperature and substrate concentration?


What does osmosis mean and what does the movement of water do to cells?


How does a synapse work?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning