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

4693 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is osmosis and how does it differ from diffusion


Describe the 3 overall stages of the cell cycle and the processes ongoing during the cell's life.


Humans need to remove (excrete) waste products from the bloodstream. Describe the processes that produce waste products and how the products are removed from the body. (6 marks)


What are the X and Y chromosomes?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning