Compare the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells vary in may ways:Size: Prokaryotic cells are smaller than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells have a diameter of 0.1-0.5 micrometers whereas eukaryotic cells have a larger diameter of 10-100 micrometers. Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells do not possess a well defined nucleus. Instead they possess a nucleoid which is not bound by a membrane, it is sometimes termed 'floating DNA'. Eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus which is contained within a nuclear envelope. Organelles: Prokaryotic cells do not contain the same number or types of organelles as eukaryotic cells. Organelles such as the mitochondria or the Golgi apparatus are absent in prokaryotic cells. Types of ribosomes vary between the cell types. Prokaryotes have smaller 70s ribosomes where as eukaryotic cells have larger 80s ribosomes.

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