What are the differences and similarities between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells?

There are two types of cell called Eukaryotic cells and Prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotes are organisms made up of eukaryotic cells which include animals, plants and fungi (you can remember this as YOU are a EU-karyote).Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms made up a prokaryotic cell, for example bacteria and archaea. Differences: 1) Eukaryotic cells are much larger (5 - 100 µm) than prokaryotic cells (0.2 - 2 µm). 2) Eukaryotic cells have a 'true' nucleus, meaning their DNA is enclosed in a membrane bound organelle called a nucleus. Prokaryotes have a single molecule of 'free' DNA which is not enclosed and is found loose in the cytoplasm. 3) In prokaryotes additional DNA is found in rings called plasmids. 4) Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles which includes a nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts in plant cells whereas prokaryotes do not have any membrane-bound organelles. 5) Eukaryotic cells divide by mitosis whilst prokaryotic cells divide by binary fission. Similarities: 1) Both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells have ribosomes. 2) Prokaryotic cells always have a cell wall and SOME eukaryotic cells (plants and fungi) have cell walls.

AF
Answered by Alice F. Biology tutor

18405 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why are the lungs adapted for the rapid absorption of oxygen into the blood?


Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by recessive alleles. Complete a Punnet square to show the inheritance of cystic fibrosis when both parents are carriers. State the probability of that a child born to these parents will have cystic fibrosis.


How are enzymes involved in digestion?


What is the difference between excretion and egestion? Name three major organs of excretion in humans, the substances they excrete and the function of this excretion.


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