What's the difference between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells

Eukaryotic cells are what make up you (and also plants), whereas prokaryotic cells make up bacteria. If you think about the fact that bacteria are way smaller than plants and animals, you can remember that these cells are much smaller than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic literally means 'before the nucleus' so prokaryotes don't contain a nucleus, but they still have DNA, which is found in small rings floating around called 'plasmids'. Every prokaryotic cell has a cell wall surrounding it, whereas in the eukaryotic world only plant and fungal cells have cell walls, animal cells are only covered in a thinner layer known as the cell membrane. Finally, eukaryotic cells mostly divide by mitosis, but prokaryotes divide with binary fission.

MS
Answered by Matt S. Biology tutor

3128 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain how a reflex action is coordinated


What is homeostasis?


How are plant cells adapted for photosynthsis


TMV can cause plants to produce less chlorophyll. This causes leaf discoloration. Explain why plants with TMV have stunted growth.


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