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

3051 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

State whether arteries carry blood towards or away from the heart and then give two features of arteries relating to this role


Describe differences between animal and plant cells


What is homeostasis and explain two ways in which the human body is able to reduce its temperature when it is too hot as an example of homeostasis.


explain the circulation of blood pumped by the heart


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