Name the key differences between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells are typically belonging to multicellular organisms, with exceptions of algae and amoebae. These cells always have multiple linear chromosomes (genetic material) and contain a nucleus (housing the genetic material), mitochondria (responsible for ATP production and therefore energy production within the organism), endoplasmic reticulum (also known as ER, smooth ER produces lipids, rough ER produces proteins), Golgi apparatus (responsible for intracellular and extracellular protein trafficking and processing). Prokaryotic Cells are usually unicellular organisms, which includes bacteria. They usually have one circular chromosome and lack a nucleus, instead they have a nucleoid region which is where the genetic material is condenses, they also possess circular DNA known as plasmids which is found in the cytoplasm. Some possess a structure known as the flagella which has a locomotive / adhesive role. They do not have mitochondria (instead they make ATP via their cell membrane).Both can contain chloroplasts as seen in algae, but also in cyanobacteria.

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Answered by Matthew W. Biology tutor

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