Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are two distinct types of cells with significant differences in their cellular structure, organization, and complexity. Some of the key differences between these two types of cells are:




(1) Nucleus:- One of the most significant differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes is the presence of a true nucleus. Prokaryotes do not have a well-defined nucleus, and their genetic material is present in the form of a single circular chromosome in the cytoplasm. In contrast, eukaryotes have a well-defined nucleus, which is enclosed by a nuclear membrane, and their genetic material is organized into linear chromosomes.


(2) Membrane-bound organelles:- Eukaryotes contain several membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes, which perform specific functions within the cell. In contrast, prokaryotes do not have membrane-bound organelles except for some exceptions, such as photosynthetic bacteria which have thylakoid membranes.


(3) Size:- Eukaryotic cells are generally larger than prokaryotic cells. While the size of prokaryotes varies, they are typically less than 5 μm in diameter, while eukaryotic cells can range from 10 to 100 μm in diameter.


(4) Ribosomes:- Both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have ribosomes that synthesize proteins, but their sizes and compositions are different. Prokaryotic ribosomes are smaller, with a size of 70S, while eukaryotic ribosomes are larger, with a size of 80S.


(5) Cell division:- Prokaryotes divide by binary fission, which is a simple process of duplicating their DNA and dividing the cell into two identical daughter cells. Eukaryotes, on the other hand, undergo a more complex process of cell division called mitosis, which involves the duplication and distribution of chromosomes to the daughter cells.


(6) Cell wall:- Most prokaryotes have a cell wall that provides structural support and protects them from the environment, while eukaryotes have a more complex cytoskeleton that provides support and shape to the cell.


(7) Reproduction:- Prokaryotes reproduce asexually by binary fission, while eukaryotes can reproduce both sexually and asexually.


(8) Environmental adaptation:- Prokaryotes have a remarkable ability to adapt to a wide range of environments, including extreme conditions such as high temperature, pressure, and acidity. Eukaryotes, on the other hand, are more restricted in their environmental adaptation due to their larger size and complex structure.

In summary:- Prokaryotes and eukaryotes are two distinct types of cells with significant differences in their cellular structure, organization, and complexity. The presence of a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, as well as differences in size, ribosomes, cell division, cell wall, reproduction, and environmental adaptation, are some of the key differences between these two types of cells.