How do prokaryotic cells differ from eukaryotic cells?

Prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells differ in several key ways:

Step 1: Define the Problem

Identify the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Step 2: Break Down the Problem

1. Cell Structure: Examine the structural differences.
2. Genetic Material: Look at how genetic material is organized.
3. Organelles: Identify the presence or absence of organelles.
4. Size and Complexity: Compare the size and complexity of the cells.

Step 3: Apply Relevant Concepts

1. Cell Structure:

   • Prokaryotic cells lack a defined nucleus; their DNA is located in a region called the nucleoid.
   • Eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus that houses their DNA.

2. Genetic Material:

   • Prokaryotic cells have circular DNA.
   • Eukaryotic cells have linear DNA organized into chromosomes.

3. Organelles:

   • Prokaryotic cells do not have membrane-bound organelles.
   • Eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles, such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.

4. Size and Complexity:

   • Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller and simpler.
   • Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex.

Step 4: Analysis, Verify and Summarize

• Prokaryotic Cells: Simpler, no nucleus, circular DNA, no membrane-bound organelles, smaller.
• Eukaryotic Cells: Complex, nucleus present, linear DNA, membrane-bound organelles, larger.

Final Answer

Prokaryotic cells are simpler, lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, with circular DNA, while eukaryotic cells are more complex, containing a nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and linear DNA.