The differences between eukaryotic cell and prokaryotic cell

The cell is the smallest unit of life, and it is a fundamental component to define ourselves as living beings. Because it is so small, it was not discovered until the microscope was invented.

It is from the XIX and XX that the cell theory develops, which explains that the cell is the unit structure of living beings and affirms that all living beings are made up of one or more cells. It is also considered a functional unit, as it carries out all vital functions (nutrition, relationship and reproduction). Likewise, the cell is the genetic unit, which contains the hereditary material and all come from another pre-existing cell.

In this article you will find explained the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

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Different types of cells

Therefore, a cell can be defined as the structural, functional and genetic unit of all living beings, and it can be classified in different ways. Mainly in prokaryotic (or prokaryotic) and eukaryotic (or eukaryotic) cells. The latter, in turn, can be classified into

animal and plant cells, even if also protozoa, algae and fungi are eukaryotic organisms.

The two large groups of cells (prokaryotes and eukaryotes) show similarities and differences. The former are unicellular organisms, lacking a defined or true cell nucleus and in which DNA is scattered throughout the cytoplasm. It is the bacteria. Eukaryotes are organisms composed of cells that have a true nucleus, delimited within a double lipid layer, and with organized cytoplasm.

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Similarities Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

While prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are different in many ways, they also exhibit certain similarities. Both contain genetic material, that is, DNA. They have a cell membrane that covers them. Their basic chemical structures are similarBoth are made up of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acid, minerals, fats, and vitamins.

Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain ribosomes, which make proteins. The two types of cells regulate the flow of nutrients and waste matter into and out of cells. They also reproduce, although in different ways. They need energy to survive, they contain cytoplasm inside cells and a cytoskeleton. Both classes of cells have a lipid bilayer, known as the plasma membrane, that forms the boundary between the inner and outer side of the cell.

Differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

There are also certain differences between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Scientists believe that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells.

But what are these differences? In the following lines we explain them to you.

1. Core

While eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus, prokaryotes do not. Genetic information is stored within the nucleus of eukaryotes.

2. Source

It is estimated that prokaryotic cells have their origin around 3.7 billion years, whereas eukaryotic cells 2 billion years.

3. Size

Prokaryotic cells are smaller: 0.1–5.0µm in diameter. The largest eukaryotes: 10-100µm in diameter.

4. Cell organization

Prokaryotic cells are usually unicellular, while eukaryotic cells are multicellular.

5. Genetic material

The genetic material of eukaryotes is stored in the nucleus; however, in the case of prokaryotic cells, it is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm. Prokaryotic cell DNA does not associate with histones.

6. Composition of the plasma membrane

In eukaryotic cells, plasma membranes contain sterols. In the case of prokaryotic cells, only in mycoplasmas.

7. Form of genetic material

In prokaryotic cells, DNA is circular. Now, when it comes to eukaryotic cells, DNA is linear and, as mentioned above, it is associated with histone proteins.

8. Number of chromosomes

Prokaryotic cells have only one chromosome. However, eukaryotic cells have multiple chromosomes.

9. Plasma membrane

In prokaryotic cells the plasma membrane is composed of peptidoglycan or murein. In the case of eukaryotes, it is made up of phospholipids.

10. Organelles

Prokaryotic cells presentan inner matrix with nonmembranous organelles. Prokaryotic cells present in the cytoplasm membranous organelles (for example, Golgi apparatus).

11. Reproduction

Reproduction in prokaryotic cells occurs by asexual reproduction, by binary fission. In contrast, in eukaryotic cells, reproduction occurs by mitosis and meiosis.

12. Living organisms

Prokaryotic cells are bacteria, while prokaryotic cells are part of animals, plants, fungi, protozoa and algae.

Differences between animal and plant cells

Within the different types of eukaryotic cells we can find animal and plant cells, which although they show some similarities, are also different in some aspects.

As for shared featuresBoth have a well-defined nucleus, where they house the DNA. They also perform similar production processes, which include mitosis and meiosis. Cellular respiration is necessary for energy, and they share some cellular components (Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, etc.)

In reference to the differences, plant cells store energy in the form of starch, while animal cells do it in the form of glycogen. The former are usually larger than the latter, and are usually rectangular in shape. Although both have a cell membrane, the cell wall is only present in plant cells, algae, archaea and fungi. Plant cells are capable of synthesizing all essential amino acids, something that is not the case with animal cells.