List several differences in cell structure between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Answer 1

Hi there Affar!

One major difference in cell structure is that eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles (i.e. compartments) within them, whereas prokaryotic cells don't.

In terms of DNA storage, eukaryotic cells possess nuclei, while prokaryotic cells don't (their DNA is stored in a free-floating, circular nucleoid).

In terms of RNA synthesis, ribosomes are located in prokaryotic cytoplasm, whereas eukaryotic cells also contain them in the nuclear membrane or the endoplasmic reticulum (an organelle responsible for modifying proteins).

All other organelles in eukarya can also be noted as differences: Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, chloroplast (in plants), lysosomes, proteosomes, etc.

In terms of outer-membrane structure, prokaryotic cells are the only ones (aside from archaea, the third domain not addressed in this question) that have a cell wall. The composition of this wall can vary, as evidenced by gram-positive versus gram-negative classifications. If you'd like more information on that, please let me know.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Prokaryotic cells are unicellular and cells lack a nucleus and several different organelles. Their DNA floats freely within the cytoplasm. They also have a cell wall and reproduce by way of binary fission.

Answer 3

There are many difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Below are some of them.

1.   Prokaryotic cells generally have a cell wall. Only the eukaryotic cells of plants and fungi also have a cell wall.

2.  The cell walls of bacteria contain peptidoglycans and those of archaea contain other polysaccharides, but not the cellulose and chitin found in the cell walls of plants and fungi.

3.  Prokaryotic cells do not have a nuclear membrane

4.  Prokaryotic cell’s ribosomes are smaller than those of the eukaryotic cells.

5.  DNA is packaged differently. You have “naked” DNA molecules in prokaryotes. The DNA is associated with proteins in eukaryotes.

6.  The flagella, when present in prokaryotes, are not constructed of microtubules and are not enclosed by the plasma membrane. The flagella deliver motion by twisting like a screw.