Differences and Similarities between Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells

Eukaryotic Cells

• Definition: Eukaryotic cells have genetic material enclosed in a nucleus.
• Examples: Animal cells and plant cells.
• Key Features:
  • Nucleus: Contains the cell's DNA.
  • Cell Membrane:
    • Surrounds the edge of the cell.
    • Incorrectly calling it a "cell wall" is a common mistake.
  • Cytoplasm: Present inside the cell membrane.

Prokaryotic Cells

• Definition: Prokaryotic cells have genetic material that is not enclosed in a nucleus.
• Examples: Bacterial cells.
• Key Features:
  • Size: Much smaller than eukaryotic cells.
  • Genetic Material:
    • Single loop of DNA.
    • May contain plasmids (small rings of DNA).
  • Cell Membrane: Present.
  • Cell Wall:
    • Present in bacterial cells.
    • Different from plant cell walls.
  • Cytoplasm: Present inside the cell.

Review

• Understanding these differences and similarities is crucial.
• Practice with questions from the vision workbook (link available for purchase).