definition, features and differences between prokaryotic cell and eukaryotic cell

1. INTRODUCTION
Microorganisms are a heterogeneous group of several distinct classes of living beings. The
original classification under the plant and animal kingdoms proved unsatisfactory; they were
then classified under a third kingdom, Protista. Based on differences in cellular organisation and
biochemistry, this kingdom has been divided into two groups;
 Prokaryotes
 Eukaryotes
 Prokaryotes – bacteria & blue green algae
 Eukaryotes – fungi, other algae, slime moulds & protozoa
Bacteria are prokaryotic microorganisms that do not contain chlorophyll. They are unicellular
and do not show true branching, except in the so- called Higher Bacteria (Actinomycetales).
1. PROKARYOTES
 It’s a animal cell
 Microscopic & Unicellular
 Lack membrane – bound structures
 Small & simple cells
 Size ranges 0.1-5 µm in diameter
 Ex; bacteria & Archea
 It don’t have mitochondria

2. Features of Prokaryotic Cell:
S.NO FEATURES FUNCTIONS
1. Nucleoid Central region of the cell , which contains it’s DNA
2. Ribosome Helps for protein synthesis
3. Cell wall (CW) It provides structure & protective barrier for cell. most cell
wall made from carbohydrates & proteins (peptidoglycans)
4. Cell membrane
(CM)
Otherwise called as plasma membrane, that separates the cell
from the outside environment.
5. Capsule Some bacteria having the layer of carbohydrates surrounded
by cell wall (capsule). Helps for attachment on surfaces
6. Fimbriae Thin & hair like structure, helps to cellular attachment
7. Pili Rod shaped structure, involved in attachment & DNA
transfer
8. Flagella Thin & tail like structure, helps in movement.
2. EUKARYOTES
 It’s a plant cell
 It Have a nucleus
 Internal organelles are responsible for the
variety of functions like energy
production
and protein synthesis
 Large and complex cells
 Multicellular
 Ex; Animals, Plants, Fungi, Algae And
Protozoan’s

3. Features of Eukaryotic Cell:
S.NO FEATURES FUNCTIONS
1. Nucleus It stores the genetic information in chromatin form
2. Nucleolus Found inside of the nucleus. The place of RNA production
3. Plasma membrane
(PM)
Is a phospholipids bilayer that surrounds the entire cell and
organelles within
4. Cytoskeleton or cell
wall (CW)
It provides structure and plays an important role in cell
movement & division
5. Ribosomes Involved in protein synthesis
6. Mitochondria Also known as power house of the cell, its responsible for
energy production
7. Cytoplasm (CP) Region of the cell between nuclear
8. Cytosol Gel like substances within the cell that contains the
organelles
9. Endoplasmic
reticulum (ER)
Helps in protein maturation and transportation
10. Vesicles & vacuoles It’s a membrane bound sacs, involved in transportation and
storage
Some Differences between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells:
S.No Character Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells
1. Nucleus
Nuclear membrane
- +
2. Nucleolus - +
3. Deoxyribonucleoprotein - +
4. Chromosome One (circular) More than one (linear)

4. 5. Mitotic division - +
6. Cytoplasm
Cytoplasmic streaming
- +
7. Pinocytosis - +
8. Mitochondria - +
9. Lysosomes - +
10. Golgi apparatus - +
11. Endoplasmic reticulum - +
12. Chemical composition
Sterols
- +
13. Muramic acid + -
14. Membrane bound organelles - +
15. Cell structure Unicellular Multicellular
16. Cell size Smaller (0.1- 5 µm) Larger (10-100 µm)
17. Complexity Simple More complex
18. Examples Bacteria & archea Animals, plants, fungi
& protists
References:
1. https://www.technologynetworks.com/cell-science/articles/prokaryotes-vs-
eukaryotes-what-are-the-key-differences-336095