This document summarizes key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, viruses, and plant and animal cells. Prokaryotic cells like bacteria have no membrane-bound organelles and DNA in the cytoplasm, while eukaryotic cells evolved later and have organelles like the nucleus. Viruses are non-living particles that take over host cell metabolism to multiply, each having a nucleic acid core surrounded by a protein coat. Plant cells have cell walls made of cellulose, chloroplasts, large permanent vacuoles, and plasmodesmata connecting cells, while animal cells lack these features.

1. Cell Organisation:
Prokaryote Cell Eukaryote Cell

2. Cell Organisation:
Prokaryotes have a simple
structure and probably the first
life on Earth!
Eukaryotes probably evolved from
prokaryote cells around 1000
million years ago!

3. Features:
Prokaryotic cells Eukaryotic cells
Bacteria and blue-green
algae
Found in plants, animals,
fungi and protoctists
No membrane bound
organelles
Membrane bound
organelles
DNA is free in the
cytoplasm
DNA located on
chromosomes
No nuclear membrane or
E.R.
Distinct membrane-bound
nucleus
Ribosomes are smaller Ribosomes are larger
Cell wall contains murein Cell wall in plants is
made of cellulose

4. Viruses:
Cause a variety of
infectious diseases in
humans, animals and plants.
Extremely small and can only
be seen with an electron
microscope.
Can be called ‘non cells’ as
they have no cytoplasm,
organelles and no
chromosomes.
Exist as an inert ‘viron’ when outside
a cell.
Take over a cell’s metabolism and multiply
within the host cell.
Each virus particle has a core of nucleic
acid surrounded by a protein coat called
the capsid.
Most viruses found in
animal cells and those
attacking bacteria
(bacteriophages) have the
nucleic acid DNA.
Other animal and plant
viruses contain RNA.
A widely studied virus is T2
phage, a bacteriophage, which
infects the bacterium
Escherichia coli (E. coli).

5. Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells:
Plant Cells Animal Cells
Cell wall No cell wall
Chloroplasts No chloroplasts
Large permanent vacuole Small, temporary vacuoles
No centriole Centriole
Plasmodesmata No plasmodesmata

6. Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells:
Plant Cells Animal Cells
Cell wall No cell wall
Chloroplasts No chloroplasts
Large permanent vacuole Small, temporary vacuoles
No centriole Centriole
Plasmodesmata No plasmodesmata