There are two main types of cells - prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells were the earliest form of life and lack a nucleus and organelles. Eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex, with a nucleus that contains DNA organized into chromosomes and membrane-bound organelles. The key differences are that prokaryotes lack a nucleus and organelles while eukaryotes have these structures.

1. There are two types of cells.
TYPES OF CELLS – Prokaryotes and
Eukaryotes
1. Prokaryote cells were
the first, and for billions
of years, the only form of
life.
2. Eukaryote cells are
more complex.
prokaryote cell
eukaryote cell
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2. Prokaryote cell
Eukaryote cell
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 Both contain
cytoplasm and are
bound by a cell
membrane.
Similarities
 Both contain ribosomes.
Ribosomes are the
structures in a cell that
make protein.
 Both contain genetic
material (DNA).
Prokaryotes and
eukaryotes are similar in
several ways.
DNA ribosomes
cytoplasm
cell
membrane

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Differences
 A cell without a nucleus
is a prokaryote. DNA is
just curled up in the
cytoplasm of the cell.
They also have some very
important differences.
 In a eukaryote, DNA is
held in a nucleus. It is
organized into
chromosomes.
Eukaryote cell
nucleus
chromosomes
Prokaryote cell – no nucleus
DNA

4. Eukaryote cell
Eukaryotes are generally larger
and more complex than
prokaryotes.
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Differences
Prokaryotes have a very
simple internal structure.
mitochondrion
endoplasmic
reticulum cytoplasm
nuclear pore
nucleus
chromatin
nuclear
envelope
Prokaryote cell
They contain structures
called organelles that are
surrounded by membranes.
Their organelles are not
surrounded by membranes.

5. Unicellular
Multicellular
Multicellular
Others, like plants and animals
(including humans) are
multicellular.
Uni-means “one” or
“single”. These
organisms are made up
of a single cell
Multi-means “many”
These organisms are
made up of many cells.
Some organisms, like
bacteria, are unicellular.
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Body Types
Unicellular organisms can be
either prokaryotic or
eukaryotic.
All multicellular
organisms are
eukaryotic.

6. Nutrition
1. Autotrophic
2. Heterotrophic
• Auto- means “self”
• Troph – means “nutrition”
• These organisms make
their own food
• Have the green pigment
chlorophyll
• Hetero- means “different”
• These organisms eat other
organisms for energy