There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, have circular DNA, and examples include bacteria. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts, have linear DNA, and examples include plant, animal, fungus and protist cells. While prokaryotic cells were likely the first to exist on Earth, eukaryotic cells are larger and more complex with internal structures that allow them to perform specialized functions in multicellular organisms.