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Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
Cells
Jessica Harwood
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
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AUTHORS
Jessica Harwood
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
EDITOR
Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D.
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Printed: January 13, 2015
CONTRIBUTORS
Doris Kraus, Ph.D.
Niamh Gray-Wilson
Jean Brainard, Ph.D.
Sarah Johnson
Jane Willan
Corliss Karasov
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C HAPTER
Chapter 1. Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
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Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
Cells
• Distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
• Define an organelle.
• Describe the main role of the nucleus
Are bacteria cells like our cells?
Yes and no. Bacteria cells are similar to our cells in some ways. Like our cells, bacteria cells have DNA and a plasma
membrane. But bacteria are unique in other ways. They are called prokaryotic cells because of these differences.
Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
There are two basic types of cells, prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. The main difference between eukaryotic
and prokaryotic cells is that eukaryotic cells have a nucleus. The nucleus is where cells store their DNA, which is
the genetic material. The nucleus is surrounded by a membrane. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus. Instead,
their DNA floats around inside the cell. Organisms with prokaryotic cells are called prokaryotes. All prokaryotes
are single-celled organisms. Bacteria and Archaea are the only prokaryotes. Organisms with eukaryotic cells are
called eukaryotes. Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are eukaryotes. All multicellular organisms are eukaryotes.
Eukaryotes may also be single-celled.
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells have structures in common. All cells have a plasma membrane, ribosomes,
cytoplasm, and DNA. The plasma membrane, or cell membrane, is the phospholipid layer that surrounds the cell
and protects it from the outside environment. Ribosomes are the non-membrane bound organelles where proteins
are made, a process called protein synthesis. The cytoplasm is all the contents of the cell inside the cell membrane,
not including the nucleus.
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Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells usually have multiple chromosomes, composed of DNA and protein. Some eukaryotic species have
just a few chromosomes, others have close to 100 or more. These chromosomes are protected within the nucleus. In
addition to a nucleus, eukaryotic cells include other membrane-bound structures called organelles. Organelles allow
eukaryotic cells to be more specialized than prokaryotic cells. Pictured below are the organelles of eukaryotic cells
( Figure 1.1), including the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. These will be discussed
in additional concepts.
FIGURE 1.1
Eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and
various
other
special
compartments
surrounded
by
membranes,
organelles.
The nucleus is where the
called
DNA (chromatin) is stored.
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells ( Figure 1.2) are usually smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells. They do not have a nucleus
or other membrane-bound organelles. In prokaryotic cells, the DNA, or genetic material, forms a single large circle
that coils up on itself. The DNA is located in the main part of the cell.
TABLE 1.1: Comparison of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Nucleus
DNA
Membrane-Bound Organelles
Examples
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Prokaryotic Cells
No
Single circular piece of DNA
No
Bacteria
Eukaryotic Cells
Yes
Multiple chromosomes
Yes
Plants, animals, fungi
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Chapter 1. Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
FIGURE 1.2
Prokaryotes do not have a nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is located in
the main part of the cell.
Summary
• All cells have a plasma membrane, ribosomes, cytoplasm, and DNA.
• Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound structures.
• Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane-bound structures called organelles.
Explore More
Use the resource below to answer the questions that follow.
• Compare Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QON4z9vo7Ag (1:55)
MEDIA
Click image to the left or use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/57353
1. What does "naked" DNA mean? What kinds of organisms have "naked" DNA?
2. Where do you find membrane bound organelles? Are plasmids membrane bound organelles?
3. What is the function of mitochondria in prokaryotes?
Review
1. What do all cells have in common?
2. What are organelles?
3. Compare the location of the genetic material of eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells.
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4. What are ribosomes?
5. What are the only prokaryotes?
6. Which prokaryotes are multicellular?
References
1. Mariana Ruiz Villarreal (LadyofHats), modified by CK-12 Foundation. Organelles of a eukaryotic cell .
Public Domain
2. Mariana Ruiz Villarreal (LadyofHats), modified by CK-12 Foundation. Diagram of a prokaryotic cell . Public
Domain
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