Question

How is a prokaryotic cell different from a eukaryotic cell?

Answer 1

Hint: These two cell classes are different in many characteristics such as in size, cell wall, nucleus, cell type, cell division etc.

Complete Answer:
The smallest structural element of the body is a cell. Cells form full tissue and organs and perform numerous body functions. Based on shape and functions, cells can be classified into two types; prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells are relatively smaller than eukaryotic cells and much simpler. The advanced type of cells that are found in most animals and plants and fungi are eukaryotic cells.

The list of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell differences is categorized as follows:

Comparison basis	Prokaryotic cell	Eukaryotic cell
Size of cell	Ranges from 0.2 µm-2.0 µm in diameter.	Ranges from 10 µm-100 µm in diameter.
Cell wall	Cell wall is present and composed of peptidoglycan.	Here, the cell wall is normally absent. But if present, then they are made of cellulose.
Nucleus	Absent	Present
Cell type	It is unicellular	It is multicellular
Cell division	Binary fission takes place	Mitosis takes place
Organelles	Generally absent. If present, they are not membrane-bound.	Present and they are membrane-bound.
Arrangement of DNA	Circular	Linear

Note: The nucleus is the distinguishing characteristic that distinguishes between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The true nucleus is absent in prokaryotic cells, and membrane-bound organelles are found only in eukaryotic cells. While both cells have several distinct characteristics, they have some common characteristics i.e., both cells have vesicles and vacuoles.