Question

How is cell division different between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

Answer 1

Hint: The main reason for cell division is common for both eukaryotes and prokaryotes and that is a reproduction but the mechanism is different in both of them.

Complete answer:
The reason for the difference in the method of cell division is the structure of the cell. The cells in prokaryotes are very simple with no nucleus and other cell organelles and hence cell division occurs by simple methods in prokaryotes whereas the eukaryotes have an advanced cellular structure with a nucleus and various cell organelles and hence cell division involves complex processes as compared to prokaryotes.

The Cell division in prokaryotes occurs through binary fission whereas in eukaryotes it may occur through mitosis or meiosis leading to the formation of the new cells.

The cell division consists of multiple steps. The cell division in prokaryotes consists of three steps that are DNA replication, chromosome segregation, and chromosome separation whereas the cell division in eukaryotes consists of only two steps that are nuclear division and cytoplasmic division which is also known as cytokinesis.

The replication of DNA occurs both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, in prokaryotes as the nucleus is absent hence DNA replication occurs in the cytoplasm whereas in eukaryotes it occurs inside the nucleus of the cell.

Note: The cell division in prokaryotes through the binary fission is an example of asexual reproduction in prokaryotic organisms as there is only one parent involved and there is no fusion of gametes whereas the cell division in eukaryotes involves meiosis and mitosis that are relatively complex process are an example of vegetative reproduction and sexual reproduction in the eukaryotic organisms.