Difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell

Prokaryotic Cell

Eukaryotic Cell

Prokaryotic cell has tough cell wall.

Eukaryotic animal cell is only surrounded by thin plasma membrane.

It does not have nucleus.

It has a prominent nucleus in the center.

The cell bears several organelles like mitochondria, golgi complex etc.

The cell organelles are absent.

DNA is circular.

DNA is linear, thread like structure.

E.g. bacterial cells

E.g. cells of multicellular organisms.

Characteristics

Prokaryote

Eukaryote

Size of the cell

Small in size

Vary is size, generally larger than prokaryotes

Nucleus

Nucleus with nuclear membrane is absent

A well-defined nucleus with nuclear membrane is present

Membrane-enclosed organelles

Organelles like mitochondria and plastids, which have a membrane around them are absent

Membrane-enclosed organelles like mitochondria and plastids are present

Cell wall

Cell wall is usually present in prokaryotes and is composed of peptidoglycan

Cell wall is usually present in plant cells and is composed of cellulose

Genetic material

Present as nucleoid

Present inside the nucleus

Prokaryotic Cell

Eukaryotic Cell

Prokaryotic cell has tough cell wall.

Eukaryotic animal cell is only surrounded by thin plasma membrane.

It does not have nucleus.

It has a prominent nucleus in the center.

The cell bears several organelles like mitochondria, golgi complex etc.

The cell organelles are absent.

DNA is circular.

DNA is linear, thread like structure.

E.g. bacterial cells

E.g. cells of multicellular organisms.