Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes: Basic Differences
Ever wonder why bacteria are so different from human cells? It's all about structure! Prokaryotes are simple, unicellular organisms like bacteria. Their name literally means "before nucleus" because they don't have a true nucleus - instead, their DNA floats freely as a circular plasmid in an area called the nucleoid.
Prokaryotes are tiny and straightforward compared to eukaryotes. While they lack membrane-bound organelles, they still have essential structures: cell membranes, cell walls, cytoplasm, flagella/pili for movement, and ribosomes for protein production.
Eukaryotes, meaning "true nucleus," are typically larger and more complex. Their DNA is neatly organized into linear chromosomes inside a protective nucleus. Eukaryotes can be either unicellular (like amoebas) or multicellular (like plants and animals).
💡 Think of prokaryotes as a studio apartment (everything in one space) and eukaryotes as a house with many separate rooms (specialized compartments for different functions).
What makes eukaryotes special is their collection of membrane-bound organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, mitochondria, and in plant cells, chloroplasts. These specialized structures act like little organs, each handling different cellular tasks.