How is a prokaryotic cell different from a eukaryotic cell?

Prokaryotic Cell

Eukaryotic Cell

• The size of a prokaryotic cell ranges from around 0.2 to 2 µm in diameter.

• The true nucleus remains absent.

• Genetic material is present in the form of nucleoid.

• Nucleoplasm remains undifferentiated from the cytoplasm.

• The cell organelles do not remain surrounded by any membrane.

• The cell wall remains composed of cellulose, chitin, and pectin.

• Cell division occurs through binary fission.

• Extrachromosomal DNA is present in the cytoplasm known as plasmids. 

• The ribosome is present in the form of 70S.

• Only asexual reproduction takes place.

• No sexual exchange of genetic material takes place.

• The size of a eukaryotic cell ranges from around 10 to 100 µm in diameter.

• The true nucleus remains present.

• Genetic material is present inside the nucleus.

• Nucleoplasm remains differentiated from cytoplasm through the nuclear membrane.

• The cell organelles remain surrounded by the membrane.

• The cell wall is mainly composed of peptidoglycan.

• Cell division usually occurs through meiosis and mitosis.

• Extrachromosomal DNA is present inside mitochondria and chromoplast.

• The ribosome is present in the form of 80S in the cytoplasm and on the ribosome and 70S in organelles.

• Both sexual and asexual reproduction takes place.

• Sexual exchange of genetic material takes place through meiosis.