Prokaryotes And Eukaryotes Essay

Structure and Functional Differences and Similarities of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes All living organisms are made up of cells. Different types of organisms require different cellular structures to function properly. Eukaryotes are structurally more complex than prokaryotes. While prokaryotes don’t have any membrane-bound organelles in common with eukaryotes, prokaryotes do have some non-membrane-bound components in common with eukaryotes. Eukaryotes are made of several key organelles whose functions of energy production are only found in eukaryotic cells. Chloroplasts are organelles that make food in the form of carbohydrates by using photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy. Chloroplasts have two membranes that surround themselves and …show more content…
Both cells contain DNA which is essential for the life of the cell. DNA contains, stores, or transmits the genetic information the cell needs to produce proteins and maintain and replicate itself. The DNA contains the instructions for the building of specific proteins and the code for certain traits. However, where DNA is structurally in the cell is different between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In prokaryotes, the DNA is in the cytoplasm, but specifically it is concentrated in the nucleoid region. In eukaryotes, the DNA is all contained and stored in the nucleus. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes also contain ribosomes. Ribosomes are small, roughly spherical organelles without a membrane that are responsible for assembling and building protein. Ribosomes are composed of protein and RNA molecules. Just like DNA, ribosomes are structurally different between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Ribosomes in prokaryotes are free to move in the cytoplasm and are much smaller compared to eukaryotic ribosomes. In eukaryotes the ribosomes are large and can be either free to roam in the cytoplasm or attached to somewhere in the