There are a lot of important differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. The differences include size, shape, function, and processes. The Greek meanings of these words translate to prokaryotic cells having no nucleus and no membrane bound organelles, but eukaryotic cells do have a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. There are many differences between these two cells but there are four most important differences. The biggest difference between the two is that the eukaryotic cells have a defined nucleus and prokaryotic cells don’t have a defined nucleus. The nucleus is the brain of the cell and site for genetic transport. The DNA in the prokaryotic cells float around in the nucleoid while the DNA in a eukaryotic cell …show more content…
The ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. The endoplasmic reticulum is the site for cellular chemical reactions. The Golgi apparatus receives proteins from the ribosomes and sends them to their designated areas (like a post office). Vacuoles are sacs around the membrane that are used for storage of food, and enzymes. The lysosomes are used for digestion. The mitochondrion is the powerhouse of the cell and produces the ATP that the cell needs. Chloroplasts gather light energy to produce ATP and form sugar from carbon dioxide. Prokaryotes do not contain membrane bound …show more content…
Prokaryotic cells reproduce by binary fission. This means that the cell produces asexually. The single circular DNA chromosome replicates and the original cell is divided into two identical daughter cells. This means that each daughter cell has the same exact DNA that the parent cell does. Eukaryotic cells reproduce by mitosis. In mitosis there are four basic steps; prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. The end result is two identical daughter cells that have the same structures and number of chromosomes as the parent cell had. Each reproduction cycle for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes have the same end result, it’s what happens in the cycle that makes the difference. The last main difference between the two cells is the size of them. Prokaryotic cells are only 1-10 um while eukaryotic cells are much bigger at 10-100 um. The reason for this is because eukaryotic cells contain a nucleus and membrane bound organelles so it needs more room inside the cell. The prokaryotic cells are not as big because they don’t contain as many organelles as the eukaryotic