Main Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

1. Nucleus:

   • Prokaryotic Cells: Don't have a true nucleus. Instead, their genetic material is in a part of the cell called the nucleoid.
   • Eukaryotic Cells: Have a nucleus that is surrounded by a membrane, which holds the cell's DNA.

2. Size:

   • Prokaryotic Cells: Usually smaller, measuring about $0.1$ to $5$ micrometers wide.
   • Eukaryotic Cells: Generally larger, between $10$ and $100$ micrometers wide.

3. Organelles:

   • Prokaryotic Cells: Don't have membrane-bound organelles. Their ribosomes are smaller ($70$S) and are found throughout the cytoplasm.
   • Eukaryotic Cells: Have many different organelles, like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. Their ribosomes are larger ($80$S).

4. Cell Wall:

   • Prokaryotic Cells: Most have a tough cell wall made of peptidoglycan, which is found in bacteria.
   • Eukaryotic Cells: Some have cell walls, like plants (which have cellulose) and fungi (which have chitin). Animal cells, however, have flexible membranes and no cell walls.

5. Reproduction:

   • Prokaryotic Cells: Reproduce asexually by splitting into two, a process called binary fission. This can happen every $20$ to $30$ minutes in the right conditions.
   • Eukaryotic Cells: Reproduce in two ways: through mitosis (asexual) or meiosis (sexual), and this process takes longer.

6. DNA Structure:

   • Prokaryotic Cells: Contain circular DNA and often have additional small pieces called plasmids, which can give them new traits like antibiotic resistance.
   • Eukaryotic Cells: Their DNA is linear and organized into chromosomes, with a more complex structure that includes proteins called histones.

These differences affect how prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells work and adapt to their environments.