Chapter 21, Problem 44A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Introduction:

A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms. All cells have a structural unit called plasma membrane. Cells are basically grouped into two categories- prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Most unicellular organisms are prokaryotic cells.

Explanation of Solution

The characteristics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are given below.

Prokaryotic cells	Eukaryotic cells
1. They do not have a nucleus or membrane bound organelles.	1. They have a nucleus and membrane bound organelles.
2. In prokaryotes the chromosomes are arranged differently from the chromosomes found in eukaryotic cells. Their genes are present on a large, circular chromosome in a cell area known as nucleoid.	2. The nucleus houses the cell's DNA. Chromosomes are linear structures arranged within the nucleus.
3. The prokaryotes are typically only 1-10 μm.	4. Eukaryotic cells are larger than prokaryotic cells. The size of eukaryotic cells range from 10-100 μm.

Conclusion

The Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane bound organelles while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and membrane bound organelles.