Chapter 3, Problem 1CP

Summary Introduction

To determine: The difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Introduction: Cells are the basic units that form the structure and perform various functions in an organism. All the cells present in nature differ from each other in some aspects. Based on the phylogenetic and physiological analysis, they are majorly classified into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

Explanation of Solution

Prokaryotic cells are the primitive cells that are different from the eukaryotic cells in many characteristics. Some differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are listed below in the table:

Criteria	Prokaryotic cells	Eukaryotic cells
Type of DNA	They contain single and circular DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).	They possess multiple linear molecules of DNA.
Presence of nucleus	These cells lack a well-formed nucleus and the DNA is present as the nucleoid.	They possess a well-formed nucleus.
Components of the cell wall	Cell wall contains the peptidoglycan layer.	The cell wall is formed of cellulose or chitin.
Presence of membrane bound organelle	No membrane bound organelle is present in these cells.	They contain organelles that are surrounded by a membrane, like the Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, chloroplast, and endoplasmic reticulum.
Presence of plasmid	Extra-chromosomal DNA, called plasmid, is present in these cells.	The plasmid is absent in eukaryotic cells.
Type of ribosome	70 S (Svedberg’s unit) ribosomes are present.	80 S ribosomes are present.
Example	Bacteria	Plant and animal cells.