Eukaryotic cells are much more complex than prokaryotic cells, having compartmentalized interiors and membrane-bound organelles within their cytoplasm. The major feature of a eukaryotic cell is its membrane-bound nucleus, which compartmentalizes the activities of the genetic information from other types of cellular metabolism.
Comparison of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
| Characteristic |
Prokaryotic Cells |
Eukaryotic Cells |
| Organisms |
Eubacteria and |
Protista, Fungi, |
| |
Archaebacteria |
Plants, Animals |
| Cell size |
Usually 1–10u across |
Usually 10–100µ across |
| Membrane-bound organelles |
No |
Yes |
| Ribosomes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Mode of cell division |
Cell fission |
Mitosis and meiosis |
| DNA location |
Nucleoid |
Nucleus |
| Membranes |
Some |
Many |
| Cytoskeleton |
No |
Yes |
