The Major Difference Between Eukaryotic Cells and Prokaryotic Cells

The major difference between eukaryotic cells and prokaryotic cells is that of containing a nucleus. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, while prokaryotic cells do not. The nucleus controls the functions of the cell because it contains the genes and DNA/RNA. Eukaryotic cells are more complex and are found in plants and animals, while prokaryotic cells are found in bacteria and archaebacteria.

Eukaryotic plant cells are photosynthetic, meaning that the get energy from the sun. The chloroplast inside the cell aids in photosynthesis. There's a cell wall for protection and support, and a cytoskeleton, cilia, and flagella for the shape and function of the cell. Plasma membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell, and the vacuole and vesicles are for storage. The endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins, lipids, and other substances. Ribosomes are also responsible for protein synthesis (the nucleolus forms ribosomes). The golgi apparatus processes and distributes these proteins and lipids. Lysosomes carry out intracellular digestion; mitochondrion takes care of cellular respiration; and peroxisome performs metabolic tasks.

Prokaryotic cells are much smaller and less complex than eukaryotic plant cells. Non photosynthetic prokaryotes are able to obtain energy from most any organic matter and turn it into nutrients. Constant features within prokaryotic cells are the outer boundaries, cytoplasm, and the nucleoid. The outer boundaries include a cell wall and plasma membrane. Within the cytoplasm is ribosomes and enzymes. The nucleoid contains chromosomes for DNA. Many prokaryotes also have a flagella (long appendages composed of proteins), plasmids attached to DNA, and thylakoids(light-sensitive pigments within the cytoplasm or membranes of flattened disks).