Prokaryotes and eukaryotes

• Eukaryotic cells

  • Eukaryotic cells are found in plants, animals, fungi and protists (single-celled organisms that don’t fit other categories).
  • They are 10-100 micrometers in size.
  • A eukaryote is an organism made up of eukaryotic cells
• Prokaryotic cells

  • They are 0.1 - 5.0 micrometers in size.
  • A prokaryote is an organism made up of prokaryotic cells.
  • Bacteria are prokaryotes.
• Prokaryotes lack of nucleus

  • Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus (where DNA is stored).
  • Instead, their genetic material is stored in a single DNA loop in the cytoplasm (watery jelly that fills the cell).
• Prokaryotic plasmids

  • Prokaryotic cells may have one or more small rings of DNA, which are called plasmids.
  • These plasmids can replicate (have copies made) and move between cells so that genetic information can be shared.

  Lack of mitochondria and chloroplasts
• Prokaryotic cells lack of mitochondria and chloroplasts

  • Prokaryotic cells do not contain mitochondria (where respiration takes place) or chloroplasts (where photosynthesis takes place).
• Prokaryotes never have a nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts