.1 Eukaryotes and prokaryotes

• Prokaryotic cells lack membrane-bound organelles and have their genetic material organized as a single circular DNA molecule.
• Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles and have linear chromosomes within a nucleus.
• Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus and their genetic material is not enclosed by a membrane.
• Plant and animal cells (eukaryotic cells) have a cell membrane, cytoplasm and genetic material enclosed in a nucleus.
• Bacterial cells (prokaryotic cells) are much smaller in comparison. They have cytoplasm and a cell membrane surrounded by a cell wall. The genetic material is not enclosed in a nucleus. It is a single DNA loop and there may be one or more small rings of DNA called plasmids.