Homework SourseDescribe the major distinguishing features of prokaryotic an
Describe the major distinguishing features of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Specifically address the characteristics unique to each kind of cell AND characteristics they share.
Solution
Some of the major distinguishing features among prokaryotes and eukaryotes can be defined as tabulated below:
The features that these cells share are described as below:
The above given information suggests many differences and some similarities between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
| Feature | Prokaryotes | Eukaryotes |
| Membrane bound organelles | Absent | Present |
| Nucleus, nuleolus | Absent | Present |
| Type of ribosome | 70S(50S+30S) | 80S(60S+40S) |
| Energy production | Mitochondria like membranous structure are found near the plasma membrane which generate energy | Clearly defined numerous mitochondria can be seen |
| Organelles (endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, lysosomes) | Absent | Present |
| cellular extensions such as pili and fimbriae | Present | Absent |
| Cellular division | Budding/fusion | Mitosis/meiosis |
| Chromatin feature | All the genome is euchromatin. Introns and exons are not defined. | Euchromatin and heterochromatin are present. Introns and exons are clearly defined. |
