Prokaryotes vs.

Eukaryotes

! A comparison of the prokaryotic cell versus the eukaryotic cell yields several key
differences in cell appearance and structure.
! In terms of evolutionary history, the term “prokaryotic” translates literally as “before the
kernel/nucleus.” Prokaryotes, which lack a nucleus, have a relatively long evolutionary
history.
! The term “eukaryotic” translates as “true nucleus.” The term indicates that eukaryotes have
a nucleus, a relatively recent evolutionary invention.
Prokaryotic cells are between 1-10 microns
in size. Illustration (a) on the left depicts a
prokaryotic cell.

Illustration (b) shows what a prokaryotic

chromosome looks like. The DNA is not
enclosed in a nucleus.

Prokaryotic DNA is a template for RNA

(a) (b)
synthesis. RNA directs protein synthesis.
Prokaryotes have relatively few organelles, but
do have ribosomes.

Eukaryotic cells are between 10–100

microns in size. Illustration (a) shows a
eukaryotic cell.

The DNA of a eukaryote is contained in the

nucleus. The DNA molecule exists as a double
helix, and the chromosome that the DNA is
packaged in occurs in a rod-like form.
Illustration (b) shows a eukaryotic DNA
molecule.
(a)
Eukaryotic DNA is a template for RNA
synthesis, and RNA directs protein synthesis.
Eukaryotes have many organelles, including
ribosomes.

(b)

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