Question

(c) list four (4) major differences and 2 similarities between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell.

Explanation:

• Differences:
• Cell size: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller (0.1 - 5 μm) compared to eukaryotic cells (10 - 100 μm).
• Nucleus: Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus (have a nucleoid), while eukaryotes have a membrane - bound nucleus.
• Membrane - bound organelles: Prokaryotes have few or no membrane - bound organelles (e.g., no mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum), eukaryotes have many (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts in plants).
• Chromosome structure: Prokaryotes usually have a single circular chromosome, eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes.
• Similarities:
• Cell membrane: Both have a plasma membrane that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• Ribosomes: Both contain ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Answer:

• Differences:
• Cell size: Prokaryotic cells are smaller.
• Nucleus: Prokaryotes lack a true nucleus (nucleoid), eukaryotes have a membrane - bound nucleus.
• Membrane - bound organelles: Prokaryotes have few/no such organelles, eukaryotes have many.
• Chromosome structure: Prokaryotes have a single circular chromosome, eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes.
• Similarities:
• Both have a cell membrane.
• Both have ribosomes.