In Eukaryotes, linear DNA exists as many chromosomes associated with histone proteins (
chromatin) in the nucleus which is enclosed by the nuclear envelope.
In
Prokaryotes, a circular loop of DNA is free in the cytoplasm, folded and condensed by non-histone proteins.
Prokaryotes have small, circular loops of extra-chromosomal DNA in the cytoplasm called plasmids.
In eukaryotes, extra-chromosomal DNA is present in mitochondria and chloroplasts.
There are no membrane-bound organelles in Prokaryotes.
The
ribosomes in prokaryotes, mitochondria and chloroplasts are 70S ribosomes and are smaller than the 80S ribosomes found in eukaryotic cells.
Both cells have a cytoskeleton, but the cytoskeleton is more complex in eukaryotes.
Both eukaryotes and prokaryotes have a cell surface membrane.
Prokaryotes have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose and animal cells do not have a cell wall.
| Prokaryotes | Eukaryotes |
| single circular loop of DNA is free in the cytoplasm, folded and condensed by non-histone proteins. | linear DNA exists as many chromosomes associated with histone proteins (chromatin) in the nucleus which is enclosed by the nuclear envelope. |
| no membrane bound organelles | membrane bound organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts |
| 70S ribosomes, approx 18nm in diameter | 80S ribosomes approx 22nm in diameter, 70S ribosomes in mitochondria and chloroplasts |
| cell wall made from peptidoglycan | plant have cell walls made from cellulose, fungi cell wall made from chitin, animals have no cell wall |
| small extra-chromosomal loops of DNA called plasmid | extra-chromosomal DNA in mitochondria and chloroplast only |
| flagella made of flagellin | flagella made of tubulin (microtubules) |