What makes prokaryotic organisms different from eukaryotes

See more from our free eBook library. A review of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells from Khan Academy. When you select "Subscribe" you will start receiving our email newsletter.

Use the links at the bottom of any email to manage the type of emails you receive or to unsubscribe. See our privacy policy for additional details. Learn Site. Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes: Comparing the different types of cells. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes differ in size and the presence of a membrane-bound nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells Eukaryotic Cells Nucleus? As a cell becomes larger, it becomes more and more difficult for the cell to acquire sufficient materials to support the processes inside the cell, because the relative size of the surface area across which materials must be transported declines.

Prokaryotes are predominantly single-celled organisms of the domains Bacteria and Archaea. All prokaryotes have plasma membranes, cytoplasm, ribosomes, a cell wall, DNA, and lack membrane-bound organelles.

Many also have polysaccharide capsules. Prokaryotic cells range in diameter from 0. Like a prokaryotic cell, a eukaryotic cell has a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes, but a eukaryotic cell is typically larger than a prokaryotic cell, has a true nucleus meaning its DNA is surrounded by a membrane , and has other membrane-bound organelles that allow for compartmentalization of functions.

Eukaryotic cells tend to be 10 to times the size of prokaryotic cells. By the end of this section, you will be able to: Name examples of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms Compare and contrast prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells Describe the relative sizes of different kinds of cells. Previous: 3. Next: 3. They might form into loose clumps of cells. But prokaryotes will never come together to take on different jobs within a single organism, such as a liver cell or a brain cell. Eukaryotic cells are generally bigger — up to 10 times bigger, on average, than prokaryotes.

Their cells also hold much more DNA than prokaryotic cells do. Made from a network of protein threads, it forms a scaffold inside the cell to give it strength and help it move. Prokaryotes make up two of the three big domains of life — those super kingdoms that scientists use to organize all living things. The domains of bacteria and archaea Ar-KEY-uh consist of prokaryotes only.

These single cells are small, and usually round or rod shaped. They might have one or more flagella Fla-JEL-uh — powered tails — hanging off the outside to move around. Prokaryotes often but not always have a cell wall for protection.

Inside, these cells throw together all they need to survive. They let all their cell parts hang out together. Their DNA — the instruction manuals that tell these cells how to build everything they need — just floats around in the cells.

Prokaryotes are masterful survivors. Bacteria and archaea have learned to make meals of everything from sugars and sulfur, to gasoline and iron. They can get energy from sunlight or the chemicals spewed from deep-sea vents. Archaea in particular love extreme environments. They can be found in high-salt springs, rock crystals in caves or the acidic stomachs of other organisms.