Science
Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes.
Definition
Prokaryotes are simple, single-celled organisms (bacteria and archaea) that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles. Eukaryotes have cells with a true nucleus enclosed by a membrane, along with complex organelles like mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 E. coli is a prokaryote with a single circular chromosome
- 2 Human cells are eukaryotic with DNA organized into 46 chromosomes
- 3 Yeast is a single-celled eukaryote used in baking and brewing
Key Fact
Prokaryotic cells are typically 1–10 µm; eukaryotic cells are typically 10–100 µm