The key differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Appears frequently as a 2–3 mark question comparing cell types.
| Feature | Eukaryotic (animal/plant) | Prokaryotic (bacterial) |
|---|---|---|
| Nucleus | ✓ Has a nucleus | ✗ No nucleus — DNA free in cytoplasm |
| Size | Larger (typically 10–100 μm) | Much smaller (typically 0.1–10 μm) |
| DNA form | Linear chromosomes in nucleus | Single circular loop + plasmids |
| Mitochondria | ✓ Present | ✗ Absent |
| Ribosomes | ✓ Present (larger) | ✓ Present (smaller) |
| Cell membrane | ✓ Present | ✓ Present |
| Cell wall | Plant cells only (cellulose) | ✓ Present (not cellulose) |
| Cytoplasm | ✓ Present | ✓ Present |
| Plasmids | ✗ Not present | ✓ May be present |
Which of the following is found in a prokaryotic cell but not in a eukaryotic cell?
Where is the genetic material found in a prokaryotic cell?
Give two subcellular structures found in both animal (eukaryotic) cells and bacterial (prokaryotic) cells. (2 marks)
Give three ways in which a prokaryotic cell differs from a eukaryotic cell. (3 marks)
A student examines a cell under a microscope. The cell has mitochondria and its genetic material is enclosed in a nucleus. What type of cell is this?
A scientist examines a single-celled organism. It has a nucleus containing its DNA and also contains mitochondria. Explain whether this organism is more likely to be a protist (eukaryotic) or a bacterium (prokaryotic). Give reasons for your answer. (3 marks)