Question

What are some differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells? In which domain(s) is each found?

Short answer

Prokaryotic cells are simpler, lack membrane-bound organelles, have a single circular DNA molecule, are smaller, and divide by binary fission. They are found in domains Bacteria and Archaea. Eukaryotic cells have a complex structure with organelles, linear DNA molecules in a defined nucleus, are larger, and undergo mitosis and meiosis. They are found in the domain Eukarya.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are the two primary types of cells found in living organisms. They have several key differences in their structure and function, and they are found in different domains of life.

Difference 1: Cell Organization

Prokaryotic cells are generally simpler than eukaryotic cells. They lack membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have a more complex structure, with a variety of membrane-bound organelles, including a defined nucleus that contains their DNA.

Difference 2: DNA Structure

Prokaryotic cells have a single, circular DNA molecule that is not enclosed within a nucleus. In contrast, eukaryotic cells have multiple, linear DNA molecules contained within a membrane-bound nucleus.

Difference 3: Cell Size

Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic cells typically have a diameter of around 0.5-5 micrometers, while eukaryotic cells can be 10-100 micrometers in diameter.

Difference 4: Cell Division

Prokaryotic cells divide by a process called binary fission, in which the cell duplicates its single circular DNA molecule and splits into two daughter cells. Eukaryotic cells, on the other hand, undergo more complicated cell division processes called mitosis and meiosis, in which their multiple DNA molecules are replicated and segregated into daughter cells.

Domains of Life

Prokaryotic cells are found in two of the three domains of life: Bacteria and Archaea. Eukaryotic cells are found in the third domain, Eukarya, which includes all multicellular organisms such as plants, animals, and fungi, as well as single-celled organisms like protists. To summarize: - Prokaryotic cells are simpler, with no membrane-bound organelles and a single circular DNA molecule, while eukaryotic cells have a complex structure with various organelles and linear DNA molecules within a defined nucleus. - Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller than eukaryotic cells. - Prokaryotic cells divide by binary fission, whereas eukaryotic cells undergo mitosis and meiosis. - Prokaryotic cells are found in the domains Bacteria and Archaea, while eukaryotic cells are found in the domain Eukarya.