Final answer:
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, genetic material, and ribosomes, but eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles which prokaryotes do not. Prokaryotes may have additional structures like a capsule and flagellum, and they typically appear in cocci, bacilli, or spirilli shapes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share several key features despite their differences. Both cell types have a plasma membrane, which acts as a barrier between the cell and its environment, and both contain cytoplasm, a jelly-like substance that fills the cell and houses the genetic material (nucleic acids) and ribosomes for protein synthesis. However, they differ significantly in that eukaryotic cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles, which prokaryotic cells lack. Moreover, prokaryotes may have additional structures such as a capsule, flagellum, pili, and plasmids.
Regarding their shapes, prokaryotes often fall into three categories: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilli (spiral-shaped). Another significant difference between these cell types is that eukaryotic cells are typically larger and more complex, with membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, chloroplasts (in plant cells), peroxisomes, vesicles, and vacuoles, which perform specific functions. These structures allow eukaryotic cells to compartmentalize and efficiently manage metabolic processes.