Final answer:
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells share basic structures like plasma membranes and ribosomes, but differ as prokaryotes lack a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, presenting in various shapes such as cocci, bacilli, and spirilli. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and multiple organelles due to their larger size.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
Despite the vast complexity of life, all cells have common features necessary for life processes. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain four essential structures: a plasma membrane that encapsulates and protects the cell, cytoplasm which is a jelly-like substance that fills the cell, nucleic acids that serve as the cell's genetic material, and ribosomes where proteins are synthesized.
Key Differences Between Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells
One of the main differences is that eukaryotic cells have a well-defined, membrane-bound nucleus containing its genetic material, whereas prokaryotes do not. Eukaryotic cells also have multiple membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and in plant cells, chloroplasts. These organelles compartmentalize cellular functions, a necessity due to the larger size of eukaryotic cells. In contrast, prokaryotic cells, generally smaller in size, lack these membrane-bound organelles but may have other specialized regions such as the nucleoid where their genetic material is concentrated.
Prokaryotic cell shapes are commonly classified as cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilli (spiral-shaped), which are visible under a microscope. These shapes can influence how prokaryotes interact with their environment. The smaller size of prokaryotic cells provides a higher surface area to volume ratio, which can be advantageous for nutrient uptake and waste disposal.