Final answer:
The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that eukaryotic cells have a nucleus and multiple membrane-bound organelles, whereas prokaryotic cells do not. Eukaryotic cells are also larger and possess multiple chromosomes, compared to the single chromosome of prokaryotic cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
One difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is that eukaryotic cells have a nucleus; prokaryotic cells do not. A eukaryotic cell contains a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles that compartmentalize the cell's functions, allowing for greater regulation of gene expression and specialization. Prokaryotic cells, however, contain their genetic material in a region called the nucleoid, which is not enclosed by a membrane, and they generally lack other membrane-bound organelles.
Additionally, eukaryotic cells are typically much larger than prokaryotic cells, ranging from 10-100 µm in diameter compared to the 0.1-5.0 µm diameter of prokaryotic cells. Another distinguishing feature is that eukaryotic cells have multiple, rod-shaped chromosomes, while prokaryotic cells have a single circular chromosome. Despite these differences, both types of cells share some common structures: a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and genetic material in the form of DNA.